This book was funny, sexy and sweet. It was kind of an insta-love story but it was insta-love done well. I absolutely loved Nick and his chemistry with Stella. They made a life of crime look good!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed it.

3.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12878205-susie

This was the first book that I have read by Nicola Rendell and it was so good! I thought the cover was eye catching and after reading this, I now want to go and read Ms. Rendell’s other works!

Through the window of a jewelry store, Nick Norton caught a glimpse of his dream woman, not realizing exactly how perfectly matched they would be. From the beginning scenes of Nicola Rendell’s Shimmy Bang Sparkle, I found myself giggling. Not only were the characters entertaining, but their chemistry was smoking hot.

Nick is a tatted ex-con who is trying to dig his way back to a stable life. With some debt hanging over his head, he’s straddling the line between right and wrong. When he sees his dream girl pull a jewelry scam, he can’t help but be fascinated.

Stella and her gal pals have some big dreams that will require some hefty financing. They only use their skills to do good, much like modern-day Robin Hoods. When Stella discovers that she has more in common with the hot hunk than just sexual heat, the game starts to change.

I kept wondering where the title came from, but it made sense when I discovered the meaning. Ruth and Roxie were hilarious secondary characters, although Priscilla the dog got high marks as my favorite. The bad guys were appropriately bad; even a self-absorbed sheikh made a lasting impression.

My favorite part of the story is that it was simply fun to read. The characters were relatable, the dialogue was humorous and the between-the-sheets action was top notch. While there was a certain amount of angst, the author resolved everything to my satisfaction and added a beautiful bow on top to tie up any loose ends.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell was so captivating and engaging.

When I first picked up this novel, I was definitely not expecting how much I was going to fall in love with it. It is very different from the other novels Nicola has written in the past, and the storyline that went along with it.

Stella and Nick are absolutely perfect for one another. Well... if you take into account their past and the things Stella is still engaged in, maybe they aren't perfect together. However, they are able to communicate and understand one another on a level that is so much deeper than their indiscretions and questionable activities. They can talk about their enjoyments and passions. They understand the thrill and the need to engage in such activities.

If you are in the mood for a fast-paced, high energy read, than Shimmy Bang Sparkle is definitely the read for you.
4.5/5 Stars!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book I have read of Nicola Rendell's, but it certainly will not be the last! This is a really fun, rather moving, and wonderfully romantic book.

If you like a strong female lead, with kick a$$ girlfriends (who have a huge secret that gets revealed under the influence of prescribed drugs), and a fabulous sense of humour as well as Robin Hood ethics – then Stella is going to be your kind of lady. She certainly catches Nick Norton's eye as he watches from outside a jeweller's as she swaps out a precious ring for a fake.

Nick is far from perfect (well he seems pretty perfect in many ways), having just got out of jail for fencing goods himself. But the first time he and Stella get together, none of this is known to her – just the heat and desire which causes them to get against their better judgement. It is, however, the start of something fabulous – and the banter, and the honesty... once it comes out, is really engaging and funny.

The heist takes its lead from Pink Panther, and I have to say that even without the prompt, that was exactly what was on my mind – although Nick was far more handsome than David Niven in my head! All the characters were perfectly described and the touches like the yoghurt, The Texan, etc., just made the whole experience so entertaining.

There are a few moments of concern, but Rendell leads us carefully to the very perfect ending.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle was just what I needed it was a fantastic storyline, with witty characters and jewel thieves. I absolutely loved this book! Nick and Stella have wonderful chemistry and are perfect together. They both give and take when it comes to attitude and sass. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading this arc.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is a wonderful romantic adventure for readers who love stories about good-hearted thieves. Nicola Rendell brings on the sexy and sweet as Nick and Stella find each other against incredible odds. Their instant connection fuels a plot full of passion and risks. I loved the origin of the Shimmy Shimmy Bangs and Stella's steadfast loyalty to her friends. This is perfect for readers who enjoyed Michelle Dayton's Strange Tango series. I'm definitely looking to reading more from Nicola Rendell!
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

I could not finish this one. First of all, the Insta-love. Nope. Second, the horribly cheesy sex scene within the first 50 pages. Nope. Third, the tropey characters. All of them: the honest thieves, the helpless old neighbor, the cartoonish (and of course fat) villain, the roommates who are all "different" because the wear different shoes and of course the hunky bro that rides a motorcycle and has tattoos. Nooooooope. Sorry. I even stayed until page 150 and then my constant eye rolling started to give me a headache. I'm sure there are people out there who will like, just count me out.

I'm definitely the minority here.

I'm not about to come at this book in a bad light I'm just trying to be honest in where I'm at with it. I didn't click with it at all. That honestly doesn't happen for me ever so I assumed it may be because I've been on a re-read marathon of favourites... however after no less than 20 failed attempts, missing the deadline for release and feeling terrible because I still haven't put my review up! I'm throwing in the towel for a bit.

I made it to the 48% mark and even that was a STRUGGLE!. I honesty don't know why because it isn't poorly written and the characters are not bad I just could not for the life of me get into the story of feel anything for the characters. It's rare! So fucking rare for me to feel this way because I've disliked books and still finished them to write a review and yet this one I just couldn't.

I Will come back to this at some point and give it another go because I like to finish a book regardless. I'm hoping that with a bit of time I can start fresh and maybe enjoy it or if not at least pinpoint what exactly is making me so reluctant to finish.

I kindly received this ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a different story! I haven't read anything quite like it!
It's a slow build up.
There is a lot of time taken to building the relationship with Stella and Nick.
They make me want to fall in love all over again.
Enjoyed every moment between them.
A solid, well - written plot and amazing secondary characters. <3

6 "Bite the Stars" Stars!!!!!!!

"The thing I shouldn't want was all I wanted. I'd never met a risk I didn't want to take. And I definitely wanted to take Stella. Again and again and again."

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh Shimmy Bang Sparkle was phenomenal, I loooooooooooved it sooooooooooo much!!!!! The action was jam packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, needing to know how everything was going to play out. And OMFG, Nick and Stella, ugh these two were EVERY-FREAKING-THING!!!!! The chemistry, the tension, the banter was AH-MAZ-ING! And my gosh did they give off so much heat. They were scorching and I lived for every second of it. All I'm going to say is there's a part involving a necklace and *expletive* just thinking about it is making me fan myself. More, more, more, I kept screaming more, I desperately wanted and needed MORE!

NICK NORTON OWNS ME! Hot damn that tattooed, motorcycle ridin' beast of a man was everything! He was all bad*** but underneath all that rough and tough lied a selfless man with a heart of gold. He would do anything and everything for Stella, especially giving her the dream she always wanted. I couldn't get enough of him, or his amazing soul. Quite possibly one of my favorite Heroes ever written.

Nicola brought her A game. That's not saying her previous books weren't A+ worthy, because they were. But in my opinion, Shimmy Bang Sparkle is on another level. It just had everything I crave and want in a book. Suspense, humor, enjoyable characters, heat, swoonworthy moments, and last but not least this book was unputdownable. One of my favorite reads this year! Definitely recommend.

I dont know where to begin. I LOVE Nicola Rendell. I adored the way this book started. I heard a synopsis and didnt think it sounded plausible. I was pleasantly surprised and instantly hooked in the first paragraph. The premise is new and fresh and I applaud the author for that. I was hooked and beloved the instant chemistry between Stella and Nick. The first 25% of this book flew for me. I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters and their quirky ways. The friendship between Stella and her friends was heartwarming. Her love for an elderly neighbor was inspiring. Priscilla however was my FAVORITE secondary character. If you don't know who that is then read this book! Sadly, there was a slow point for me in the middle. It could have been my mood, it could have been my desire to get to the end to see what happened. As soon as the heist portion began though, BOOM, we were off! I devoured every word and detail down to the ridiculous gold Crocs! I really liked the fact that everything didn't go perfectly and tied up in a nice little bow. There is an HEA but these characters have to work for it a little and believe in one another a lot! One thing I didnt understand (and maybe I missed it, was that Stella and her friends were known as The Shimmy Shimmy Bangs, so how did we get to Shimmy Bang Sparkle? Sorry, things like this bug me! A book has to really make an impact on me now to make me want to buy the paperback version to add to my library, SBS is already on its way to my house!

Fresh out of prison, Nick is looking for a new start. When he catches a glimpse of Stella through a jewelry store window, he needs to know more about her. To Nick, Stella is everything. The full package. Not only is she gorgeous, she's got a sassy personality to match. Everything about Stella is everything that Nick wants.

And then he sees her pull the sleight of hand that every jewelry thief commits.

After that, it all changes and Nick knows he has to have her. Who better for a jewelry thief than another?

Immediately, the sparks fly between Nick and Stella. The chemistry between them is combustible and they may just be one of my favorite book couples of the year. Stella is amazing. She's sassy, she's quirky and she's crazy. With all that bundle into one package, the banter between Stella and Nick is hilarious. Nick's character isn't no slum guy though. He's a badass alpha man who makes me drool. He's sweet, he's sexy and he can be gentle, which made my heart skip a beat.

Rendell takes readers on a sexy, fun ride from start to finish with Shimmy Bang Sparkle. I had honestly never read a book from this author before, but now I can't wait to dive into her other books.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle will have your laughing one minute and on the edge of your seat the next. I highly recommend this read!!

What a fun story. This begins with Nicola Rendell having just get out of prison on a theft charge. Now on his Ducati he just can’t help himself but to look inside the jewelry store and sees a beautiful women trying on a wedding ring. Waiting for her guy to come in he sees that she dropped her purse and her phone is under a display case. Now going inside he decides to be her fake fiancé. She goes with it and when it comes time to take off the ring she can’t when the lady leaves she switches the ring with one that she had in her purse and away she goes after the women says she must close up. The women then calls to him about the phone. Leaving the store Stella Peretti is hoping the hunk of a guy does not follow her, she also wished she had time to get to know him? Going into a pawn shop she comes out with items that catch Nico totally by surprised, this part is funny. Still following her she goes to a house of an elderly man. Afterwards he goes to her apartment to give her, her cell phone. Later when the three girls she lives with think the police are after them she gets stuck in a window after they make it out and she calls Nico for help, another funny part of this story just one of many. It is shortly after this that he finds out that they are the Shimmy, Shimmy Bangs. He eventually lets her in on who he is and the way the rest of the story goes. A funny fast pace story with a love story and plenty of action in and out of the bedroom to keep everyone entertained. A very good book.

“From lasagna to larceny” An absolutely delightful, smart and sexy romance...5+stars!

I love everything about Shimmy Bang Sparkle. It’s a romantic story that is smart and sexy and the characters just pop right out at you. There is magnetic chemistry between Stella and Nick and it’s a connection they can’t deny. And what an assortment of secondary characters who enrich this story filled with excitement and humor.

What are the chances of two jewel thieves meeting and falling in love, although, both are fighting the attraction as much as possible? For Stella Marie Pretti, a relationship with a man just complicates her life. Her gal pals, Ruth and Roxie, are longtime friends from childhood, and since, have become Lady Robin Hoods of the American Southwest. Nick Norton discovers they’re the Shimmy Shimmy Bangs, a legendary group of jewel thieves. He’s impressed but wary as he’s trying to stay out of trouble.

Barely a month out of jail, Nick doesn’t need the complication, but damn, if he can stay away from the mystifying and alluring woman. A crimp in the Shimmy Bang’s plans to steal a famous jewel is derailed and Nick finds himself offering his expert services. It’s a caper that rivals all, and Stella and Nick are as smooth as the Pink Panther. I was on edge the whole time they were planning the heist. Just when things seem so smooth, the unthinkable happens, and it looked like a “happily-ever-after” was in danger of coming together for our two lovers. Ms. Rendell gives us a wonderful resolution, and I was cheering for Nick and Stella, and Roxie and Ruth. She delivers a wonderfully suspenseful and entertaining romance with a swoon-worthy hero and strong heroine who loves her man. A great story I won’t soon forget and highly recommend. I received a copy from Montlake Romance via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this.
Good story, characters and some very funny scenes.
What's not to like.
You can also find this little gem in the September And Relax Book Box

‘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.’

As this was my first book by Nicola Rendell and I enjoyed Shimmy Bang Sparkle. The plot was delightful and entertaining; the main characters were dirty and sexy just the way I like them. I especially enjoyed the bantering between Nick and Stella. I will be adding this author to a list of authors I need to catch up on.

You need to do yourself a favor and pick this book up! Written in first person, from the point of view of both Stella and Nick. Shimmy Bang Sparkle is my first by Nicola Rendell, but won't be my last.

I was hooked by the 2nd page and read it in one sitting. The sparks between them were practically lighting my kindle on fire. This was a steamy read, fabulous dialogue and humor tossed in. For fast-paced fun, pick this one up!