This book made me so happy! It was so unconventional for a south asian romance. It broke all the barriers! I love the fact that we meet familiar faces again from Dr. Dil but I think I just love Bunty and Bobbi! Workaholics, sworn to never get married or in a serious relationship, both trying to prove their worth and weighed down by family responsibilities and then they come together and oh my - It is spicy… super spicy!

Kudos to Nisha for focusing on so many important issues, elevating the romance and spiciness in this book plus giving us such an awesome love story

3.5 🌟 rounded

I really enjoyed Dating Dr. Dil so requesting this book was a no brainer. A romcom + mystery? Yes please.

This book had me hooked until the 🌶 scenes. There was just parts of it that were a little unbelievable and so so much 🌶. (Disclosure: I prefer closed door romances). But the mystery aspect kept the book engaging for me. If you are drawn to spice, you'd def enjoy this book.

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

I wish I could describe how it felt to be immersed in this story. There aren’t any words that can do the feeling justice. But I will try my best to explain.
As a first-gen Mexican-American, my heart burst with joy in reading a story about culture, family, and community. There was a sense of understanding in how it feels to be surrounded by it all.
You could feel the pride!
Bobbi & Bunty were chefs kiss (pun totally intended;) There was banter, humor, swooning, tension ;) Oh! And some good groveling! The friendships in this series shine, and the family moments brought tearful smiles.
I’m not one to enjoy 3rd person POV, but this was done flawlessly. I’m also not one the follow a series where friend groups pair off, yet I’m sooo shipping Veepak!

I liked this loose Much ado about nothing retelling and sequel to Dating Dr. Dill sooo much better than the previous book!!

Plus-size wedding planner, Bobbi is determined to help her best friend Kareena have a perfect Desi wedding. The only problem is that she gets tasked to work with the groom's best man and famous chef, Benjamin 'Bunty' on the wedding menu. Sparks fly from the start and slowly Bobbi realizes Bunty isn't as terrible as she first thought.

I loved their slow burn rivals to friends to lovers relationship. The sexual chemistry between them was FIRE (including lots of rope play and bondage). Great on audio and perfect for fans of Sonali Dev and Sara Desai. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

In the second installment of the "If Shakespeare Was An Auntie" series, Nisha Sharma brings us a Punjabi-American rendition of Much Ado About Nothing.

Benjamin and Bobbi are living the opposites attract / grumpy-sunshine trope. Like their personalities, this book was a showcase of contradictions. The chemistry was on fire, but the banter and dialogue weren't as compelling for me. I liked Benjamin and Bobbi more than the couple in the first novel in the series and I found I was more invested in the storyline overall. I loved that way fatness, or really any body type other than skinny model, is often treated in the Indian-American community was addressed. This was an area I haven't seen many authors ventures and I appreciated it. On the flip side, the names and pet names were rather stereotypical (though from what I've seen of Sharma's social media, this may well have been tongue-in-cheek). The aunties were, of course, a riot. I wished the cool fusion food ideas were real because I finished this book craving some good Mumbai street food.

All that being said, did I read this entire book in one fever dream sitting? Yes, yes I did.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Sexy and fun, spicy and sweet, with a Desi wedding and a mystery to solve, Tastes Like Shakkar hits all the high notes for me.
I loved everything about this book!

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved this book! Once I started it, it couldn't put it down and I finished the book in 1 day. It was so similar to Dating Dr. Dil yet so different at the same time. To start off, I LOVED that Bobbi was plus sized! It is definitely the representation we need in South Asian book. Also, I loved that this book explored different kinks and really got into *spicy details*. There is, once again, this stigma that surrounds South Asian literature that it should be pure and that Indians are "prudes" and such. I love how Nisha Sharma is breaking those stereotypes and giving us the spiciest scenes! This book was the perfect mix of cute/lovey dovey and spicy. Beyond that, the plot of the book was also super intriguing and I love how each character, including side characters, had a role in the book. The all contributed to the plot and weren't simply "side characters" if that makes sense. Overall, Nisha took so many different elements I Iove within a book and put them all together to create this masterpiece. Everyone needs to read this book when it comes out (August 1st) and make sure to clear your calender for that day because you won't be able to put this book down until you finish it!! Nisha AMAZING job, you truly have outdone yourself. I cannot wait for the third book in the series, Veera and Deepak's story. I know it is going to be just as amazing as the first two!!!!

I really enjoyed this fun romance. I have Dating Dr. Dil, but haven't read it yet, but now I want to read that next! The characters' chemistry is wonderful and readers can really feel the tension and attraction on the page. The Shaadi Saboteur storyline was really fun and the Aunts are a hoot! They might be my favorite characters. 3.5 stars.

Thank you so much to the publisher for this E-arc!!!!!!!!!!

While this book is the follow-up to Dating Dr. Dil, it follows their best friends, Bobbi and Benjamin. Bobbi is a decorated wedding planner whose works in her family's event-planning business. At the same time, Benjamin (Bunty) is a chef who tries to figure out the location for his new restaurant. This book was so good. I just don't know how to explain it to you guys. Bobbi and Benjamin are so cute, and it is easy to root for their relationship. These characters were sexy and fun. The book also deals with family dynamics and setting boundaries. It also explores trust and focuses on reaching out for help. Even the side plot was so good and frustrating.
I am looking forward to the next book!

Thank you so much to Nisha Sharma, Harper Avon, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

I couldn’t put this book down and absolutely loved it! I was so excited when I originally found out we were getting a Bunty and Bobbi book and it did not disappoint! Nisha Sharma does a fantastic job of giving us a continuation of Prem and Kareena’s love story, while focusing on Bunty and Bobbi, but also setting up the story for the next couple. This might only be the second book in the series, but it seamlessly flows from the first book.

The chemistry between Bobbi and Bunty is off the charts from the start. Bunty is a secret cinnamon roll and I love it. Bobbi is a badass FMC that isn’t going to take crap from anyone. I truly enjoyed both characters and they’re probably my favorites in the series so far.

This book did such a great job with discussing family dynamics when it comes to relationship of first born child and the rest of the family in South East Asian families. The responsibility that is placed on eldest children to be everything that the family needs, which the author perfectly described as the “family manager”. It was awesome to see that both Bobbi and Bunty were able to work through their family relationships and communicate their needs to their families. It might seem like such an easy thing to do, but for those who have been in that type of dynamic with their families, it’s no easy feat.

I loved “Tastes Like Shakkar” and definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the “If Shakespeare Was an Auntie” series!

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

What's impressive about this is that I do not love wedding-centric romances or romances where a main character is a chef or baker, yet I was laughing and having a great time through this whole book. I picked this up because I loved Dating Dr. Dil– it was my favorite romance of last year. I am happy to continue in this series, and love the campy, over the top nature of Nisha Sharma's romance. I think fans of Jesse Q. Sutanto would also get a kick out of Nisha Sharma.

Can't wait for Veera and Deepak's story!

I really enjoyed this! Nisha Sharma is definitely becoming a favorite! I loved so much about Tastes Like Shakkar! I enjoy learning about Indian weddings and loved seeing Bobbi plan such an epic event. The chemistry between Bobbi and Benjamin was palpable from the start and I loved to see their relationship develop. The Shadi saboteur added an extra element of fun and mystery to this book and kept me entertained. I liked getting to see Kareena and Prem get their happy ever after since I loved them in Dating Dr. Dil. I can’t wait for the third book in the series!

One of my favorite reads last year was Dating Dr. Dil, which made me extremely excited to read Bobbi's story in Tastes Like Shakkar. I am happy to say that it exceeded all of my expectations.

Bobbi and Benjamin hate each other, but their chemistry was palpable from their very first encounter. Benjamin misspoke once and inadvertently hurt Bobbi's feelings and ever since then she has wanted nothing to do with the gorgeous chef. Benjamin is a sworn bachelor, but he cannot deny his attraction to the gorgeous wedding planner and loves to get a rise out of her.

After calling a temporary truce while planning their best friends' wedding, Benjamin and Bobbi start to realize they have more in common than just physical attraction. Benjamin swears he is not looking for anything serious, but he genuinely likes Bobbi, and he worries about her happiness and wellbeing. His complete obsession with making sure she doesn't forget to eat while working is so sweet. Bobbi does not believe she can have a meaningful relationship with Benjamin since his first priority seems to be pleasing his family. Obviously, they are both wrong.

It was so fun watching Bobbi and Benjamin develop feelings despite all of their objections, watching them grow closer physically and emotionally, watching them learn to stand up to their well-meaning, but often overbearing families, and finally find their own happiness.

Tastes Like Shakkar was a delightful read, full of rich and traditional Indian cultural references and sweet and steamy goodness. Also, the epilogue was such a tease, and I cannot wait for Veera and Deepak's book.

Tastes Like Shakkar is a modern Indian retelling of Much Ado About Nothing. The story follows Bobby and Benjamin, two “enemies” who are forced to come together to plan the wedding of their best friends. I loved how Nisha Sharma balanced a fun and entertaining plot with the perfect amount of steam.
Also, all the family dynamics and learning about the Indian culture was an added bonus! The audiobook was a ton of fun as both narrators were engaging and animiated.

Read if you like:
-Enemies to lovers
-Forced proximity
-Body positivity
-Open door romance
-Indian weddings
-All the aunties

Thank you Avon for the ARC. Pub date 8/1

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me a digital copy of "Tastes Like Shakkar" by Nisha Sharma in exchange for an honest review..

4 out of 5 stars

Wedding planner Bobbi has spent the last year trying to make up for the loss of a big client because she was unable to follow through on a big promise to said client. Her uncle/boss has been holding this against her ever since, and refusing to allow her greater responsibility in the family firm. Now Bobbi is planning her best friend's upcoming wedding. While this is partly a labor of love, she's also using the event as a way of proving herself by leveraging it to ensure future business with an exclusive venue. Thus FINALLY earning back her uncle's respect.

Meanwhile, the groom's best friend Benjamin (aka Bunty) is dealing with his own toxic family situation. He's the elder son of the commercial food empire Naan King. Although he rejected the family business years ago in favor of carving his own career as chef and restauranteur, his father insists that he won't pass leadership to Bunty's younger brother without Bunty serving in an official advisor capacity.

Bobbi and Bunty are forced to work together as members of the wedding party, despite their history of fighting (he's the reason she lost the client AND she thinks he rejected her because of her generous figure. The first part is true; the second is not.) But things get even more complicated when a mysterious wedding saboteur sets out to ruin the wedding. The wedding cake is order is cancelled, the venue's main chef was lured away, etc etc. Thus they develop their relationship while wedding planning AND tracking down the mysterious (and frankly absurd) saboteur.

Here's a petty gripe about the book, just to get it out of the way. Then we can talk more seriously. I'm irritated that the ONLY place the word "shakkar" appears is in the title. It is NEVER mentioned in the text. It's my (admittedly inexpert) understanding that the word translates in Hindi to "sugar." Tastes like Sugar is a great romance novel title, except that the word "sugar" only appears four times in the text. So.... the title is pretty nonsensical.

Now that that's off my chest, we'll go back to the important details. This book (and the first one in the series) pulls the majority of its drama from family toxicity. The author even mentions this in the acknowledgements. Bobbi and Bunty have some relationship challenges, including their history of antagonism and a lack of quality time due to mutually demanding careers. However, the main driver of the conflict is all toxic family dynamics. While the saboteur subplot seems like the main source of drama (which is also ultimately about toxicity), the thing that ultimately (albeit temporarily) drives Bobbi and Bunty apart is his family and the Naan King situation.

Probably no point more exemplifies the situation than this: when he declares his love for Bobbi, he says, "I love you more than anything else in this world, Bobbi Kaur." While he says this, he's still planning to move back to the West Coast to acquiesce to his father's emotional blackmail. So he loves her more than anything EXCEPT he'll still choose his family over her. I was grinding my teeth over that particular idiocy. Fortunately, he eventually comes to his senses and chooses her, thank goodness. His grovel is acceptable too.

For her part, Bobbi runs herself ragged to win the approval she so deeply wants. However, she gets a fabulous scene when she decides she is DONE with the drama and asserts herself like the glorious queen she is. Hands down, my favorite part of the book.

If you could take out all that garbage, I liked Bobbi and Bunty as a couple. Once they learn to communicate better, they are lovely together. He's a caretaker at heart, and feeding people is his love language. He's constantly feeding her, right from the start of the story. While their relationship seemed to move a little fast (I'm not ordinarily a huge fan of that), even that is addressed when Bunty observes that while they'd only been together as a couple for a short time, she's MATTERED to him for much longer. I loooooved that detail.

As for love scenes, they get pretty spicy. While this is no 50 Shades, Bunty is into bondage and Bobbi is receptive to exploring that with him. I appreciated that it's shown here in a loving, consensual relationship.

Overall, I guess I liked the book. I preferred the first book in the series "Dating Dr. Dil" and I'm looking forward to the next book, whenever that arrives. Yes, I clearly had some issues with the family dynamics, but that's a trigger of mine. Your mileage may vary. I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys strong, competent heroines.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment of this series following restaurant owner and Prem’s best friend, Benjamin (Bunty) and wedding planner and bestie to Kareena, Bobbi Kaur. After a disastrous first meeting 10 months prior, Bobbi and Bunty must work together to plan Kareena and Prem’s wedding. This book has a huge epistolary component which I loved; their relationship develops through banter and tender moments in their text exchanges. Bunty feeding Bobbi through food deliveries from his restaurant was adorable. They had so much chemistry and the spice was scorching. I wasn’t expecting it to be so good. The major issue I had with Dating Dr. Dil was Prem referring to his manhood as “Charlie” and I was happy to see that wasn’t an issue in this book.

As someone unfamiliar with Indian culture, I really enjoyed learning about wedding events and marriage in this book. I had to look about a lot of words and learned so many new things.

Overall, such a solid read. I really enjoyed immersing myself in Indian culture, more interactions with the Aunties and the friend group and Bunty and Bobbi’s love story. I cant wait for Deepak and Veera next. Fingers crossed!
Thank you so much to Avon Books for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.

I want to preface that “Much Ado About Nothing” is my absolute favorite Shakespeare play. I love the continuation of the “If Shakespeare Was An Auntie Series” (the first being “Dating Dr. Dil (which I love so hard) being a “Taming of the Shew” inspired) and this book is the embodiment of the tension and sparks between Beatrice and Benedick in our main characters, Benjamin and Bobbi.
Nisha Sharma is so incredibly good at building tension and the tension between these two is hot. I love how she draws the reader in to feel just as frustrated with the characters. That is a hard thing to create and she does it with ease.
The story itself focuses around the planning of the wedding for Prem and Kareena (loved seeing them again) and Benjamin and Bobbi must overcome their mutual dislike of each other to work together. Oh and there is a wedding saboteur that they need to find because of course. There is also family drama, meddling relatives, and tension that just melts the pages.
I enjoyed this book. It hit me in the all the feels.

I love Nisha and her writing! She writes in a way that feel a personal connection to the characters and their story and Tastes Like Shankar was no different than her other books. Great development, intriguing story, will definitely recommend.

“Love is always better with cheese,”

I absolutely loved Dating Dr. Dil, so I’ve been so excited for this book and was so happy to get an ARC of it!

This book was just FUN. Periodically silly, very heartfelt FUN. You’ve got meddling aunties. Wedding hijinks. A mysterious saboteur. Two very cute couples. Delightful spice. What’s not to love?

The book also touches on the two struggling with familial expectations and boundaries, and I really enjoyed how it was handled. Seeing the two learn to speak up for themselves was so satisfying. I could completely understand where both were coming from in their commitment to their families, but also understood the need for boundaries. This was a book where every choice made made sense.

I so quickly was incredibly invested in Benjamin and Bobbi’s relationship. I desperately wanted them to work through the struggles of a potential long distance relationship, misunderstands, and hard to accept feelings. But what I loved most? The communication. GOD THE COMMUNICATION. These two actually talked about so many of their issues!!! In a romance novel!!! Imagine!!!! There was maybe ONE example of information being held back from the other, but it was understandable within the context. You give me a couple that communicates and I’m gonna love them - I’m a simple girl here.

In conclusion: you want a fun read with a sweet couple and fun family? Pick up Tastes Like Shakkar, you won’t be disappointed. I cannot WAIT for the next installment in the series!!

It is always an absolute pleasure to read Nisha Sharma's writing! Again she gives us a beautifully written story full of heart.

I'm not as familiar with the Shakespear play 'much ado about nothing' that inspired this book, but I am definitely curious about it now that I read this book.

I loved the characters, the plot, the spice and will be recommending it to friends and customers.