Annika Sharma

Annika Sharma is an Indian-American author and podcaster.

Annika Sharma
Annika Sharma pic
Nationality	Indian,American
Occupation(s)	author and podcaster.

Career

Sharma earned degrees from Pennsylvania State University and George Washington University.^[1]

Sharma's first entry in the Chai Masala Club series, Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words, was published in 2021. Keira Soleore wrote of the "charming characters in [Sharma's] memorable, not-to-be-missed novel of transcendent love, the promising start to her Chai Masala Club series" in a starred review for Booklist.^[2] Library Journal also gave the novel a starred review, wrote positively of the characters of the novel and noted, "This well-written contemporary romance features the familiar tropes of forbidden love and friends-to-lovers with characters from different backgrounds and cultures".^[3] Publishers Weekly called it "charming if formulaic," and continued, "while this predictably hits all the typical romance story beats, it distinguishes itself with relatable characters, a vibrant setting, ample, well-drawn Indian representation, and a delightful voice".^[4]

Publishers Weekly gave the second novel in the series, Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice (2023), a mixed review: "Highly expositional and occasionally moralizing dialogue slows the pace, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. Conflict, couture, and courtship make this a pleasure".^[5] Kirkus Reviews found it "a cute romance burdened by family expectations".^[6] Library Journal called it "a strikingly vibrant love story for modern dreamers and hopeless romantics".^[7]

Sharma founded one of the largest South Asian podcasts, That Desi Spark (previously called The Woke Desi). She sold the show in 2024. ^[8][9]

Selected works

Chai Masala Club

1. Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words. Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2021.^[4][3][2]
2. Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice. Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2023.^[5][6][7]