Review:

It’s a story that not only tastes like shakkar but also leaves a sweet and lasting impression. A story no less than a Bollywood movie – Nisha Sharma weaves an exciting tale of love, sizzling romance and friendship.

Nisha Sharma’s Tastes Like Shakkar is a delightful and heartwarming novel that offers readers a sweet escape into the world of romance and cultural fusion. A compelling blend of love, family, tradition, and self-discovery, all served with a generous sprinkling of humor and charm. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant state of California, the story follows the journey of Bobby and Bunty, two strong-willed individuals brought together by the mission of organizing a traditional Indian wedding. What starts as a reluctant collaboration between enemies soon transforms into a passionate and deep-seated love affair.

“It’s less about the clothes and more about you that makes you beautiful.”

from the Book Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma.

Are you ready to get lost as Bobby plans her best friend’s wedding? She is made to cooperate and work with her enemy Bunty aka Benjamin Bunty Padda. In the vibrant state of California, Bunty and Bobbi are made to work together for a desi Indian Wedding for their best friends.

There is someone trying to sabotage the wedding and the duo with other aunties tries to find the person behind that while controlling the damage done. Amidst everything, the enemies turn into lovers as love blooms between Bunty and Bobbi. Will it last forever? With they choose family over love? The two career-oriented individuals have a lot on their plate. Will they be able to handle their relationship?

As they work together to make their friends’ dreams come true, they find themselves on a journey filled with surprising twists and turns, both in the wedding preparations and their own hearts. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of their relationship, capturing the essence of love amidst chaos and cultural expectations.

Nisha Sharma’s storytelling is both vivid and evocative. She paints a vivid picture of the California Indian community, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and flavors of their world. The cultural elements and traditions woven throughout the narrative add depth and authenticity to the story, making it a rich exploration of Indian-American life and identity.

Nisha Sharma’s writing style is engaging and peppered with vivid descriptions, making it easy to immerse oneself in the world she creates. She successfully balances moments of laughter with those of genuine emotion, crafting a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings while delivering plenty of smiles. The pacing is well-executed, with the story gradually building tension and emotional depth as it progresses.

The alternating viewpoints of Bunty and Bobby provide a well-rounded perspective on their evolving relationship. It allows readers to connect with both characters on a deeper level and understand their motivations, fears, and desires. This narrative choice adds depth to the romance, making it more relatable and emotionally resonant.  Nisha gives importance to the minute details and to family while keeping it light and powerful at the same time. It gives readers a flutter in the stomach as we read about the duo’s evolving bond. It’s sweet and spicy, hot and cold, two different individuals with busy schedules making their space in each other’s lives is too much fun to read.

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While Tastes Like Shakkar is primarily a romance, it is also a story of family dynamics, personal aspirations, self-discovery and friendship. The book explores the tension between familial expectations and individual dreams, supportive friends which many readers will find relatable and thought-provoking. What sets this story apart is Nisha’s emphasis on individual journeys alongside the romantic narrative. How both protagonists navigate life’s ups and downs adds an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the tale, making it all the more engaging.

With each event, the story gains momentum as the duo dives into wedding preparations, shedding light on the inner battles they face as individuals—whether prioritizing personal aspirations over family expectations or proving their worth to their loved ones. Nisha pays meticulous attention to detail and family values, striking a balance between levity and emotional depth. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own desires and aspirations, even in the face of cultural and familial pressures. It’s a light, fast-paced read infused with drama and entertainment.

One of the standout aspects of Tastes Like Shakkar is Nisha Sharma’s skillful character development.  Bobby and Bunty are not your typical romance novel protagonists. They are career-focused, ambitious, and independent individuals with their own sets of insecurities and personal goals. Their character growth throughout the narrative is a testament to the author’s talent for creating authentic and evolving personalities. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the lives of these characters, rooting for their success, and empathizing with their struggles.

Moreover, the supporting characters, the duo’s friends add depth and humor to the narrative. Kareena’s Aunties, in particular, steal the show with their entertaining antics and witty dialogues. The camaraderie among the characters adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling. All of them give us major friendship goals.

However, a minor drawback is that some parts of the story may feel slightly predictable, especially to seasoned romance readers. Nevertheless, the engaging characters and witty dialogue more than makeup for any predictability in the plot. The climax is satisfying hinting at book 3 and Veera’s journey which seems to be another exciting roller-coaster ride.

In all, Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma is a delectable treat for readers seeking a heartwarming romance with lots of entertainment. With well-drawn characters, a touch of humor, and a healthy dose of emotion, this book is a delightful addition to your shelf if you love reading Rom-Coms. It’s a story that not only tastes like shakkar but also leaves a sweet and lasting impression.

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