Title: Tastes Like Shakkar
Author: Nisha Sharma
Series: If Shakespeare Was an Auntie #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Immigrant, South-East Asian
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Tastes Like Shakkar is funny, clever and full of heart. I really enjoyed reading Dating Dr. Dil. But, if anything, I enjoyed Tastes Like Shakkar even more. Maybe because Dating Dr. Dil was introducing me to a whole world and viewpoint that I have had literally no experience with, but I felt more enmeshed in this reality upon this read through. It might also just have been because I absolutely adored Bobbi and her many spitfire ways. Her level of drive and commitment, not just to her work, but also to holding a grudge, was fantastic. And I really loved how she went toe to toe with the many challenges thrown into her path. Without backing down or showing any kind of fear.

I’m always a big fan of a prequel that shows a couple’s first interactions, and then dives forward into the present day. In this case, it jumps from Bobbi and Bunty’s first meeting during Kareena and Prem’s courtship, and then dives headfirst into their frequent interactions in their wedding preparations. I loved this jump around as it perfectly sets up the initial animosity between the couple. But, rather than painting either of them as the fool, or the person who is at fault for their difficulties getting along, it is obvious just how they have both ended up in this position. Then, there’s the fact that this also helps to round out more of Prem and Kareena’s story.

As with Dating Dr. Dil, I’m not familiar with the original Shakespeare that this story was based upon. But, it made me actually halfway interested to read some more of Shakespeare’s works. Not necessarily because I’m excited by The Bard’s words, but because Sharma does such an amazing job of retelling the tale in a way that colours me intrigued. Plus, she’s not chosen Macbeth, King Lear or Romeo and Juliet – the three that I feel like are constantly retold and rehashed. The fact that this story also helps to tell of Sharma’s only reality as part of an immigrant family makes it even better and more enjoyable.

Although I loved reading about Bobbi and Bunty falling in love, as with Kareena and Prem’s story, it’s really the aunts that steal the show. I mean, they are hilarious, powerful and just all around joyful. Everyone needs Aunties like this in their lives to help them out of a tough spot. And although I haven’t had women of this calibre involved in my own life, I love the thought of them being involved in my daughter’s life. Plus, they might be considered Kareena’s Aunties, but they are also 100% there for Bobbi. This kind of love reminds me that there are so many good things in the world. Good people and a whole lot of love. Plus, they’re just outright hilarious to read about.

Amongst all of the other multiple joyous parts of this book, I really liked getting to know how a South-East Asian wedding take place. I spent the entire time trying to guess just who the Shaddi Saboteur was, and this, along with the new experiences left me feeling intrigued and happy. I absolutely adored this RomCom inspired insight into an entirely new world. And now I can’t wait to round out my reading of this trilogy with Marriage and Masti.

<- Dating Dr. Dil

Marriage & Masti ->

Image source: Goodreads