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If Shakespeare Was an Auntie #2
Tastes Like Shakkar
In the hilarious follow-up to the breakout rom-com Dating Dr. Dil, Nisha Sharma adds shakkar and mirch to Shakespeare’s iconic comedy Much Ado About Nothing for one sweet and spicy love story.
Bobbi Kaur is determined to plan a celebration to remember for her best friend’s wedding. But she has two problems that are getting in her
1. The egotistical, and irritatingly sexy, chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda is supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend, and
2. Someone is trying to sabotage the wedding.
With aspirations of taking over her family’s event planning business, Bobbi knows that one misstep in managing the Kareena Mann and Prem Verma (#Vermann) party, along with the other weddings on her plate, will only give her uncle another reason not to promote her. That means Kareena’s big day and Bobbi's future career are on the line.
Bunty will do anything for his best friend, even though he has his hands full in finding a new location for his next restaurant while also playing mediator between his brother and father, the celebrated Naan King. When Prem asks Bunty to help with the wedding menu, he agrees, especially since it puts him in close proximity to the delicious Bobbi Kaur. When a mystery shaadi saboteur starts leaving threatening notes, and cancelling cake orders, Bunty and Bobbi have no choice but to call a truce and face the volatile attraction they have for each other.
Through masquerade fundraisers and a joint bachelor-bachelorette trip to Vegas, this chef and wedding planner explore their growing connection all while trying to plan a wedding at Messina Vineyards in a time crunch. But once the shaadi saboteur is caught and the wedding is over, will their love story have a happily ever after?
With the return of the meddling aunties (who are scary good at finding information) and a lot of hilarity and hijinks, Bobbi and Bunty’s romance is an event you don’t want to miss.
Bobbi Kaur is determined to plan a celebration to remember for her best friend’s wedding. But she has two problems that are getting in her
1. The egotistical, and irritatingly sexy, chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda is supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend, and
2. Someone is trying to sabotage the wedding.
With aspirations of taking over her family’s event planning business, Bobbi knows that one misstep in managing the Kareena Mann and Prem Verma (#Vermann) party, along with the other weddings on her plate, will only give her uncle another reason not to promote her. That means Kareena’s big day and Bobbi's future career are on the line.
Bunty will do anything for his best friend, even though he has his hands full in finding a new location for his next restaurant while also playing mediator between his brother and father, the celebrated Naan King. When Prem asks Bunty to help with the wedding menu, he agrees, especially since it puts him in close proximity to the delicious Bobbi Kaur. When a mystery shaadi saboteur starts leaving threatening notes, and cancelling cake orders, Bunty and Bobbi have no choice but to call a truce and face the volatile attraction they have for each other.
Through masquerade fundraisers and a joint bachelor-bachelorette trip to Vegas, this chef and wedding planner explore their growing connection all while trying to plan a wedding at Messina Vineyards in a time crunch. But once the shaadi saboteur is caught and the wedding is over, will their love story have a happily ever after?
With the return of the meddling aunties (who are scary good at finding information) and a lot of hilarity and hijinks, Bobbi and Bunty’s romance is an event you don’t want to miss.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published August 1, 2023
324 people are currently reading
19963 people want to read
About the author
Nisha Sharma
20 books2,819 followersNisha Sharma is the critically acclaimed author of YA and adult contemporary romances including My So-Called Bollywood Life, Radha and Jai’s Recipe for Romance, The Singh Family Trilogy and the If Shakespeare was an Auntie series. Her books have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly and more. She lives in Pennsylvania with her Alaskan husband, her cat Lizzie Bennett and her dog Nancey Drew. You can find her online at Nisha-sharma.com or on TikTok and Instagram @nishawrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,691 reviews
February 26, 2024
this was VERY hot and very fun
March 13, 2024
It's always an absolute pleasure to return to the captivating world of "If Shakespeare was an Auntie Universe"! Once again, I find myself eagerly diving into the pages of a perfect modern Indian retelling of Shakespeare's comedic masterpiece, "Much Ado About Nothing." If you, like me, respond with an enthusiastic "hell, yes," then prepare to be utterly enthralled by this book! From the very first page, I found myself succumbing to fits of uncontrollable giggles and experiencing bouts of breathlessness, all thanks to the delightful naughtiness and scorching heat that emanated from the electrifying chemistry between the main couple.
This enchanting tale brims with the timeless appeal of the enemies-to-lovers trope, as well as an abundance of quick-witted banter that is guaranteed to elicit hearty laughter. I couldn't help but wholeheartedly root for the determined, confident, and quick-witted Bobbi Kaur, a workaholic and efficient wedding planner who exudes body positivity and carries her beautiful, curvy, and healthy body with unwavering pride. Opposite her stands the skilled, perfectionist, and charismatic chef, Benjamin "Bunty" Panta, a man torn between honoring his family's needs and pursuing his own dreams of owning a restaurant on the East Coast.
From the unfortunate incident that unfolded during their initial encounter at a friend's house—an encounter that ended with a tantalizingly close kiss and Benjamin's regretful rejection, accentuated by the words "you're not my type" (which he desperately wished he could retract and for which he incessantly apologized)—Bobbi had declared him her archenemy. Little did they know that their paths would once again intertwine, as destiny thrusts them into the role of organizing the much-anticipated wedding of their closest friends, Prem (Benjamin's bestie) and Kareena (Bobbi's bestie), who coincidentally serve as the central characters in the enthralling "Dating Dr. Dill."
However, amidst the flurry of wedding preparations, they find themselves grappling with the mysterious presence of a shadi (wedding) saboteur, whose relentless mission is to sabotage the joyous occasion. Bobbi and Benjamin, compelled to set aside their differences for the sake of their dear friends' happiness, forge an unlikely truce. Yet, what they never anticipated was the scorching, irresistible chemistry that sparks between them, igniting flames that set their very souls ablaze. As they succumb to the depths of their burgeoning love, they must also navigate the treacherous waters of their demanding families and the constraints imposed by their busy schedules. Will their love prevail against all odds? Can they sustain a long-distance relationship, or is their passionate love story fated to meet an untimely end?
In conclusion, I must confess that if it were possible to die from excessive laughter, these aunties would undoubtedly be the death of me!
This book has provided me with an absolutely perfect reading experience, brimming with unadulterated entertainment, and I am eternally grateful to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for graciously sharing this wondrous digital reviewer copy with me.
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This enchanting tale brims with the timeless appeal of the enemies-to-lovers trope, as well as an abundance of quick-witted banter that is guaranteed to elicit hearty laughter. I couldn't help but wholeheartedly root for the determined, confident, and quick-witted Bobbi Kaur, a workaholic and efficient wedding planner who exudes body positivity and carries her beautiful, curvy, and healthy body with unwavering pride. Opposite her stands the skilled, perfectionist, and charismatic chef, Benjamin "Bunty" Panta, a man torn between honoring his family's needs and pursuing his own dreams of owning a restaurant on the East Coast.
From the unfortunate incident that unfolded during their initial encounter at a friend's house—an encounter that ended with a tantalizingly close kiss and Benjamin's regretful rejection, accentuated by the words "you're not my type" (which he desperately wished he could retract and for which he incessantly apologized)—Bobbi had declared him her archenemy. Little did they know that their paths would once again intertwine, as destiny thrusts them into the role of organizing the much-anticipated wedding of their closest friends, Prem (Benjamin's bestie) and Kareena (Bobbi's bestie), who coincidentally serve as the central characters in the enthralling "Dating Dr. Dill."
However, amidst the flurry of wedding preparations, they find themselves grappling with the mysterious presence of a shadi (wedding) saboteur, whose relentless mission is to sabotage the joyous occasion. Bobbi and Benjamin, compelled to set aside their differences for the sake of their dear friends' happiness, forge an unlikely truce. Yet, what they never anticipated was the scorching, irresistible chemistry that sparks between them, igniting flames that set their very souls ablaze. As they succumb to the depths of their burgeoning love, they must also navigate the treacherous waters of their demanding families and the constraints imposed by their busy schedules. Will their love prevail against all odds? Can they sustain a long-distance relationship, or is their passionate love story fated to meet an untimely end?
In conclusion, I must confess that if it were possible to die from excessive laughter, these aunties would undoubtedly be the death of me!
This book has provided me with an absolutely perfect reading experience, brimming with unadulterated entertainment, and I am eternally grateful to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for graciously sharing this wondrous digital reviewer copy with me.
medium blog
October 21, 2023
Such a clever, sexy reimagining of Much Ado!! What an absolute delight.
August 18, 2023
update: no charlie!
slightly better than dr dil, but still cringe.
slightly better than dr dil, but still cringe.
July 25, 2023
3.75 ⭐️ So much fun!! This book had me hooked from the start!
”There isn't a single dish that I could create that would taste as good as the both of us together.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ modern spin on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing
✨ indian wedding planning
✨ punjabi main characters
✨ she's a loyal, controlling wedding planner trying to plan her best friend’s wedding
✨ he's an egotistical and irritatingly sexy chef who's supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend
✨ first impression gone wrong
✨ hate to love (on her side)
✨ forced proximity
✨ similars attracts: stubborn, workaholics who don't want a relationship
✨ "you make me crazy"
✨ amazing banter
✨ he falls first
✨ found family
✨ plus size fmc
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ kinks: praise, bondage, cl*t slapping, minor exhibitionism, toys
✨ taylor swift references
My Thoughts:
Okay, so I liked this book! I really did. Especially the first half!
We start off with a bang in the prologue where Benjamin and Bobbi meet 10 months ago. There's so much sexual tension between the two and they share an almost kiss! But thanks to four stupid words (said by Benjamin, of course), Bobbi currently hates him. This is a hate to love (on Bobbi's end) romance, where no matter how hard Benjamin tries, he can't seem to do anything but piss her off. I LOVED their vexing banter and how hard they fight their attraction to one another. But thanks to their friends forcing them to work together, they are unable to resist.
Benjamin and Bobbi were also extremely likable and very similar characters! Bobbi is such a loving and loyal friend. She does everything with 100% of her entire heart and won't stop until it's done to perfection. That's what also makes her an incredible successful wedding planner. I also appreciated that she was plus size and extremely confident in herself! And we were able to learn a bit more about perceptions of being plus size not only by American standards but those of Punjabi men and women.
Benjamin is also an incredibly kind and loyal friend. He is extremely confident and straightforward, but plays mediator for his family, which tends to pull him between his passions and 'responsibilities'. Throughout the book, Benjamin realizes he needs to prioritize himself and his happiness instead of being manipulated and controlled by his family. Watching him grow and go through this journey was a very cathartic experience for me.
On a side note, one of the main themes of this book is community whether it be your friends or family and I love that!
I also really enjoyed that the non-romance plot was centered around Prem and Kareena's wedding! These two are just the cutest! Seeing their love story unfold in Dating Dr. Dil was a delight, so to see their wedding play out was a special treat. Maybe in the next book, we'll see them having kids. 😍
So why am I giving this book 3.5 stars?
I did not vibe with the spice AT ALL. The dirty talk was not my jam. The writing felt really formulaic and just didn't suck me in. I'm also not a huge fan of the endearment 'my queen,' so that gave me the ick. And my biggest issue - the bondage. It felt like it was randomly thrown in. It wasn't introduced in a realistic way, so these scenes didn't quite make sense from a character perspective. You're telling me that the first time Benjamin and Bobby really have the chance for some p&v penetration, he's bringing ropes, explains bondage to her, and then ties her up and face f*cks her instead of giving her pleasure first? It felt like he was just taking the entire scene and gave me the ick. I mean, sure, they've done other stuff before and had phone sex, but this is the very first time they're meeting in person in a not-quickie situation, and instead of either going fast and hard or slow and deliberate, his first move is to face f*ck her. I just couldn't believe it. There should have been one scene before this where they come together where it's just them. Oh, and then, he has an entire flask of whiskey that he pours all over her body and licks it up slowly. Again, just not my thing, and the way it was written didn't convince me it could be.
Also, once they're officially together, things moved a little slow and I lost a little interest. It wasn't horribly slow but enough that around 75% I skimmed a bit of non-dialogue to figure out the wedding mystery drama.
Overall, this was a fun addition to the If Shakespeare was an Auntie series and I cannot wait for Veera's (and presumably Deepak's) story!
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
”There isn't a single dish that I could create that would taste as good as the both of us together.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ modern spin on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing
✨ indian wedding planning
✨ punjabi main characters
✨ she's a loyal, controlling wedding planner trying to plan her best friend’s wedding
✨ he's an egotistical and irritatingly sexy chef who's supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend
✨ first impression gone wrong
✨ hate to love (on her side)
✨ forced proximity
✨ similars attracts: stubborn, workaholics who don't want a relationship
✨ "you make me crazy"
✨ amazing banter
✨ he falls first
✨ found family
✨ plus size fmc
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ kinks: praise, bondage, cl*t slapping, minor exhibitionism, toys
✨ taylor swift references
My Thoughts:
Okay, so I liked this book! I really did. Especially the first half!
We start off with a bang in the prologue where Benjamin and Bobbi meet 10 months ago. There's so much sexual tension between the two and they share an almost kiss! But thanks to four stupid words (said by Benjamin, of course), Bobbi currently hates him. This is a hate to love (on Bobbi's end) romance, where no matter how hard Benjamin tries, he can't seem to do anything but piss her off. I LOVED their vexing banter and how hard they fight their attraction to one another. But thanks to their friends forcing them to work together, they are unable to resist.
Benjamin and Bobbi were also extremely likable and very similar characters! Bobbi is such a loving and loyal friend. She does everything with 100% of her entire heart and won't stop until it's done to perfection. That's what also makes her an incredible successful wedding planner. I also appreciated that she was plus size and extremely confident in herself! And we were able to learn a bit more about perceptions of being plus size not only by American standards but those of Punjabi men and women.
Benjamin is also an incredibly kind and loyal friend. He is extremely confident and straightforward, but plays mediator for his family, which tends to pull him between his passions and 'responsibilities'. Throughout the book, Benjamin realizes he needs to prioritize himself and his happiness instead of being manipulated and controlled by his family. Watching him grow and go through this journey was a very cathartic experience for me.
On a side note, one of the main themes of this book is community whether it be your friends or family and I love that!
I also really enjoyed that the non-romance plot was centered around Prem and Kareena's wedding! These two are just the cutest! Seeing their love story unfold in Dating Dr. Dil was a delight, so to see their wedding play out was a special treat. Maybe in the next book, we'll see them having kids. 😍
So why am I giving this book 3.5 stars?
I did not vibe with the spice AT ALL. The dirty talk was not my jam. The writing felt really formulaic and just didn't suck me in. I'm also not a huge fan of the endearment 'my queen,' so that gave me the ick. And my biggest issue - the bondage. It felt like it was randomly thrown in. It wasn't introduced in a realistic way, so these scenes didn't quite make sense from a character perspective. You're telling me that the first time Benjamin and Bobby really have the chance for some p&v penetration, he's bringing ropes, explains bondage to her, and then ties her up and face f*cks her instead of giving her pleasure first? It felt like he was just taking the entire scene and gave me the ick. I mean, sure, they've done other stuff before and had phone sex, but this is the very first time they're meeting in person in a not-quickie situation, and instead of either going fast and hard or slow and deliberate, his first move is to face f*ck her. I just couldn't believe it. There should have been one scene before this where they come together where it's just them. Oh, and then, he has an entire flask of whiskey that he pours all over her body and licks it up slowly. Again, just not my thing, and the way it was written didn't convince me it could be.
Also, once they're officially together, things moved a little slow and I lost a little interest. It wasn't horribly slow but enough that around 75% I skimmed a bit of non-dialogue to figure out the wedding mystery drama.
Overall, this was a fun addition to the If Shakespeare was an Auntie series and I cannot wait for Veera's (and presumably Deepak's) story!
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
April 2, 2024
I liked this one soooooo much better than Dating Dr. Dil but I was expecting way more enemies to lovers?? They gave up on their feud super early and the tension left the story along with it. The rest was this sabotage plot that was just kinda chaotic and frustrating because she wasn’t telling the bride!! But I really loved the food content and Benjamin was very hot especially while delivering the food content 😮💨
I think this maybe would’ve worked a bit better as single POV since having both really took the wind out of the E2L sails for me. Aka there was nothing surprising since we knew all their thoughts anyway. The sex scenes were super hot, but they ended abruptly and were rather short.
As for the narrators, I adore Soneela Nankani and she was fantastic here. Benjamin’s narrator was great except for the voice he chose for Bobbi…which was a bit disappointing.
Overall, I knew my issues with Dating Dr. Dil were mainly with Prem, so I was excited to give the series another try. I’m definitely happy I gave it a go, and I’m very ready for book three. I was scared for a minute there about the third book given what we were told at the end of this one…but the summary sounds WAY more fun. I love Twelfth Night and I LOVE accidental marriages!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I rounded down for Goodreads because I don’t think I’ll have the need to reread this, but it was still a very solid book!
I think this maybe would’ve worked a bit better as single POV since having both really took the wind out of the E2L sails for me. Aka there was nothing surprising since we knew all their thoughts anyway. The sex scenes were super hot, but they ended abruptly and were rather short.
As for the narrators, I adore Soneela Nankani and she was fantastic here. Benjamin’s narrator was great except for the voice he chose for Bobbi…which was a bit disappointing.
Overall, I knew my issues with Dating Dr. Dil were mainly with Prem, so I was excited to give the series another try. I’m definitely happy I gave it a go, and I’m very ready for book three. I was scared for a minute there about the third book given what we were told at the end of this one…but the summary sounds WAY more fun. I love Twelfth Night and I LOVE accidental marriages!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I rounded down for Goodreads because I don’t think I’ll have the need to reread this, but it was still a very solid book!
Read
November 4, 2023Romcom based on Much Ado About Nothing. For me it was at once too based on it (I really found the half-quoted dialogue jarring) or not based enough, in that the verbal war was short lived and not really grounded in much actual enmity, and the plot doesn't take us to anything like Much Ado's intense 'Kill Claudio' emotional payoff. Which is fine in itself, it's its own book! But if you offer me Much Ado, those are the things I'm going to be craving.
In fact it's a story about two people who work too hard having to find out how to be together, with a wedding saboteur sub plot. As such it's an entertaining romcom with likeable leads, great food, extensive supporting cast, and bondage sex.
I will here admit that I don't really understand books that riff on established texts rather than engaging with them, which I suspect is my EngLit background going "but how will I write an essay on this?!"
In fact it's a story about two people who work too hard having to find out how to be together, with a wedding saboteur sub plot. As such it's an entertaining romcom with likeable leads, great food, extensive supporting cast, and bondage sex.
I will here admit that I don't really understand books that riff on established texts rather than engaging with them, which I suspect is my EngLit background going "but how will I write an essay on this?!"
September 2, 2023
Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
2nd book in the If Shakespeare was an Auntie series. Contemporary romance. Own voice, Indian. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order. This story is the wedding of the couple from the first book. A retelling and play off of Much Ado About Nothing.
Bobbi Kaur is an event planner. She is planning to give her best friend an epic event that she’ll be able to remember with fondness. Bobbi has two major problems to overcome. First, she’ll need to work with Benjamin “Bunty” Padda and the two of them have been like oil and water since their younger days. And second, and most problematic, there is someone trying to sabotage thee wedding. Bobbi calls in the aunties to search out the guilty person that is messing with the wedding plans.
Bobbi and Bunty, sitting in a ….restaurant, realize working together may actually be more fun that anticipated.
A sexy and fun book as the two clash and then play on their attraction to each other. Conflicts and family issues can make arguments interesting and making up all the sweeter.
Filled with lots of cultural references on clothing, food and life. I personally learned a lot and look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
2nd book in the If Shakespeare was an Auntie series. Contemporary romance. Own voice, Indian. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order. This story is the wedding of the couple from the first book. A retelling and play off of Much Ado About Nothing.
Bobbi Kaur is an event planner. She is planning to give her best friend an epic event that she’ll be able to remember with fondness. Bobbi has two major problems to overcome. First, she’ll need to work with Benjamin “Bunty” Padda and the two of them have been like oil and water since their younger days. And second, and most problematic, there is someone trying to sabotage thee wedding. Bobbi calls in the aunties to search out the guilty person that is messing with the wedding plans.
Bobbi and Bunty, sitting in a ….restaurant, realize working together may actually be more fun that anticipated.
A sexy and fun book as the two clash and then play on their attraction to each other. Conflicts and family issues can make arguments interesting and making up all the sweeter.
Filled with lots of cultural references on clothing, food and life. I personally learned a lot and look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 30, 2024
Much Ado About Nothing is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and I love how Nisha Sharma put a contemporary spin on it! Tastes Like Shakkar follows rivals, a friends wedding being planned, and sabotage from an unknown source. It was entertaining and spicier than I expected with great plus-size representation and desi characters. Plus all the food sounds delicious!
2023
October 22, 2025ANHPI TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon
August 30, 2023
This is one of my favorite romcoms that I've read this year! I really enjoyed Dating Dr. Dil (Book 1 in this series) and this one was also a fun read! While this book is a stand alone story, it was so fun to circle back to many of the characters from Dating Dr. Dil.
As Bobbi plans her best friend Kareena's wedding (MC from Dating Dr. Dil), she must work closely with Benjamin (the groom's best friend) to ensure the wedding comes together smoothly. The only problem is-there is someone actively trying to sabotage the wedding. Bobbi and Benjamin must work together in this enemies-to-lovers romance as they both navigate balancing a new romance alongside their impossibly busy schedules.
This book has humor, spice, banter, and romance! If you enjoyed Dating Dr. Dil and/or are a fan of forced proximity romance, you'll probably enjoy this one. I can't wait to purchase a physical copy of this book as well!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Bobbi plans her best friend Kareena's wedding (MC from Dating Dr. Dil), she must work closely with Benjamin (the groom's best friend) to ensure the wedding comes together smoothly. The only problem is-there is someone actively trying to sabotage the wedding. Bobbi and Benjamin must work together in this enemies-to-lovers romance as they both navigate balancing a new romance alongside their impossibly busy schedules.
This book has humor, spice, banter, and romance! If you enjoyed Dating Dr. Dil and/or are a fan of forced proximity romance, you'll probably enjoy this one. I can't wait to purchase a physical copy of this book as well!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2024
Tastes Like Shakkar is hot. Especially Benjamin. Miss Sharma done a great job narrating the story. The enemy to lovers chemistry is great. The hate that blurred into lust is sexy.
My first 4 stars in 2024.
4 stars
My first 4 stars in 2024.
4 stars
March 13, 2023
Thank you so much to Avon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
AHH NISHA SHARMA HAS DONE IT AGAIN!! Tastes Like Shakkar is a wonderful follow-up to Dating Dr. Dil and the second book in the If Shakespeare Was An Auntie trilogy. Much Ado About Nothing is my top favorite play by Shakespeare and Nisha did an incredible job adapting the comedic moments of the original play. This sequel was absolutely hilarious. I think I highlighted more comedic moments than romantic, honestly, because there were truly a boatload of funny scenes that had me dying of laughter. Tastes Like Shakkar offers more physical and slapstick comedy, and every scene was written perfectly. Every single moment with Kareena's aunties, the shaadi saboteur shenanigans, and of course Bobbi and Bunty frantically trying to figure out if the other person likes them back was so freaking funny. I also just genuinely love the sense of community that's portrayed within Kareena/Bobbi/Veera/Prem/Bunty/Deepak's friends and family. Seeing all of Kareena and Prem's loved ones come together to retaliate against the shaadi saboteur was super heartwarming!
The romance, of course, is also to die for. Bobbi and Bunty captured my heart from page one and I was so captivated by their chemistry, which was truly ELECTRIC in this novel . I'm forever in debt to Nisha for effortlessly writing such beautiful desi romances featuring brown girls being loved wholly and unconditionally (mere sapno ki rani god PLEASE when will it be my turn). As quipped in the dedication of Dating Dr. Dil, her books remind us to never lower our standards, and I'm so glad that both Kareena and Bobbi have stood their ground and demanded the love that they deserve from Prem and Bunty. It was also so sweet getting to see Kareena and Prem fully living their best lives as an engaged couple. PLUS the hints that we get about Veera and Deepak got me so excited!! I love that we got to see more of Veera's personality in this book (she's so spunky and funny), and I just know that she's going to be the character I relate to the most out of all three girls in this trilogy.
As we get closer to release date, I will share more thoughts about specific scenes in this book because I highlighted sooo many incredible moments, but I'm still high on this rush after finishing this book so excuse me while I process how much I enjoyed it! Obviously 5/5 stars and GO PREORDER THIS if you enjoyed Dating Dr. Dil!!!
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AHH NISHA SHARMA HAS DONE IT AGAIN!! Tastes Like Shakkar is a wonderful follow-up to Dating Dr. Dil and the second book in the If Shakespeare Was An Auntie trilogy. Much Ado About Nothing is my top favorite play by Shakespeare and Nisha did an incredible job adapting the comedic moments of the original play. This sequel was absolutely hilarious. I think I highlighted more comedic moments than romantic, honestly, because there were truly a boatload of funny scenes that had me dying of laughter. Tastes Like Shakkar offers more physical and slapstick comedy, and every scene was written perfectly. Every single moment with Kareena's aunties, the shaadi saboteur shenanigans, and of course Bobbi and Bunty frantically trying to figure out if the other person likes them back was so freaking funny. I also just genuinely love the sense of community that's portrayed within Kareena/Bobbi/Veera/Prem/Bunty/Deepak's friends and family. Seeing all of Kareena and Prem's loved ones come together to retaliate against the shaadi saboteur was super heartwarming!
The romance, of course, is also to die for. Bobbi and Bunty captured my heart from page one and I was so captivated by their chemistry, which was truly ELECTRIC in this novel . I'm forever in debt to Nisha for effortlessly writing such beautiful desi romances featuring brown girls being loved wholly and unconditionally (mere sapno ki rani god PLEASE when will it be my turn). As quipped in the dedication of Dating Dr. Dil, her books remind us to never lower our standards, and I'm so glad that both Kareena and Bobbi have stood their ground and demanded the love that they deserve from Prem and Bunty. It was also so sweet getting to see Kareena and Prem fully living their best lives as an engaged couple. PLUS the hints that we get about Veera and Deepak got me so excited!! I love that we got to see more of Veera's personality in this book (she's so spunky and funny), and I just know that she's going to be the character I relate to the most out of all three girls in this trilogy.
As we get closer to release date, I will share more thoughts about specific scenes in this book because I highlighted sooo many incredible moments, but I'm still high on this rush after finishing this book so excuse me while I process how much I enjoyed it! Obviously 5/5 stars and GO PREORDER THIS if you enjoyed Dating Dr. Dil!!!
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July 10, 2023
This is one of my favorite rom-com reads this year. It had everything I needed in a rom-com. Bobbi(f) and Benjamin(m), our main characters, have been enemies since their first meeting when Benjamin causes Bobbie to lose a potential client. Now they're working on planning their best friend's weddings, so they call a truce to plan an amazing wedding. As they work, they get closer and realize that someone is sabotaging their friend's wedding. They enlist the help of their Indian aunties to assist with finding this person and try to plan a wedding without everything falling apart.
I really liked both Bobbi and Benjamin, their banter and chemistry was immaculate. I love good enemies to lovers. The romance came together so well, and there were some really kinky scenes here. I think their personal struggles were valid, and I like how the author wove it into the story. I liked the friend group and the found family aspect of it. I think I may be obsessed with Indian weddings because they seem like so much fun, from the food to the planning and the role of the aunties, it was great. The plot aspect, where they were trying to find out who was sabotaging the wedding, was a nice addition to the story and helped move the story along.
Overall I think this book is fantastic, this is my first book by this author, so I will be checking out her other books. This book has:
-Indian wedding planning
-Punjabi main characters
-Plus size fmc
-Enemies to lovers
-Good banter
-Close-knit friend group
-Swiftie fmc
Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager, for this arc for an honest review.
I really liked both Bobbi and Benjamin, their banter and chemistry was immaculate. I love good enemies to lovers. The romance came together so well, and there were some really kinky scenes here. I think their personal struggles were valid, and I like how the author wove it into the story. I liked the friend group and the found family aspect of it. I think I may be obsessed with Indian weddings because they seem like so much fun, from the food to the planning and the role of the aunties, it was great. The plot aspect, where they were trying to find out who was sabotaging the wedding, was a nice addition to the story and helped move the story along.
Overall I think this book is fantastic, this is my first book by this author, so I will be checking out her other books. This book has:
-Indian wedding planning
-Punjabi main characters
-Plus size fmc
-Enemies to lovers
-Good banter
-Close-knit friend group
-Swiftie fmc
Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager, for this arc for an honest review.
November 10, 2023
4 stars. Tastes like Shakkar sees Nisha Sharma continues to deliver top-notch romance in the form of loose Shakespeare retellings starring Indian-American protagonists in New Jersey.
August 2, 2023
4.5⭐️ bobbi and bunty are finally here and i loved them so bad😭
after many arguments and budding heads for so long, the two decide to call a truce for the sake of their friends wedding. bobbi being the wedding planner and bunty helping out with the wedding menu, leads to some forced proximity between the two, and we all know how that goes
seeing their romance come to be was everything. watching bunty take care of bobbi was great but watching bobbi let down her walls to accept all of it??? unmatched
alongside this budding romance , we have a side plot of figuring out who is trying to stop prem and kareena’s wedding. bunty and bobbi realize they can’t figure this out alone so they call in some reinforcements, the aunties. it was so fun to have them back on page and witness their wild and crazy antics
this book was truly such a treat and I’m so excited for the next one because the way it was set up?? i’m intrigued to see how that one plays out!
big thank you to Nisha for the arc!
after many arguments and budding heads for so long, the two decide to call a truce for the sake of their friends wedding. bobbi being the wedding planner and bunty helping out with the wedding menu, leads to some forced proximity between the two, and we all know how that goes
seeing their romance come to be was everything. watching bunty take care of bobbi was great but watching bobbi let down her walls to accept all of it??? unmatched
alongside this budding romance , we have a side plot of figuring out who is trying to stop prem and kareena’s wedding. bunty and bobbi realize they can’t figure this out alone so they call in some reinforcements, the aunties. it was so fun to have them back on page and witness their wild and crazy antics
this book was truly such a treat and I’m so excited for the next one because the way it was set up?? i’m intrigued to see how that one plays out!
big thank you to Nisha for the arc!
Want to read
May 10, 2023
pre review:
not-so-silently praying that there are no ‘charlie’ name drops this time around. amen.
dating dr dil | ★★★☆☆
dating dr dil | ★★★☆☆
March 6, 2024
3.25
I appreciate the lack of the genital nicknames in this next edition of the series, but this was a too sitcommy for me.
The first few chapters are the main characters bickering and communicating like middle schoolers. Like you can't work with someone you dislike, for dumb reasons, for your best friends wedding? Suck it up.
And a secret wedding saboteur? Really? Just put a password on all vendor orders. Boom thwarted.
I appreciate the lack of the genital nicknames in this next edition of the series, but this was a too sitcommy for me.
The first few chapters are the main characters bickering and communicating like middle schoolers. Like you can't work with someone you dislike, for dumb reasons, for your best friends wedding? Suck it up.
And a secret wedding saboteur? Really? Just put a password on all vendor orders. Boom thwarted.
Read
December 15, 2024Dnf 60%
Way too cringe
Way too cringe
September 21, 2023
Book two in the If Shakespeare Was An Auntie series is a cute, Desi romance with really fun family melodrama, fabulous food, enemies to friends to lovers vibes, and a whole lot of steam. I loved the big vivacious family, and enjoyed seeing the growth of the relationship between our MCs.
I made the mistake of not reading book one in the series (Dating Dr. Dill) first, and while I don’t think it’s necessarily mandatory, I feel like there was a a bit of an inside joke at play that was over my head. I also didn’t love the steam and felt like it detracted rather than added to it, for me anyway. Overall a cute read, and a lot of fun on audio.
Thank you {partners} Avon, Bibliolifestyle and Harper Audio for my gifted copies.
I made the mistake of not reading book one in the series (Dating Dr. Dill) first, and while I don’t think it’s necessarily mandatory, I feel like there was a a bit of an inside joke at play that was over my head. I also didn’t love the steam and felt like it detracted rather than added to it, for me anyway. Overall a cute read, and a lot of fun on audio.
Thank you {partners} Avon, Bibliolifestyle and Harper Audio for my gifted copies.
June 19, 2023
What to expect? He falls first and harder.
Nisha did out do herself in this one. Its just the right amount of plot, romance, smut and laughs. I can not find the words to explain how much I love this book and Bunty and Bobbi. I was rooting for them the whole damn time. I. was crying but the end because I love them both so much and I just wanted their happiness.
When I find the words, I'll add to this review.
Nisha did out do herself in this one. Its just the right amount of plot, romance, smut and laughs. I can not find the words to explain how much I love this book and Bunty and Bobbi. I was rooting for them the whole damn time. I. was crying but the end because I love them both so much and I just wanted their happiness.
When I find the words, I'll add to this review.
January 2, 2024
I fold for every single one of these books. Instant 5 stars
July 31, 2023
“Do you usually feed women biryani and chole or is it just me?” she said. “Just you. I didn’t realize how much of a turn-on it is, too.”
This was such a cute and fun book! The whole fiasco about a desi wedding was so relatable and the cultural appropriation was was good too. Bobbi & Bunty do not have a great start and their friends think they hate each other but when the attraction gets to hard to ignore, they give in to the allure. There was a lot going on with different characters but that's what made the book even more entertaining for me. Though I couldn't help but be disappointed with the last half because we get a scene where Veera warns Bunty about how difficult it is for Bobbi to ask for assistance but then he proceeds to disappoint her in the following scene where she's really in need of his help. But overall, this was a good read and sometimes the things Bunty said and did for Bobbi made me swoon!
Thank you HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing me this ARC in exchange of an honest review
This was such a cute and fun book! The whole fiasco about a desi wedding was so relatable and the cultural appropriation was was good too. Bobbi & Bunty do not have a great start and their friends think they hate each other but when the attraction gets to hard to ignore, they give in to the allure. There was a lot going on with different characters but that's what made the book even more entertaining for me. Though I couldn't help but be disappointed with the last half because we get a scene where Veera warns Bunty about how difficult it is for Bobbi to ask for assistance but then he proceeds to disappoint her in the following scene where she's really in need of his help. But overall, this was a good read and sometimes the things Bunty said and did for Bobbi made me swoon!
Thank you HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing me this ARC in exchange of an honest review
February 24, 2024
Ok updating this to 1 star after further thought. Yay curvy brown girl representation and more relatable problems like distance in relationships and setting boundaries with family. I can tell the author is trying to be more serious but it felt so cringe to read because the writing is so bad.
March 1, 2024
nisha sharma never fails to disappoint and this book was a good pick me up!! can’t wait for the third book following deepak and veera!!
May 27, 2024
I was hesitant to pick this one up after reading Dating Dr. Dil, however, I'm so glad I gave this series a second chance because this book was SO GOOD!! This addition to the series felt more mature in terms of the writing, the characters were more well-rounded, and the story felt more fully formed than the first installment. I'm so happy to see this growth between books one and two because this makes me even more excited for the upcoming third book!
Before I get ahead of myself, let's discuss what I enjoyed about this book! First, the characters were actually realistic this time and they were both actually likable. Both Bobbi and Benjamin felt genuine and I think the dual narration added to this sense of authenticity. Also, I love that we see so much of them outside of their relationship with one another because it helped really show who they were instead of us being told this is how the character is. Of course, I loved the romance between them as well. I was pleasantly surprised that this one didn't actually hinge on miscommunication, but rather there were actual external challenges to their relationship and parts of growing up and building a life that I think everyone struggles with. There was a genuine love, care, and respect for one another that made this couple easy to root for.
The only negative to the book was that there's this underlying mystery plot. At first, I was intrigued by it and it was entertaining to see the Aunties, Bobbi, and Benjamin try to team up as a super spy network in their desi community. However, at a certain point it felt superfluous to the story and I found it a bit too over the top with an underwhelming reveal. And yet...I would still highly recommend this book and am already ready to re-read it myself!
Before I get ahead of myself, let's discuss what I enjoyed about this book! First, the characters were actually realistic this time and they were both actually likable. Both Bobbi and Benjamin felt genuine and I think the dual narration added to this sense of authenticity. Also, I love that we see so much of them outside of their relationship with one another because it helped really show who they were instead of us being told this is how the character is. Of course, I loved the romance between them as well. I was pleasantly surprised that this one didn't actually hinge on miscommunication, but rather there were actual external challenges to their relationship and parts of growing up and building a life that I think everyone struggles with. There was a genuine love, care, and respect for one another that made this couple easy to root for.
The only negative to the book was that there's this underlying mystery plot. At first, I was intrigued by it and it was entertaining to see the Aunties, Bobbi, and Benjamin try to team up as a super spy network in their desi community. However, at a certain point it felt superfluous to the story and I found it a bit too over the top with an underwhelming reveal. And yet...I would still highly recommend this book and am already ready to re-read it myself!
August 12, 2023
From the start, Benjamin and Bobbi had me in a chokehold. I loved the fire between them and their jabs honestly were so good when they would start bickering at the beginning that you KNEW they were going to be explosive when they gave into their desire and they WERE. The sparks between these two were coming off the page I swear.
To me, both the family manager role Benjamin took on as well as the feelings Bobbi had about showing her love through doing things for people were very relatable and the family and friend dynamics in this book had me tearing up on and off which for me is a sign of a great book haha. When the spice came in it was good, and their dynamic outside of the bedroom was so fun to read about I probably could've read another 300 pages about them. I love Bobbi as a female lead, I thought she was strong and while she struggled with vulnerability we got to see her grow in a way that she never saw for herself which I loved. Benjamin was just adorable I adored him, and I loved how these two fit into each other's lives especially since they saw each other as polar opposites at first.
The groveling as well as Benjamin's inner monologue at the end of the book every time he saw Bobbi had me losing my mind oh my god I was eating it up. I wish there was a little more of showing after the wedding for the two of them however I assume we will see them in Vera and Deepak's book which I am also excited for. This continues to be a great series and I really enjoy this author's characters and overall writing. I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
To me, both the family manager role Benjamin took on as well as the feelings Bobbi had about showing her love through doing things for people were very relatable and the family and friend dynamics in this book had me tearing up on and off which for me is a sign of a great book haha. When the spice came in it was good, and their dynamic outside of the bedroom was so fun to read about I probably could've read another 300 pages about them. I love Bobbi as a female lead, I thought she was strong and while she struggled with vulnerability we got to see her grow in a way that she never saw for herself which I loved. Benjamin was just adorable I adored him, and I loved how these two fit into each other's lives especially since they saw each other as polar opposites at first.
The groveling as well as Benjamin's inner monologue at the end of the book every time he saw Bobbi had me losing my mind oh my god I was eating it up. I wish there was a little more of showing after the wedding for the two of them however I assume we will see them in Vera and Deepak's book which I am also excited for. This continues to be a great series and I really enjoy this author's characters and overall writing. I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
September 19, 2023
The first half was so nice but then the second half just dragged on. Bobbi and Bunty were cute and I loved them however Prem and Kareena are still my top couple in this series so far.
The way their relationship developed through text messages was everything and I loved their banter. Plot wise this book was kinda all over the place though. It was difficult to keep track of certain things. Some plot lines were irrelevant for example the fact that someone wanted to sabotage kareena and prem’s wedding.
Overall the representation was good and I loved the food 🤩. I’ve come to the conclusion I might need to marry a chef after this book.
The way their relationship developed through text messages was everything and I loved their banter. Plot wise this book was kinda all over the place though. It was difficult to keep track of certain things. Some plot lines were irrelevant for example the fact that someone wanted to sabotage kareena and prem’s wedding.
Overall the representation was good and I loved the food 🤩. I’ve come to the conclusion I might need to marry a chef after this book.
August 30, 2023
Oh my God.
Y'all when I tell you, I'm OBSESSED with this book. I personally think it's THE perfect contemporary romance to read.
Nisha had me laughing nonstop with all of the aunties meddling antics, swooning over the budding romance between Bobbi and Bunty, and SWEATING over the insane spice that she's written.
I admired Bobbi's strength and the way she showed up for the people she loves! She's such a career centered woman and I LOVED how she wasn't afraid to take charge in wanting to further her career while also making Kareena and Prem's wedding perfect.
Bunty was personally everything to me. He was the sweetest but also was giving strong, stern brunch daddy vibes. (IYKYK)
Also, the subtle Taylor Swift references were ICONIC.
I highly recommend that everyone read this book!
If you love:
Chef MMC
Wedding Planner FMC
Much Ado About Nothing Retelling
Meddling Aunties
Rope Burn (IYKYK)
He falls first and harder
A wedding Shaadi Saboteur
You need to read this book!!!
Y'all when I tell you, I'm OBSESSED with this book. I personally think it's THE perfect contemporary romance to read.
Nisha had me laughing nonstop with all of the aunties meddling antics, swooning over the budding romance between Bobbi and Bunty, and SWEATING over the insane spice that she's written.
I admired Bobbi's strength and the way she showed up for the people she loves! She's such a career centered woman and I LOVED how she wasn't afraid to take charge in wanting to further her career while also making Kareena and Prem's wedding perfect.
Bunty was personally everything to me. He was the sweetest but also was giving strong, stern brunch daddy vibes. (IYKYK)
Also, the subtle Taylor Swift references were ICONIC.
I highly recommend that everyone read this book!
If you love:
Chef MMC
Wedding Planner FMC
Much Ado About Nothing Retelling
Meddling Aunties
Rope Burn (IYKYK)
He falls first and harder
A wedding Shaadi Saboteur
You need to read this book!!!
January 6, 2024
3.4 stars.
The good. Two interesting characters who have a misunderstanding when they first meet end up together for most of the book. Like that she's a confidant plus size woman.
The weird. All the drama. There's this plot about someone sabotaging a wedding. It makes no sense on so many levels. Also, there's a weird thing where a character acts super racist and at the end it's all "haha. That was part of the act to get you two together". Uh?
The argh. During the third act breakup (yes, sigh), the heroine asks the hero for help and he says "I'm not going to cater the wedding".
She replies saying "I asked you for help. I didn't ask you to cater."
He runs away. And then, when he comes to terms with how much of a douche nozzle he was, he decides his "grovel" will include catering the wedding. But keeping it a surprise to her. I just wanted to reach out and hit him in the back of the head.
I cannot imagine that their marriage is going to be easy. At. All.
Also, for whatever reason, all the sexy times skeeved me out and I had to skip past them.
The good. Two interesting characters who have a misunderstanding when they first meet end up together for most of the book. Like that she's a confidant plus size woman.
The weird. All the drama. There's this plot about someone sabotaging a wedding. It makes no sense on so many levels. Also, there's a weird thing where a character acts super racist and at the end it's all "haha. That was part of the act to get you two together". Uh?
The argh. During the third act breakup (yes, sigh), the heroine asks the hero for help and he says "I'm not going to cater the wedding".
She replies saying "I asked you for help. I didn't ask you to cater."
He runs away. And then, when he comes to terms with how much of a douche nozzle he was, he decides his "grovel" will include catering the wedding. But keeping it a surprise to her. I just wanted to reach out and hit him in the back of the head.
I cannot imagine that their marriage is going to be easy. At. All.
Also, for whatever reason, all the sexy times skeeved me out and I had to skip past them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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