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Chai Masala Club #2
Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2023
87 people are currently reading
7219 people want to read
About the author
Annika Sharma
3 books288 followersBorn in Delhi and raised in central Pennsylvania, Annika Sharma followed her Penn State-loving heart to college in Happy Valley. There, she graduated with two Bachelor's degrees in Biobehavioral Health and Neuro-Psychology. She also holds two Master’s degrees from Penn State and George Washington University, respectively, in Early Childhood Special Education and Public Health.
She is a co-founder and co-host of That Desi Spark podcast, one of the largest independently run South Asian podcasts in the world. She currently lives in New York City while juggling her writing and podcasting careers. She is a lover of endless conversations, college football, social justice, traveling, books, all things related to England, dancing, superhero movies, and coffee.
She is a co-founder and co-host of That Desi Spark podcast, one of the largest independently run South Asian podcasts in the world. She currently lives in New York City while juggling her writing and podcasting careers. She is a lover of endless conversations, college football, social justice, traveling, books, all things related to England, dancing, superhero movies, and coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
January 18, 2023
THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
I was in the mood of reading a light romance so it seemed the right choice at that time.
Payal moves to US from UK for school and stayed there while working on her fashion line. Her family shows their affection by paying for all her expenses, otherwise, they don't have an emotional bond, except for Nani who is close to Payal. Nani is the maternal grandmother but in this book Nani was the paternal grandmother which doesn't make any sense, I find these kinds of blunders in South Asian Rep really nettlesome. Please, do a little research before labeling the wrong label relationships.
Ayaan is also working on his career in NY. He is not the most reliable and stable person. His family is worried that he won't be able to settle down in his life. On the other hand, Ayaan is desperate to prove himself and take the reins of his family business.
Both Ayaan and Payal only met once and it didn't end well. Both of their parents want them to get married for securing a business deal. Payal's father is desperate to save his business and Ayaan's father wants his son to be mature. Trade-off wedding is not something they both want, but there is a silver lining for each. Fake dating sounds like a win-win situation for both.
The story was cliche, the same run-the-mill story. The unique element was cringy writing. I am all for emotional connections and light romance, but I am not interested in learning about the sizes of organs of both genders. I won't ever get it why authors think it is necessary to define everything comprehensively. The cringy writing style took away most of the positive aspects of the story. The story didn't have much to offer so there were filler characters and dragged scenes. I just wanted this book to end, I knew the ending and the cringy writing and one-dimensional characters were getting out of hand.
I could have finished an assignment instead of reading this book.
I was in the mood of reading a light romance so it seemed the right choice at that time.
Payal moves to US from UK for school and stayed there while working on her fashion line. Her family shows their affection by paying for all her expenses, otherwise, they don't have an emotional bond, except for Nani who is close to Payal. Nani is the maternal grandmother but in this book Nani was the paternal grandmother which doesn't make any sense, I find these kinds of blunders in South Asian Rep really nettlesome. Please, do a little research before labeling the wrong label relationships.
Ayaan is also working on his career in NY. He is not the most reliable and stable person. His family is worried that he won't be able to settle down in his life. On the other hand, Ayaan is desperate to prove himself and take the reins of his family business.
Both Ayaan and Payal only met once and it didn't end well. Both of their parents want them to get married for securing a business deal. Payal's father is desperate to save his business and Ayaan's father wants his son to be mature. Trade-off wedding is not something they both want, but there is a silver lining for each. Fake dating sounds like a win-win situation for both.
The story was cliche, the same run-the-mill story. The unique element was cringy writing. I am all for emotional connections and light romance, but I am not interested in learning about the sizes of organs of both genders. I won't ever get it why authors think it is necessary to define everything comprehensively. The cringy writing style took away most of the positive aspects of the story. The story didn't have much to offer so there were filler characters and dragged scenes. I just wanted this book to end, I knew the ending and the cringy writing and one-dimensional characters were getting out of hand.
I could have finished an assignment instead of reading this book.
September 3, 2025
this was the therapy I needed after a horrendous first day of school (yes I read it in one sitting this afternoon)
September 7, 2023
I was kind of indifferent on this book... Despite all of the sexual references, it was very much closed door and I didn't feel like we got to understand why their chemistry was so irresistible. The third act break-up also made little to no sense, as they were both using each other from the start. So why get mad about it? I dunno.
May 5, 2023
I am THOROUGHLY loving this series featuring a group of four South Asian college friends who find love and navigate the complexities of parental expectations. In this book we get to know more about fashion designer Payal who is asked by her parents to enter an arranged marriage to save the family business.
She and Ayaan have undeniable chemistry and neither is looking for real love so they agree to go along with the arrangement in order to make their families happy only to find themselves falling in love and believing they just might be able to make something real work.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sonali Dev. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!
She and Ayaan have undeniable chemistry and neither is looking for real love so they agree to go along with the arrangement in order to make their families happy only to find themselves falling in love and believing they just might be able to make something real work.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sonali Dev. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!
December 10, 2023
This was fun! I had a blast, the main couple’s banter made me giggle lots.
September 23, 2024
Never judge a book by its cover. For example: I loved the cover but this book was one of my least favorite books I’ve read this year. It wasn’t for me
May 24, 2023
Rounded to 3.5 stars.
Thank you to libro.fm for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I snatched this one up hoping for a repeat experience.
The South Asian representation within the diaspora was great. I loved the way that the characters maintain various aspects of their culture, including dress, food, rituals, holidays, foods, and in the case of the central foursome in this story, spending time with South Asian friends regularly over a cup of masala chai. I especially love that Payal, as a fashion designer, incorporates traditional South Asian clothing into her designs in a more modern way.
However, this one didn't pack the same punch as the first book in the series did. Maybe it was because I didn't quite connect with the characters as easily, since they came across as a bit flat for me. They were kind of pushed into these boxes that defined who they were, and it restricted them from becoming well-developed characters. Initially, I was decided whether or not to DNF this one, and while I'm glad I didn't, it didn't turn out to be an incredible read.
I get that an arranged marriage plot isn't going to carry the same kind of chemistry as another kind of plot, but obviously there was some kind of connection between Payal and Ayaan, since when we first meet them, they're having a one-night stand that didn't end well, but I would have expected them to have more of a connection. The relationship wound up feeling more forced than I would have expected.
Also, I couldn't help but wonder how common the arranged marriages are in South Asian cultures. I see it come up fairly often in books, but of the South Asian friends that I have had in my life, only 1 has had an arranged marriage. It makes me curious if my friends are the anomaly or if it's being boosted as more common than it really is simply to sell books.
Finally, the pacing was off. Certain parts of the story dragged, while others flew past. I couldn't help but find myself bored during some parts, but the faster-paced parts were really interesting. Overall, this was a good read, but not a great one.
Thank you to libro.fm for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I snatched this one up hoping for a repeat experience.
The South Asian representation within the diaspora was great. I loved the way that the characters maintain various aspects of their culture, including dress, food, rituals, holidays, foods, and in the case of the central foursome in this story, spending time with South Asian friends regularly over a cup of masala chai. I especially love that Payal, as a fashion designer, incorporates traditional South Asian clothing into her designs in a more modern way.
However, this one didn't pack the same punch as the first book in the series did. Maybe it was because I didn't quite connect with the characters as easily, since they came across as a bit flat for me. They were kind of pushed into these boxes that defined who they were, and it restricted them from becoming well-developed characters. Initially, I was decided whether or not to DNF this one, and while I'm glad I didn't, it didn't turn out to be an incredible read.
I get that an arranged marriage plot isn't going to carry the same kind of chemistry as another kind of plot, but obviously there was some kind of connection between Payal and Ayaan, since when we first meet them, they're having a one-night stand that didn't end well, but I would have expected them to have more of a connection. The relationship wound up feeling more forced than I would have expected.
Also, I couldn't help but wonder how common the arranged marriages are in South Asian cultures. I see it come up fairly often in books, but of the South Asian friends that I have had in my life, only 1 has had an arranged marriage. It makes me curious if my friends are the anomaly or if it's being boosted as more common than it really is simply to sell books.
Finally, the pacing was off. Certain parts of the story dragged, while others flew past. I couldn't help but find myself bored during some parts, but the faster-paced parts were really interesting. Overall, this was a good read, but not a great one.
April 20, 2023
2/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book presented an interesting concept and introduction, but as the story progressed, I feel like the character development was left behind. Our main characters didn't have any chemistry, in my opinion, and the writing was too descriptive for my liking. It is just not for me. However, I can still see this being enjoyed by other readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book presented an interesting concept and introduction, but as the story progressed, I feel like the character development was left behind. Our main characters didn't have any chemistry, in my opinion, and the writing was too descriptive for my liking. It is just not for me. However, I can still see this being enjoyed by other readers.
May 10, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for providing an eARC i exchange for an honest review
Payal is an only child and slated to inherit her family's company, but she is working on her passion, creating her own fashion line. She uses an app for a hook up and matches with the son of family friends, they have a one night stand that ends in miscommunication and mis understanding. Ayaan is the family mess up looking to prove and redeem himself for past mistakes. They both are told by their family's they must get engaged as part of a merger deal between their family company's. They both see the potential to agree only by getting something out of it and ending it before actually getting married. As they both get to know each other and support the other, the facade may lead to real feelings.
This was fabulous, the culture, values, and diversity was such a breath of fresh air. The friendships and family dynamic were so well explored and written. The characters were flawed and dynamic and I could relate to them so well. I am very excited for the next instalment in this series.
Payal is an only child and slated to inherit her family's company, but she is working on her passion, creating her own fashion line. She uses an app for a hook up and matches with the son of family friends, they have a one night stand that ends in miscommunication and mis understanding. Ayaan is the family mess up looking to prove and redeem himself for past mistakes. They both are told by their family's they must get engaged as part of a merger deal between their family company's. They both see the potential to agree only by getting something out of it and ending it before actually getting married. As they both get to know each other and support the other, the facade may lead to real feelings.
This was fabulous, the culture, values, and diversity was such a breath of fresh air. The friendships and family dynamic were so well explored and written. The characters were flawed and dynamic and I could relate to them so well. I am very excited for the next instalment in this series.
February 20, 2025
Miles ahead of book #1!!! I knew you had it in you Ms. Sharma. I do wish the epilogue gave us a little more, especially after that drawn-out 3rd act break up.
As she stared closer, the diamonds on the band ended with two opals—October, she knew instantly, was Ayaan’s birth month. The opals would be hidden by her fingers. “I wanted you to know I’ll always be a part of you too and that I don’t have to be seen. You just have to shine.”
As she stared closer, the diamonds on the band ended with two opals—October, she knew instantly, was Ayaan’s birth month. The opals would be hidden by her fingers. “I wanted you to know I’ll always be a part of you too and that I don’t have to be seen. You just have to shine.”
June 8, 2025
3,5 rounded up.
I really like this series where we always learn more about a different member of the Chai massala club. I loved the premise of a fashion designer combining traditional clothing with modern outfits.
I really like this series where we always learn more about a different member of the Chai massala club. I loved the premise of a fashion designer combining traditional clothing with modern outfits.
June 3, 2025
this book was yum
March 29, 2023
Something about this book rubbed me the wrong way. The characters have a failed hookup and then their families decide they need to get engaged to save the business of one of their families. Even the female lead Payal tells her parents they basically sold her off for their business. Yet the two leads still manage to fall in “love” while being forced into a fake engagement. The families never acknowledge fully the wrong they did by setting up these two. Everyone was just pressuring them to get married. The whole thing was uncomfortable really.
Outside of the plot the writing was decent and the alternate points of view worked well. Two stars for the writing but one star for the story.
Outside of the plot the writing was decent and the alternate points of view worked well. Two stars for the writing but one star for the story.
July 23, 2023
It was such a struggle to make myself finish this book. Didn’t care for the writing style in general and couldn’t find much to like about the two main characters. They had no chemistry at all. Every bit of dialogue seemed so forced, regardless of which characters were involved - friends, family, or fiancés. If you randomly find this on the library shelf like I did, just skip it.
May 16, 2023
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC. this was incredibly shallow? Great concept but the execution was not great at all. Disliked both leads, found them vapid and highly entitled. No chemistry at all between them. The one-dimensional representation of India bothered me as well. Not a good time at all.
May 5, 2024
Thank God Akash kind of redeemed himself at the end or else I'd have hated his book!
April 29, 2023
Whether you love an arranged marriage plot or are looking for a palate cleanser, Sugar, Spice, and Can’t Play Nice will do the trick.
The second book in a series of interconnected standalones focusing on a group of friends from Indian backgrounds who live in New York City, the story focuses on Payal, a posh British-Indian who is launching her own fashion line, and Ayaan, a family friend who is a bit of a black sheep and has more than a bit of a playboy reputation.
After a one-night stand ends in disaster for them, Payal and Ayaan are informed by their families that as part of a business acquisition, the two of them need to agree to an arranged marriage. And though neither of them *wants* to marry the other, they both temporarily agree – but throw in their own stipulations.
From there, you go on a bit of a slow-burn journey as Payal and Ayaan start getting to know each other in earnest, and though nothing about the plot will surprise you, it’s still a very nice time as these characters warm to each other, navigate their families, and help each other grow.
I especially love that Annika Sharma writes this big cast of diverse characters from the Indian diaspora with so much care and nuance, really showcasing the breadth of experiences and differing expectations that people who grew up in different places have – as well as the rich cultural commonalities and understanding that bring these characters together.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read that also serves up some drama and a teeny bit of angst – and that features The Penrose, one of my favorite Manhattan spots when I lived in NYC.☺️
3.5🌟
0.75🌶️
👗An enormous thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy! Sugar, Spice, and Can’t Play Nice will be out May 2nd!💕
The second book in a series of interconnected standalones focusing on a group of friends from Indian backgrounds who live in New York City, the story focuses on Payal, a posh British-Indian who is launching her own fashion line, and Ayaan, a family friend who is a bit of a black sheep and has more than a bit of a playboy reputation.
After a one-night stand ends in disaster for them, Payal and Ayaan are informed by their families that as part of a business acquisition, the two of them need to agree to an arranged marriage. And though neither of them *wants* to marry the other, they both temporarily agree – but throw in their own stipulations.
From there, you go on a bit of a slow-burn journey as Payal and Ayaan start getting to know each other in earnest, and though nothing about the plot will surprise you, it’s still a very nice time as these characters warm to each other, navigate their families, and help each other grow.
I especially love that Annika Sharma writes this big cast of diverse characters from the Indian diaspora with so much care and nuance, really showcasing the breadth of experiences and differing expectations that people who grew up in different places have – as well as the rich cultural commonalities and understanding that bring these characters together.
Overall, this is a fun, quick read that also serves up some drama and a teeny bit of angst – and that features The Penrose, one of my favorite Manhattan spots when I lived in NYC.☺️
3.5🌟
0.75🌶️
👗An enormous thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy! Sugar, Spice, and Can’t Play Nice will be out May 2nd!💕
May 2, 2023
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*
2.5 stars
Because I liked the first book in the series I was very excited to read the sequel as I had really enjoyed the secondary characters. b
But unfortunately this was not a good reading experience, first of all both characters here are not very likeable, in fact there are several moments in the story that you want to smack them, or roll your eyes at some action or thought that they had.
The story itself is not that good either, I found it very dragged in some moments and very fast in others, no matter how much time passes in the book, the main couple itself does not have many developmental interactions along the way.
But the thing that really made me dislike this story was that there was a third act break up, which was completely unnecessary and resolved in such a silly and quick way that it didn't even make the fight itself worth it, when this fight happened I could only roll my eyes, I was so irritated that I just kept reading the book because I was close to the end.
In the end, I do recommend this story if you want a quick read that brings a lot of Indian culture, and talks a lot about love, family, and business.
2.5 stars
Because I liked the first book in the series I was very excited to read the sequel as I had really enjoyed the secondary characters. b
But unfortunately this was not a good reading experience, first of all both characters here are not very likeable, in fact there are several moments in the story that you want to smack them, or roll your eyes at some action or thought that they had.
The story itself is not that good either, I found it very dragged in some moments and very fast in others, no matter how much time passes in the book, the main couple itself does not have many developmental interactions along the way.
But the thing that really made me dislike this story was that there was a third act break up, which was completely unnecessary and resolved in such a silly and quick way that it didn't even make the fight itself worth it, when this fight happened I could only roll my eyes, I was so irritated that I just kept reading the book because I was close to the end.
In the end, I do recommend this story if you want a quick read that brings a lot of Indian culture, and talks a lot about love, family, and business.
April 20, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just ok to me. I could not really connect with either of the main characters. They did not feel three-dimensional to me, and I think that’s what made it difficult to get into the story. The first 10% of the book I honestly did not know if I was going to keep reading, because the pacing felt off and both Ayaan and Payal felt far away - very out of reach, when I feel like I should be able to truly be a part of their stories and POVs. I also thought the third act breakup didn’t make sense?
What I enjoyed about this book was the South Asian/Indian heritage and friendships of both Ayaan and Payal. I love that Payal loves her culture and uses it in her designs. The way that they were described (along with the characters’ descriptions) made it easy for me to visual all of the details. And I liked the how all of their friends were considered found family to them and cheered them on but also held them accountable.
This book was just ok to me. I could not really connect with either of the main characters. They did not feel three-dimensional to me, and I think that’s what made it difficult to get into the story. The first 10% of the book I honestly did not know if I was going to keep reading, because the pacing felt off and both Ayaan and Payal felt far away - very out of reach, when I feel like I should be able to truly be a part of their stories and POVs. I also thought the third act breakup didn’t make sense?
What I enjoyed about this book was the South Asian/Indian heritage and friendships of both Ayaan and Payal. I love that Payal loves her culture and uses it in her designs. The way that they were described (along with the characters’ descriptions) made it easy for me to visual all of the details. And I liked the how all of their friends were considered found family to them and cheered them on but also held them accountable.
May 16, 2023
When Payal get’s set up by her family for a modern arranged marriage she’s willing to go through with it to save her family’s business but is not so delighted to find out that her groom-to-be is Ayaan. They’ve met before and he left a less than stellar impression on her, still, both decide to go through with the engagement and first impressions get a second chance.
I enjoyed both of our main characters and their slow-burn romance during the middle part of the book. Ayaan’s struggle with his past and his desire to prove himself to his parents was just as compelling as Payal’s driven passion to make her dreams come true.
The set up for their enemies-to-lovers arc on the other hand was less than enjoyable, it felt forced and overall half-baked.
Overall this book had it’s moments and a lot of charming scenes but felt incredibly predictable and at times undeserved when it came to some of the big emotional moments.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed both of our main characters and their slow-burn romance during the middle part of the book. Ayaan’s struggle with his past and his desire to prove himself to his parents was just as compelling as Payal’s driven passion to make her dreams come true.
The set up for their enemies-to-lovers arc on the other hand was less than enjoyable, it felt forced and overall half-baked.
Overall this book had it’s moments and a lot of charming scenes but felt incredibly predictable and at times undeserved when it came to some of the big emotional moments.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 30, 2024
Sugar, Spice, and Can’t Play Nice is a must read by Annika Sharma!
Payal and Ayaan are UK natives living in the U.S. Payal recently quit her job to pursue her designing career full-time. Ayaan is somewhat of a black sheep who has commitment issues and just broke it off with his girlfriend. They are both on a dating app and end up hooking up one night.
Then, lo and behold, their families call them back to the UK to marry each other for a business deal. They aren’t interested in one other, but decide to use the engagement for their career aspirations, with a plan to end it, once they do.
But everything changes when they actually start to like each other, and realize they aren’t so different after all. I enjoyed the slow build up of their romance and the back and forth between the two. Seeing them partner, and strengthen their family relationships together was heart warming.
The author captures the breadth and beauty of Indian characters, and their shared commonality and culture with such care, ease, and nuance. I highly recommend you read this wonderful book!
Payal and Ayaan are UK natives living in the U.S. Payal recently quit her job to pursue her designing career full-time. Ayaan is somewhat of a black sheep who has commitment issues and just broke it off with his girlfriend. They are both on a dating app and end up hooking up one night.
Then, lo and behold, their families call them back to the UK to marry each other for a business deal. They aren’t interested in one other, but decide to use the engagement for their career aspirations, with a plan to end it, once they do.
But everything changes when they actually start to like each other, and realize they aren’t so different after all. I enjoyed the slow build up of their romance and the back and forth between the two. Seeing them partner, and strengthen their family relationships together was heart warming.
The author captures the breadth and beauty of Indian characters, and their shared commonality and culture with such care, ease, and nuance. I highly recommend you read this wonderful book!
October 14, 2023
Payal Mehra and Ayaan Malhotra are desperate to prove themselves to the world and their parents. That is why they both agree to marry each other to strengthen the business merger between their families. While neither of them is a fan of the other, they slowly start warming up to each other.
This book was like a typical starry eyed Bollywood movie plot. There was drama, comedy, and romance. Some parts had me cringing and some had me smiling. The desi representation was also pretty good, with the food, fashion, even down to the family drama and parent issues. Overall, it was pretty fun read.
This book was like a typical starry eyed Bollywood movie plot. There was drama, comedy, and romance. Some parts had me cringing and some had me smiling. The desi representation was also pretty good, with the food, fashion, even down to the family drama and parent issues. Overall, it was pretty fun read.
January 3, 2024
If you liked “Love, chai, and other four letter words” the next book in the series is right up your alley. This book, similarly to most other romances, was decently cringeworthy, but there was also a new twist on meet cutes which I appreciated. I enjoyed how each character had their own story and dreams instead of dull personalities.
If you are looking for a sweet classic romantic book, I highly recommend
If you are looking for a sweet classic romantic book, I highly recommend
January 27, 2025
This book was so cute! I really enjoyed the characters and the ups and downs along the way!
This is a forced marriage/proximity due to business M&A. Two high powered families force their children together for a mega M&A. But do these business focused commitment phobes have what it takes to find love? This roller coaster will leave you with butterflies in your stomach.
I would def recommend this to any girls girl who wants something fun!
This is a forced marriage/proximity due to business M&A. Two high powered families force their children together for a mega M&A. But do these business focused commitment phobes have what it takes to find love? This roller coaster will leave you with butterflies in your stomach.
I would def recommend this to any girls girl who wants something fun!
August 18, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.
You want an arrange marriage with a fun group of side friends? This might be it for
For me this was just fine. I loved Payal was such a fun character to follow but this chess match of drama was a bit much for me.
You want an arrange marriage with a fun group of side friends? This might be it for
For me this was just fine. I loved Payal was such a fun character to follow but this chess match of drama was a bit much for me.
September 30, 2024
Between the immaturity and the miscommunication of the characters, I was so annoyed. I honestly didn't get the 'issue' and how that was the thing that caused all the drama and hurt feelings. I would have given it two stars but I like that there is a protrayal of Indian culture.
Want to read
January 11, 2023A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 29, 2023
This was a fun read. Reading romcoms all fun and games until I think about my love life. On the bright side they were both 30+ so hope for me yet 🥲
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