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.

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is definitely unique. While the title is not quite as clear as the diamond in its midst at the start, you soon learn the meaning.

I have to be honest when I first read the title i almost bypassed the book. It's sounded way too....girly. As the opposite of girly girly, it made me cringe a bit....but when you see that hunk on the cover its hard not to stop and take a second look.

So clearly there's a hot tattooed up man ready to give you everything in your wildest dreams- what's not to love!?!

Shimmy Bang Sparkle has its utterly hilarious moments. It has adorably cute moments. It has awesome moments of sweet revenge. It is for the most part fun. I just had trouble connecting with the characters. I liked them both. I liked their personalities. I liked the idea of them together. I just didn't feel their chemistry. I didn't FEEL any of it. It took a long while to get into the story and it didn't ensnare me.

I feel like I missed the sparkle somehow. As I said though, its fun and makes for a unique story. So do a shimmy and see if it sparkles for you....


Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

You simply can’t beat the excitement and HOLY-DAMN factor of a new author. Especially when the first book you read has such an awesome, captivating and everything in between story that pretty much grabs you by the balls (sorry about my French) from the very first word. That can only mean one thing; ONE CLICK!

From the very first moment I came upon this book, I got the feeling that I would fall hard for it. And I wasn’t wrong at all. I fell for it multiple times; one for Nick, one for Stella, one for their magnificent love story and one for the explosion the plot created in my head. And that happens only with the originals. And if Shimmy Bang Sparkle isn’t unique, original, and special I don’t know what is.

Nick is a former jewel thief trying to stay out of trouble. He manages until he meets Stella another thief. These two were so adorable and funny at times. I really enjoyed reading about their adventures and crazy times. Recommended read.

5 Sparkling Stars!!!

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a new book from Ms. Rendell. Her stories are always beautifully written and engage me right from the first page and this book is no different! Nick and Stella are absolutely perfect together….he’s a “reformed” thief just getting out of jail and she’s an expert jewelry thief. The only difference between them is that Stella and her friends steal for good reasons…and in this case it’s Mr. Bozeman her elderly neighbor with the most fabulous sidekick Priscilla, the dachshund.

Every part of this book was such a fun read. There’s a chemistry between our H/h and they definitely acted on it. In addition to their chemistry, their coming together for a greater good, which is a new thing for Nick, shows that not all thievery is a bad thing. There’s laughter and fun and just an abundance of love not only between Nick and Stella but for the secondary characters as well.

The fact that the whole book is built around a heist just adds the right amount of suspense to the story too. And oh my goodness, when they get down to the nitty gritty of how it’s all going to work, everything that can happen does, but these two are creative!

The enjoyment I got from reading this newest book by Ms. Rendell just proves why I’m such a huge fan. Her books have such creative plotlines and her characters are so well developed I can’t help but be drawn into the story and their lives. I highly recommend that you check out Nicola Rendell as your next new to you author!!!

Nicola Rendell really knows how to write dominant, alpha men without making them total schmucks. Nick fits the bill perfectly as the tatted, motorcycle-riding ex-con who really is a big softie at heart. And Stella is a breath of fresh air as the "front woman" for a band of modern-day Robin Hood-esque jewel thieves.

The chemistry between Stella and Nick was off-the-charts and the sexytimes are super-HOT. And while I sometimes roll my eyes when authors have their alpha heros go all "caveman" and start fantasizing about going bareback and getting the heroine pregnant, Rendell does it in a way that's believable to me.

There were plenty of chuckle-worthy moments in this book although I wouldn't classify this as a RomCom. Oh, and let's not forget the best character in the book - Priscilla, the dog. I love how Rendell includes dogs with as much personality as any of the other characters in her books.

I'm not sure if there will be books for the other two members of the Shimmy Bang Sparke gang, but a girl can hope. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed but I'll happily read anything by this author. :)

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Shimmy Bang Sparkle is one heck of a wild ride! Nick and Stella have swoon-worthy chemistry, and I loved the drama and suspense of the jewel thieves plotline. Honesty, this novel probably deserves 5 stars. But I was so impressed with the first 80% and just a bit let down by the last 20%. I really think I just got too caught up and expected too much. It's still one heck of a read, and I know I want to read more Nicola Rendell in the future because I loved her writing style and her secondary characters (especially Priscilla).

I've enjoyed Nicola Rendell's work since I read her first book, Professed. I love her sexy, fun style of writing so I was looking forward to reading Shimmy Bang Sparkle. I thought this premise could be really interesting and I was looking forward to her angle on it. Overall I enjoyed this title.

I really liked our hero. He wasn't perfect by any means, but who wants perfect anyway? He was sexy, confident and smart. I enjoyed watching him with Stella and man did he have some swoonworthy lines.

It took me a bit to warm up to Stella, but I did wind up liking her. I just didn't have the same instant connection that I had with nick.

The chemistry between these two definitely spills off the page. It's instant, which can sometimes be difficult to pull off, but it really did work for these characters. Their sexy times were scorchingly sexy, which is something I've come to expect from this Author. I did enjoy their time outside the bedroom as well and thought they shared some really good banter.

The supporting cast of characters was fun and different. I thought the writing flowed well for the most part. I will say I thought there were a couple moments where things dragged a bit, but overall the story moved along well.

This book had me laughing and sighing in parts. I did enjoy this title and would recommend it.

OMG, what do I have to do to get Nicola Rendell to feed me a constant diet of her brand of romantic comedies?! She ALWAYS delivers a great read and makes me insatiable for more. In Shimmy Bang Sparkle, I wasn't quite sure what I was in for because the title was a bit unusual but knowing that I'd love anything she wrote, I went in totally blind...and within a page I was totally hooked. I needed to know more about Nick (my god, his inner monologues were the absolute best and his observations about Stella were hilarious and sweet) and Stella and how these things was going to go down.



Needless to say, I loved how it all worked out from meeting Stella's friends to hating the Texan and even the OH CRAP! I'm going to die how is this happening point in the book--it was a fun read that has me grinning all these hours later.



Every time I finish a Nicola Rendell novel I'm convinced that that couple is my favorite and Shimmy Bang Sparkle is no different. I adore everything about this sweet and sexy romance and I'm selfishly hoping against hope that her next novel comes out sooner than later.

This is the type of book you can't put down! I was hooked from page one. Nick's internal debate as he watches Stella through the window? The moment he decides he can't just walk away.The moment they play roles they never intended to play.

I LOVED this book. I loved the dynamic between the characters--and not just our main characters, but all of them. The loyalty, the love, the heat? It's all there.

Nicola Rendell paints the scene--EVERY scene--perfectly. I felt like I was along for the ride.
At the jewelry store? Check.
On the bike? Check.
Out to dinner? Check.
Skating rink? Check.
Pony Up? Check.
The imagery is spot on and I like nothing more than to feel like I'm living the story.

If you want an un-put-down-able book, grab Shimmy Bang Sparkle! You'll laugh, you'll love, and you'll never want to leave!

I have read a few books by Ms Rendell and quite enjoyed them. I have to say this book was not my favorite of hers. I just don’t think the whole thief and heist plot is my cup of tea. I found myself skipping some parts of that because it just was too boring for me. The real excitement was the romance between Nick and Stella. Super cute, funny at times, banter between them. Not to mention the chemitry is off the hook with these two. Ms Rendell can write some hot as heck love scenes and this book didn’t skip on those. Over all still a good story and I will look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.

5 Bite-the-stars!!

Gorgeous, gorgeous read! Absolutely loved it!

“Never in my life had a man looked at me with such unfiltered desire.”J

Stella and her two best friends get by on their earnings from dog-walking...and other somewhat nefarious activities! They are a modern day Robin Hoods but they’re aiming to do one last job, which will help make their dreams come true.

”I wanted to ruin her, but I also wanted to keep her whole, safe, and laughing.”

Nick had just come back from a little “vacation” and can’t afford to get into any trouble. However, when he sees Stella, he’s a goner. When he figures out who she is, it’s even harder for him to walk away. When Stella’s plans hit a major bump, Nick is determined to help her. No matter the cost.

Nick and Stella were a sublime couple. I loved their instant, sexual chemistry. I loved their passion, their connection, and their good hearts. I loved that they just knew each other and took a chance on the feelings they both felt, and trusted their instincts.

Priscilla the dog was totally adorable, too! Such a fun, amusing, incredibly hot story! One of my favourite reads of the year!!

Nicola Rendell is a new to me author and from page one she had me swoony and laughing out loud!

The storyline of Shimmy Bang Sparkle is something I’ve never read before and it was truly an enjoyment. The chemistry was strong from the first moment Nick and Stella met and I loved every moment that their shared. Let me tell you, those sex scenes were HOT!!! The book was fun, sexy and intriguing and kept my attention from beginning to end!

I really enjoyed everything about Shimmy Bang Sparkle and cannot wait to check out more books by Nicola Rendell!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/shA fun and engaging heist novel! Nick and Stella are so adorable, engaging and just plain cute together!


Nick is fresh out of Jail for fencing jewels and trying to stay on the straight and narrow. Stella is the Leader of The Shimmy Shimmy Bangs a notorious jewel thief group and she is setting up one last score before they go straight. When a chance meeting sparks an instant attraction, and a unexpected accident makes them join forces to pull off one last job. They are going after the biggest diamond in the world, but what they find with each other is worth so much more!ow/2502482225?book_show_action=false

LOVED this book! The characters were cute and quirky, the plot was fresh and fun, and the sex scenes were scorching hot! Nicola Rendell's books are an automatic buy for me.

5 Stars

I absolutely love this book!! I have devoured every word! What an intense roller coaster that kept my interest from page to page!! Very well-written!

Nick and Stella's story~ chemistry is AMAZING! FANTASTIC!

"The North Star sparkled in the sunlight, the same sunlight that was shining through our window. The gem was so big, it hardly looked real at all."

"She was every diamond. She was every star. She was my eternal sure thing."

Highly recommend! Get to one-clicking! You won't be disappointed!!

4.5 Sparkling Stars!
This thrilling, funny, sexy story captured me right from the start and never let go! I Fell in love with Nick and Stella just as quickly as they fell for each other. Their first meet was cute and curious. Nick is intrigued by this sexy, modern day Robin Hood and can't let her slip away. Stella has never been attracted to a man like she is to Nick, the sexy biker studmuffin. Men are liabilities when you and you best friends are out to right wrongs. But she can be herself around Nick and she can't ignore that. Nick feels like a normal dude around Stella, not an ex con. He is impressed by her skills and she loves his appreciation. Not to mention their chemistry is off the charts. When Stella needs him, he will do whatever it takes to help her, and it just might cost him everything. I really love Ms Rendell's writing and her expertise in creating a multilayered story where we really get to know the real Stella and Nick. I really cared and cheered for both of them. There are also several intriguing and eccentric secondary characters that add to the fun and suspense. This breathtaking story has several twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. You will not want to miss this fun, exhilarating, fast paced, and sexy story!

Love at first heist?

All it takes for ex-con, Nick Norton, a man focused on going legit and leaving his thievery behind because he can’t afford to go down that illegal road again, is the opportunity to watch the precision in which Stella Peretti pulls off a heist to fall for the sassy leader of the Shimmy Shimmy Bangs - a group of master jewel thieves.

Despite the mutual attraction between Nick and Stella, though, it’s unclear if Nick is able to catch and keep Stella’s heart because before she goes legit, there’s one more heist to pull off and if they get caught, it won’t just cost them their freedom but each other.

I love the premise of Nick and Stella’s story and Stella’s reasons for doing what she does makes readers want her crew to be successful at breaking the law and giving the payoffs to those who need it. The fact that readers are privy to both Nick and Stella’s perspectives adds a great deal to the storyline because their internal ramblings prove how they feel about each other and what they could lose if they’re caught red handed. Stella is a vibrant character whose sass and independence makes her a force to be reckoned with, but it’s more than clear as the story continues that Nick can handle Stella just fine because his quick and sneaky hands know exactly how to take care of and please his little thief’s heart and body.

I do have to say, though, that Priscilla, the dachshund, definitely is the scene stealer of the story; the times she’s in the story are beyond hilarious as well as adorable, and because I’m a dog lover, I just couldn’t get enough of her.

The fact that Nicola Rendell finds a way to make a feel good and entertaining love story about a group of thieves definitely illustrates her storytelling ability, and even though I would have liked to have seen a bit more angst and dramatic antics occur throughout the book, I still enjoyed how everything went down between the main characters and the sticky situations they found themselves in as they get in deeper with one another and plan one last heist to make things easier on themselves when they go legit.

4 Poison Apples

6 STARS! One of the SEXIEST and most EXHILARATING romances I have EVER come across, the sheer uniqueness of the storyline is only surpassed by Nicola Rendell’s superb writing style and endless creativity. Two sexy jewel thieves, a cute miniature Dachshund, an RV named ‘The Love Boat’, and one of the craziest jewel heists ever attempted—if you’re looking for a story that is truly the whole package, look no further!

Full review posted here » https://natashaisabookjunkie.com/2018/08/21/review-shimmy-bang-sparkle-by-nicola-rendell/