Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the e-book copy!

I recently read Dating Dr. Dil because I knew I had a Tastes Like Shakkar and I wanted the knowledge from the former in mind while reading the latter. While I did not enjoy Dating Dr. Dil, I did enjoy Tastes Like Shakkar. I enjoyed Bobbi and Benjamin's relationship as well as their character development. I liked that despite struggling they were willing to ultimately compromise on their life choices to accommodate the other. The mystery aspect of this added to the plot well and I had fun seeing some characters I liked from the first book. I recommend this book especially if you are like me and did not enjoy Dating Dr. Dil. I am going to read the final book soon and I hope it also turns out to be a great experience.

✨ Review ✨ Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma; Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Vikas Adam

Thanks to PRHAudio, Berkley and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

The release of the third book in the If Shakespeare Was an Auntie series lit a fire under me to finally read this book, #2 in the series.

Kareena and Prem, the characters of book 1 are getting married, and one of her best friends, Bobbi Kaur is planning the wedding. But she's forced to work with one of Prem's besties, the chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda to plan the wedding's food. The only problem is, besides hating Bunty, is that someone's trying to sabotage the wedding, and they're forced to work together to figure it out.

This was lots of fun and truly a joy to listen to and read. The elements of friendship, family networks, and Indian weddings made this a rich story, filled with layers and texture, and was filled with drama and delicious-sounding food.

I don't really know the plot of Much Ado about Nothing, so I didn't have strong feelings about that, but the chemistry between Bobbi and Bunty is 🔥. The enemies-to-lovers plot isn't particularly drawn out, but I was okay with that. I loved what they had together! I can't wait to read the third book!

🎧 I loved the audio with the caveat that sometimes when Bunty would stay something stern or short with someone it would come off sounding cruel rather than just stern.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.25)
Genre: f/m contemporary romance
Setting: NYC/Jersey
Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
Pub Date: 2023

Read this if you like:
⭕️ Big Indian weddings
⭕️ enemies-to-lovers
⭕️ Shakespeare-inspired stories
⭕️ Indian food

Thank you, Nisha Sharma, for this lovely book. The protagonists has good banter and portrayed in a way that all relationships should ideally be handled with great care and mutual respect.

I was happy in how Sharma stressed the need for consent and safety in any relationship.

nisha sharma's books are the most well constructed, joyous, heart warming rom coms i've had the pleasure of reading. such an amazing follow up to dating dr. dil, i loved this!! you care so deeply about the characters and feel their emotions so strongly, i can't wait to read the next one in the series :)

I loved the first book and this one met all my expectations.I liked the connection that Bunty and Bobbi had, it felt real.

Thanks to Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC of this title!

I will admit, I didnt realize this was a book 2 so there were a few moments I was a little lost but not to the point I couldnt follow what was happening. Ultimately, a fun romcom with witty characters that is an entertaining read!

I just finished reading 'Tastes Like Shakkar If Shakespeare Was an Auntie #2' by Nisha Sharma, and I'm still reeling from the experience! This book is a masterclass in storytelling, blending the Bard's wit and wisdom with the warmth and humor of an auntie's love. Sharma's writing is nothing short of enchanting, transporting me to a world of spice and sisterhood. The characters leap off the page, their struggles and triumphs feeling both deeply personal and universally relatable. If you're looking for a tale that will nourish your heart and soul, look no further.. Definitely Your Next 5⭐ Read..

This was sweet and hilarious and I love the aunties. (Also, it was capital N, Naaaaasty.) Argh, that epilogue. I’ll definitely have to pick up the next one.

2 stars

As an avid reader and fellow Indian, I was excited to dive into Nisha Sharma’s Tastes Like Shakkar, hoping for a story rich in cultural nuances and relatable experiences. While the novel does sprinkle in some authentic elements, it ultimately falls flat in delivering a compelling and cohesive narrative.One of the highlights of Tastes Like Shakkar is its attempt to weave in Indian culture, from familial dynamics to vibrant celebrations. These moments provide a colorful backdrop that adds authenticity to the story. However, the cultural aspects sometimes feel superficial, more like a checklist of cultural references rather than an integrated part of the characters' lives. This can make the portrayal feel forced and less genuine.The characters, while diverse and rooted in an Indian context, lack depth and development. The protagonist's journey is predictable, and her relationships, especially the romantic one, lack the spark and complexity that make for an engaging read. The interactions often feel scripted and fail to capture the essence of real, heartfelt connections that one would expect in a novel centered around love and family. Though Tastes Like Shakkar has moments that reflect the beauty and complexity of Indian culture, it ultimately falls short in providing a satisfying and well-rounded narrative. The lack of depth in characters and plot, combined with a straightforward and unremarkable writing style, makes it a less memorable read. For those seeking a rich and authentic representation of Indian life and love, this novel may leave you wanting more.

One of my favorite sub-genres is romance novels featuring Indian characters, particularly those featuring interfering aunties. I don’t know what it is about this sub-genre, but I just adore the scenes of big weddings and family members who care so much that they can’t help but get involved the main character’s business. So I was lucky to get “Tastes Like Shakkar” by Nisha Sharma from Avon Books and Netgalley, the sequel to “Dating Dr. Dil.” You really do need to have read the first book before this one, since they’re planning the wedding of those characters and there are mentions of events in that first book. It is also based on “Much Ado about Nothing” by Shakespeare, though I haven’t read that one in so long I couldn’t tell you where those influences were.

Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me, I didn’t get the same sense of strong connection between Bobbi and Benjamin that I got from the first book. What did work for me were the characters’ devotions to their jobs - Bobbi to being a wedding planner and Benjamin as a chef and restaurant owner. I also appreciated the family dynamics, the reappearance of the aunties from “Dating Dr. Dil,” and learning more about the pieces of Indian weddings. The second half was better than the first, but still it was an “eh” overall. I'm hoping it was just a sophomore slump, and Nisha Sharma comes back strong with the third "Marriage & Masti" out in August.

Really liked the enemies to lovers vibes in this book and the mystery subplot as well. Funny thing though...I'm not a huge fan of 3rd POV, but it wasn't until maybe halfway through the book that I realized it was in 3rd! Idk how that happened lol.

I wanted to give this a try even though I didn't love the first in the series, but this still wasn't a win for me. I'm probably just not into Shakespeare remakes so this is just a me thing!

4.5 stars (4 stars on this grid)

Taste Like Shankar was so much fun and sex. Such a fun enemies to lovers. Loved the wedding planning and the food moment in this as well. Really love Ben and Bobbi as individuals and as a couple.. Highly recommend this one.

I loved Dating Dr Dil and this was a perfect #2 to this series. I really love when people take classics and give them a modern twist and this was done perfectly. I look forward to reading more by Sharma!

This retelling of Much Ado About Nothing for the modern age is entertaining and enjoyable. The premise of the best friend's wedding and tied in with food makes it all the more enjoyable and is the perfect follow up to Dating Dr. Dil.

Synopsis:

Bobbi Kaur, event planner extraordinnaire, is determined to plan a celebration to remember for her best friend’s wedding but someone keeps trying to sabotage her plans and she has to work with the egotistical but irritatingly sexy, chef Benjamin "Bunty" Padda. With hopes to take over her family's event planning business, she knows her future career is on the line. Bunty has his hands full trying to find a new location for his next restaurant and playing mediator between his brother and father, while helping Bobbi plan the wedding. The two have no choice but to call a truce and face the volatile attraction they have for each other.

Review:

This was an entertaining read with a cast of *super dramatic* characters. It felt pretty in line with the drama that can happen during an Indian wedding. I loved that Bobbi was a curvy girl and also a career woman. I felt like I could relate to the South Asian family dynamics in this book, with both main characters being bound by family obligations - and trying to balance their desires while also being supportive of their families. The romance was *fire* and I love that you get to basically attend a big fat Indian wedding just by reading this book!

Thank you to Avon Books for my digital galley!

I am LOVING the plus size rep in books lately and Tastes Like Shakkar did NOT disappoint!

We got to know more of Bobby & Bunti and I loved it! The banter. The enemies to lovers. I mean, how do you come back from heavy making out to being told you’re not the type?

I love how Nisha keeps it real and gives me glimpses of the culture & food. Cause we LOVE

I never saw that I was approved for this, so it got archived but I bought it and am OBSESSED with it. I’ll read anything Nisha Sharma puts in front of me. I love her so much. This book was so amazing and I love all the nods to Shakespeare it adds a fun thing of looking for easter eggs almost. I am obsessed with Benjamin and Bobbi. I related a lot to Bobbi so I really appreciated their love story. Highly recommend!!!

I’m a huge fan of Much Ado and think it lends itself quite nicely to adaptation. Sharma did a great job weaving this and the previous book in the series together. However, that does mean this isn’t quite as stand alone as a lot of other romance novels. The chemistry between the leads crackled and I loved the sabotage subplot. It kept things super interesting and provided fun opportunities to incorporate more tangential characters.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers and this one is chef’s kiss (literally.😉)

I never knew I needed the micro-trope of an MMC making sure an FMC is always well fed and that her fridge is stocked, but here we are. And I have to say it is a very underrated trope and I need to see it more. It might actually be a new favorite. Food is love.🩷

I’m also seriously becomming obsessed with any book that has a chef character. Maybe it’s because I’m cooking more, but nothing is hotter than good food and good times. 😘 And @nishawrites knows how to deliver. I love this series and can’t wait for Veera and Deepak’s book.

Special thanks to @avonbooks for the ARC.