Hello, First name / my friend!
The thing about authors is that we all started out as readers. Even when we cross the procrastination-and-coffee-lined bridge from reader to writer, we never stop reading. Some of us pivot to reading different genres or categories because author brains can be twitchy like that, but we still read. Even better, we get to tell everyone about the books we’re loving. And I’ve been waiting to tell you about Nisha Sharma’s newest series, If Shakespeare Were an Auntie.
This series introduces three friends, each focused on professional goals and figuring out who they are relative to their family and community. These are strong, fascinating, relatable women and they find themselves entangled with infuriating (but also amazing) guys, plus a Greek chorus of meddlesome aunties. They mean well!
First, we meet Kareena in
Dating Dr. Dil, who is stuck in a no-win situation at home. Her family is needlessly tough on her, her sister is the golden child, and all attempts at dating have gone down in flames. Enter Prem, who just isn’t speaking Kareena’s language at all. Way leads to way and they end up (grudgingly) fake-dating. It’s a constant battle of wills with these two and sparks fly bright and hot, and there’s some well-needed comeupances handed out.
Then we meet Bobbi in
Tastes Like Shakkar. She’s one of the area’s top wedding planners and when it’s time to meet Prem’s best man (because of course she’s planning Kareena’s wedding), they get off on the wrong foot in a serious way. Bunty is a renowned chef trying to manage his family’s food business on the west coast while also running his restaurants on the east coast, and making peace with his best friend’s wedding planner at the same time. This is one of those books where it’s clear the couple is just made for each other. You can’t help but root for them.
Finally, we meet Veera in
Marriage and Masti. Her story was hinted at in the final chapters of
Tastes Like Shakkar and I was immediately feral for that book. Veera and Deepak get drunk-married when both of their lives are not in wonderful spots and then…they just decide to keep those good times going. For show. But, as is wont to occur in these situations, they realize they have feelings for each other. This is another instance of some very necessary comeuppance being delivered, plus some unexpected turns of events. I
loved this one.
At its core, this series is a study in complex families and all the shapes families can take. We see Kareena, Bobbi, and Veera’s found family, and how it grows to accommodate their partners. We see the extended family of the aunties and the Indian immigrant community’s role in the lives of their heroines. We see the very complicated families they’re born into. There were many, many instances while reading these books where I wondered when these characters would enforce some boundaries and go no/low-contact with their parents or siblings. I was so happy to see Veera make that choice and stand by it in her book.
But the real art of examining a complex family system comes from watching a character realize who they are and what they deserve, and how to stand up in that system. And that’s what this series is—an artful deconstruction of family systems and their impact on us not simply in romantic relationships but also our conversation with the world around us. Yes, some of these families are toxic. Some would benefit from no/low-contact. Everyone needs some form of therapy. But that’s the world, my friend. That’s the real world we live in and these are the real families that exist around us—if they aren’t us. And I think that’s what is so very masterful about this series.
The nuts and bolts: there is heat, humor, and happy ever afters for all the core couples. Spice levels are very subjective though I’d say it’s not too much more or less spicy than anything you’ve read from me. Each of these books could read as a standalone/out of order with the caveat that there will be references to previous couples and the hijinks associated with them getting together. All are available in audio. These books are also modern spins on Shakespearean plays though you do not need to know anything about Shakespeare to read and enjoy these books. Definitely worth the read!
Hope you're doing well, my friend!
