Red Flags and Rishtas by Radhika Agrawal - Book review

Red Flags and Rishtas by Radhika Agrawal follows Ananya Kapoor, a modern Delhi girl who’s had her fair share of dating app disasters, and Aadar Chauhan, a man who still believes in arranged marriage. When their worlds collide, leading to a “bet” that’s supposed to explore both sides of love - casual and conventional their contrasting beliefs lead to banter, misunderstandings, and a slow realization of what love really means - beyond red flags and rishtas.

The premise is fun and relatable, especially if you’ve ever tried navigating modern dating while juggling family expectations. I liked how the book brings out the clash between traditional values and contemporary relationships without taking itself too seriously.

While the premise sounded fun, the execution felt flat. The humor didn’t land for me, and the emotional connection between the characters seemed surface-level. At times, it read more like a long monologue on dating struggles than a story with depth or growth. The chemistry between Ananya and Aadar never quite felt convincing - more like forced banter than real tension.

However, while the setup had potential, I felt the story lacked emotional depth in parts. Some chapters felt stretched, and the chemistry between Ananya and Aadar didn’t always feel natural. The ending tied things up neatly, but a little more intensity or growth from the characters could’ve made it stronger.

The ending, though sweet, felt predictable and lacked the emotional punch I wanted. If you enjoy lighthearted, easy rom-coms with a familiar setup, this might still be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for something deeper or more original, this one might disappoint.

It’s a light, breezy read - perfect for when you want something quick, witty, and easy to relate to, but not necessarily something that stays with you for long.

Rating: 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️