Red Flags and Rishtas : A Desi Rom Com | National Bestseller

It is a modern, relatable take on relationships, dating, and the Indian “rishta” culture. It captures common patterns in today’s dating world—mixed signals, toxic behaviors, unrealistic expectations—and presents them in a way that feels familiar, especially to young readers. Let me tell you in advance, the book is not meant for readers looking for deep storytelling or complex character development. If you are into a fun, light, relatable read and enjoy dating / relationship content, it's a go-to book. Overall, the book works best as a light, quick read—something you can finish easily while still enjoying moments of “this is so true” realization.

The book is a light, entertaining one-time read with simple writing and a well-structured narrative. If you enjoy rom-coms filled with humour, charm, and heartwarming moments, this book is definitely worth picking up.

One of the best cutest romcoms I've read recently. Red Flags and Rishtas is one of those books that just makes your heart feel full. It’s light, sweet, and instantly pulls you into a world that feels real, familiar, and honestly so comforting. The characters are messy in the most lovable way, the humour lands perfectly, and the desi chaos sprinkled throughout made me smile nonstop. The author balances humour and emotion so well that you don’t even realise when you’ve gotten attached. I loved the desi family chaos, the friendship moments, the subtle romance, and all the tiny details that make it feel like a slice of real life. For a debut novel, this is such an impressive start - the writing feels so fun, yet emotional in all the right places. I finished it way too quickly and now I’m just sitting here, already waiting (a little too eagerly) for the author’s next book. If you want something adorable, wholesome, and super relatable, this one is a total must-read.

This book was such a comforting read. The story feels very real and relatable, especially the way emotions and relationships are handled. I loved how the characters slowly understand themselves and each other—it didn’t feel rushed or unrealistic. The writing is simple yet engaging, and some moments genuinely stay with you even after you finish the book. It’s one of those stories that makes you smile, reflect, and feel understood. If you enjoy light romance with depth, emotions, and a very desi touch, this book is definitely worth reading.

I picked up Red Flags and Rishtas for a cute desi rom-com, and it delivered laughs, drama, and very relatable “why am I like this?” moments. It’s light, sweet, and funny, with red flags waving gently while rishtas politely ignore them 😄. An easy, feel-good read that made me smile and nod a little too much. I completed this in one seating, a must read if you like Bollywood twists and absolutely love the author. She is a sweetheart 🦋

"Red Flags and Rishtas" by Radhika Agrawal is a delightful romantic comedy that exceeded my expectations. I was searching for a well-written, slow-burn romcom by an Indian author, and this book did not disappoint—in fact, it was a joy to read. The writing is crisp, the editing flawless, and the language effortlessly engaging. The banter is witty and entertaining, making it an absolute page-turner. I especially loved the gradual development of Ananya’s character; her journey felt authentic and well-paced. However, I wished we got to know Aadar a bit more—not necessarily from his perspective, but beyond his simple acts of kindness and annoyance toward Ananya. Their meetings were enjoyable and I eagerly awaited them, but they were sparse. I was hoping for more interaction and meetings between them to build chemistry. One minor thing that took me out of the story at times was the frequent references to how a particular scene would play out if it were a typical romcom. While it was a fun meta touch, I felt it was slightly overdone. That said, Red Flags and Rishtas is a wonderful, heartwarming read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a charming Indian romcom with a well-crafted slow burn!

This charming rom-com presents a fresh twist on the dating landscape, centered around Ananya Kapoor, a seasoned online dater with a whopping 153 dates under her belt. Ananya’s quest for love takes a turn when she crosses paths with Aadar Chauhan, a staunch believer in arranged marriages. Their contrasting dating philosophies set the stage for a playful and engaging rivalry. While Ananya is a queen of dating apps, Aadar is everything she didn’t expect—progressive, confident, and undeniably attractive. The central conflict emerges when Ananya challenges Aadar to a bet: whoever finds a partner first wins. This setup not only creates a delightful push and pull between the characters but also provides ample room for humor, misunderstandings, and moments of self-discovery. The narrative is light-hearted yet insightful, exploring themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of modern relationships. The chemistry between Ananya and Aadar is electric, with their witty banter and contrasting worldviews providing both humor and tension. The story cleverly weaves the traditional vs. modern dating debate, ultimately showing that love isn’t confined to any single definition. The characters evolve throughout the book, as they learn from each other’s perspectives, making their eventual connection all the more rewarding. The ending is nothing short of adorable, wrapping up the story with a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion. For fans of rom-coms, this one offers a delightful mix of humor, romance, and just the right amount of tension.

I was lucky enough to be one of the early readers of Red Flags and Rishtas and I immediately fell in love with the premise, the writing, the plot, and the characters. I found myself cheering for Ananya, craving the little moments between Ananya and Aadar, and rolling my eyes (lovingly) at some of the decisions our characters would make. I truly love how we see Ananya's flaws as she grows in the novel and I found myself tearing up at her realizations of how she had regretted some of her actions. I loved her relationships with her friends and related heavily to the complicated relationships you can have with best friends that are almost like sisters. I'm also a sucker for a good bet and that bringing our two main characters together. By the end of the book, I felt like I had read a coming-of-age novel just as much as I had read a contemporary romance, and that brought a whole other dimension to the story that was pleasantly unexpected. Also loved the easy humor the author brought to the plot and the dialogue, I found myself giggling while reading often. And while I'm less familiar with the settings explored in the book as someone who didn't grow up in Delhi, I felt transported by the vivid imagery and the obvious love and fondness that the author has for these places that ended up playing such critical roles in our characters' lives. And big shoutout to the representation Ananya gives to us girlies that really struggle with parking, I desperately need someone to download a parallel parking practice app on my phone.

Cute story, fast read!