Red Flags and Rishtas: A Desi Rom Com

by Radhika Agrawal

She's the queen of dating apps. He believes in arranged marriages.

With an impressive score of 153 dates, Ananya Kapoor is a bit of an expert on online dating. She has seen them
all - the nice guys, the fuckbois and everything in between. In her vigorous quest for her S.O., she has pretty much exhausted the pool of eligible singles in Delhi. That is, until a series of ridiculously hilarious events brings her under the same roof as Aadar Chauhan.

At the opposite end of the Indian dating spectrum, Aadar is not who she expects him to be. He is progressive,
confident and annoyingly attractive. Faced with a belief system starkly different from her own, she feels the need to prove herself more desirable than a man like him.

And so, one night, she makes a bet with him to see who can find a partner first. Can she beat him to the finish line? A delightfully told story of romance, friendship and unending banter, with one question looming who is destined for a happily ever after-the serial dater or the serial suitor?

Genres: Romance, Rom Com, India, Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Love, Indian Literature

248 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2024

About the author

Radhika Agrawal is a romance novelist, lifestyle journalist and a storyteller at her core. Her love for romance as a genre comes from the innumerable Meg Cabots and Sophie Kinsellas she devoured as a teenager, and it’s heavily influenced by the epic love story of her own parents. She lives, dreams, and writes love stories with a vengeance, and believes that she can help romance get the respect and attention it deserves as a genre.

Reviews

[Arna Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

ɪ ᴘɪᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛɪɴɢ ᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ—ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴡᴏᴏɴ, ꜱᴄʀᴇᴀᴍ ɪɴᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘɪʟʟᴏᴡ, ᴏʀ ᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴀꜱᴛ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ. ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ɪɴꜱᴛᴇᴀᴅ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀɴ ɪɴ-ᴅᴇᴘᴛʜ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴍᴄ’ꜱ ᴊᴏʙ, ᴀ ᴠᴀɢᴜᴇ ᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴄꜱ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇɴ—ᴘᴏᴏꜰ!—ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ.

ᴇxᴄᴜꜱᴇ ᴍᴇ? ᴅɪᴅ ɪ ꜱᴋɪᴘ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀꜱ? ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴ ᴏꜰꜰ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ꜱᴛᴜᴄᴋ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴇᴍᴀɪʟꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟɪɴᴇꜱ? ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ᴍɪɴᴜᴛᴇ, ᴛʜᴇꜱᴇ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴘʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ꜱᴛʀᴀɴɢᴇʀꜱ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ, ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ꜱᴜᴘᴘᴏꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴅᴇꜱᴛɪɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ. ɪ’ᴠᴇ ꜱᴇᴇɴ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ʙᴜɪʟᴅ-ᴜᴘ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴍɪᴄʀᴏᴡᴀᴠᴇ ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ.

ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇɴ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴍᴄ—ᴏʜ, ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴍᴀɴ. ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ, ʜᴇ ʀᴇᴊᴇᴄᴛꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴍᴄ ᴏɴ ʜɪꜱ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ ᴅᴀʏ, ɢᴏᴇꜱ ᴀʜᴇᴀᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɢᴇᴛꜱ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴅ ᴀɴʏᴡᴀʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴅᴀʏꜱ ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ ʜᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇʀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴏᴡ ᴜᴘ ʟɪᴋᴇ, “ɪ ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ.” ɴᴏ ᴅʀᴀᴍᴀᴛɪᴄ ᴀᴘᴏʟᴏɢʏ, ɴᴏ ɢʀᴏᴠᴇʟɪɴɢ—ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴀɴ “ᴏᴏᴘꜱ” ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʜᴏᴘᴇꜰᴜʟ ʟᴏᴏᴋ.

ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴍᴄ? ꜱʜᴇ ꜰᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇꜱ ʜɪᴍ ɪᴍᴍᴇᴅɪᴀᴛᴇʟʏ. ɴᴏ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴛᴜʀᴍᴏɪʟ, ɴᴏ Qᴜᴇꜱᴛɪᴏɴɪɴɢ ʜɪꜱ ꜱɪɴᴄᴇʀɪᴛʏ—ᴊᴜꜱᴛ, “ᴏᴋᴀʏ!” ᴍᴀ’ᴀᴍ, ᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴀꜱᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ʜɪᴍ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ꜰᴏʀ ɪᴛ. ʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴀ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍɪᴛᴍᴇɴᴛ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢɪɴɢ ʜᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇᴅ ʏᴏᴜ!

ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴇQᴜᴇɴᴄᴇꜱ, ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴀɪɴ’ᴛ ɪᴛ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴀ ᴡᴏʀᴋᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜᴀʟꜰ-ʙᴀᴋᴇᴅ ʟᴏᴠᴇ,
ᴄᴏɴɢʀᴀᴛᴜʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ—ʏᴏᴜ’ᴠᴇ ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀ ɴᴇxᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ.

♥️ ➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶♥️

ɪ ʜᴀᴛᴇ ꜰᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ ɢᴜɪʟᴛʏ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴀ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ, ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀᴇ ɪ ᴀᴍ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀ ᴅᴇʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ( ɪɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴄᴀᴛᴇɢᴏʀʏ), ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪᴛ. ᴜɴꜰᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴀᴛᴇʟʏ, ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ꜰᴜʟʟʏ ʟᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴄ ꜰᴇʟᴛ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀᴅᴇᴠᴇʟᴏᴘᴇᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴘᴀʏᴏꜰꜰ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴀꜱ ꜱᴛʀᴏɴɢ ᴀꜱ ɪ’ᴅ ʜᴏᴘᴇᴅ.

ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴀɪᴅ, ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴀ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪꜱ ᴀɴ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴅɪʙʟᴇ ᴀᴄʜɪᴇᴠᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀᴅᴍɪʀᴇ ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ᴘᴜᴛꜱ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ. ꜱᴏ, ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴍʏ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟ ꜰᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ, ɪ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴜᴘᴘᴏʀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ’ꜱ ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ. ᴀ ꜱᴏʟɪᴅ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴡɪꜱʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ɴᴇxᴛ ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ!

♥️ ➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶♥️

[anushka ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

first of all, where was the romance?
if only this book was the amount of times there was an interaction or conversation between our couple, it would've been less than 50 pages. the whole book was more about the fmcs work and some more work and pages & pages of her experience going on multiple dates and how and why it didn't workout with the guys.

the entire book is from the fmcs pov and we don't know anything about our mmc except for where he works, what he does and few facts here and there. nothing of what he thinks, how he is. he was mentioned that he was good looking i think once or twice.

Im still not getting the plot of the book, nothing happened between the main characters 90% of the book. and by nothing i mean, hardly any connection, veryyy vague if you wanna name it. all professional and hardly any conversation that would lead up to any warm feeling. there were hardly any but whatever conversations they had were soooo bland and it felt forced as if to get the plot to progress (it didnt...) even when they were supposed to be 'enemies' it hardly felt like an acquaintance.

(SPOILERS from here)
on 200/230 page of the book the fmc realizes she is in love with him. (after they had a one night stand) and he on the other hand is engaged to another woman. miss girl goes to talk to him at his engagement party even after being ghosted by him for days. this guy doesn't entertain her. she's depressed and then when she's trying to do better, 3 weeks later this guy RANDOMLY SHOWS UP ON THE DATING APP HOPING SHE'D SWIPE RIGHT ON HIM. and our fmc does do that actually...and then he texts her, says that he was a fool and she's the one for him and that he has called the wedding off.... he then asks her to come outside her house, they meet and talk (i would hope) smile and kiss....this is how the book ends.
fmc fumbled a good guy (yes who was actually courting her) by sleeping with mmc and as i mentioned earlier mmc called the wedding off of a supposed sweet girl.
this was mainly about the couple.....
but oh our fmc pissed me off many times but im tired to write anymore but what bugged me the most was that she has sooo much jealousy against her bestfriend which she mentions multiple times. that is soooo off putting.
idk if im missing anything else but im so done. ok bye.

[Ankita · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO.

[Anjana Priya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let’s just pretend that I never read this.

[n.g. ;⋆˚✿˖° (in a slump💔) · Rating 1 out of 5]

A big fat NO. I really wanted to enjoy it but sadly I hated it. The mmc was weird. Author tried to present the thing that the mmc did as the STANDARD but they were just BASIC MANNERS!! (It is like the bar is in hell). Though I liked the FMC, but even that couldn’t save the book.

[Swathi✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red Flags & Rishtas 💙💗💙💗

This one was messy, awkward, chaotic—and kinda cute in its own frustrating way 😅💙💗

Aadar and Ananya’s story starts on such a what even is happening note because she first goes on a date with his brother Karan 😬💙💗 And then she meets Aadar awkwardly after that???
Secondhand embarrassment was REAL.

Cut to them meeting again… for an arranged marriage setup 😭💙
And guess what?
👉 They reject each other
👉 End up working together
👉 Are forced into proximity
👉 Slowly develop this strange, comforting bond

The tension builds nicely here 💙💗 I genuinely enjoyed how their friendship grew before feelings crept in. The bet on who’d find a partner first was fun too — Ananya fully into dating apps 📱💗 while Aadar stayed loyal to the arranged marriage route 💙
Somewhere between banter, late nights, and emotional honesty… they fall for each other 💔💗

Then comes the drunk mistake moment... they both just jump over each other and get all steamy😉😉, followed by the BIG blow:
👉 Aadar getting engaged to another girl
That part hurt 😭💙
Ananya spiraling, feeling replaceable, pulling back — very real, very sad.

But credit where it’s due:
Aadar breaking off the wedding and choosing honesty over convenience redeemed him 💙✨ And them finding their way back to each other felt satisfying, even if a bit rushed.

Overall thoughts:
💙 cute premise
💗 good chemistry
💙 emotional moments worked
💗 some decisions were frustrating
💙 pacing could’ve been tighter

⭐ 3-star read for me
Enjoyable, imperfect, slightly messy — but still a decent one-time read... and also extremely fast paced💙🩷💙🩷💙🩷

[Sakshi Agarwal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished the book thinking, what the heck did I just read?

Ananya, the FMC, goes on a date every week to get over her ex—only to reject men for the smallest inconveniences. She’s also jealous of her best friend and says questionable things about her.

Meanwhile, Aadar, the MMC, remains a mystery since the entire book is from Ananya’s POV. His emotions, motives, and expectations are barely explored. The story focuses more on Ananya’s workplace than their romance, and even after 70% of the book, there’s no real spark between them. Then, out of nowhere, they kiss—despite her leading on another guy and Aadar being engaged (or close to it). Suddenly, she realizes she loves him, but there’s no real romantic buildup. He rejects her on his engagement day, which she’s oddly offended by, and later, he just decides she’s "the one." No groveling, no real emotional depth—she simply accepts it. 2 stars just because of the banter.

This could have been a great story if it had explored their shared pain—Ananya’s heartbreak and Aadar’s grief over his late girlfriend. But instead, it’s a complete mess.

[Megha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked it up at the airport, and finished reading by the time I landed. Just like airplane snacks: you take it because it’s there, and it does the job, but you’re not exactly craving it again.

#3 in my reading series for 2025: life is hard and I want my reading to be easy

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows ananya kapoor and aadar chauhan. Ananya, a self-proclaimed dating app expert with a whopping 153 dates under her belt, and Aadar, a charming believer in arranged marriages, find themselves at odds over their approaches to love. In a playful bid to prove whose method is superior, they make a bet: who can find a partner first?

I really enjoyed reading it. Once I picked the book, I was totally invested in the story. Ananya was so hilarious and her tinder dates made me laugh out loud so many times. also the circumstances when ananya and aadar first met was so funny. The pace of the book was perfect and the writing was so good that I could see the story happening irl in my head. It was like watching a rom-com with complicated characters and funny banter. I was rooting for aadar and Ananya right from the start. I loved seeing ananya's character develop and her friendship with vrinda was so precious.

the only thing I didn't like was that it felt a bit rushed at the end and we could have gotten more moments of them together but it's nothing major and overall I really enjoyed it.

Pick this book up if you like romcoms with witty banter and cultural insights into Indian dating traditions or just looking for a light-hearted, fun and quick read.

[Isha · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could've been a lot better. The pacing was not good. Too little dialogues.
I felt as if the FMCs job was the primary focus, and the romance was secondary. Also when did the MCs fall in love??? It was very rushed. This book wasn't for me.

[Kritika · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt this book is very fake. It felt like author is trying to personify some American lifestyle for the characters . I mean family allows their daughter to be all night out and morning she has arranged marriage suitor coming for her( meaning the two situations dont go together). The story felt very forced for me.
Felt icky the whole time reading it

I dnfed it

[Aastha Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ananya is a serial dater who has no clue that life is going to drop Aadar Chauhan in her life in a hilarious turn of events and I'll never be the same. The book is an enjoyable experience with good writing that made it a visual treat for the reader in me. The book starts as a light read but touches on many themes like family, relationships, self discovery, accepting oneself, fears, life etc. The book had me interested throughout and by the end I wanted to give a hug to both the characters.

[a_geminireader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Laugh-Out-Loud Journey Through Love, Tradition, and Self-Worth

This delightful rom-com by Radhika Agarwal brings to life the chaos of modern dating versus traditional matchmaking with charm and wit. Ananya Kapoor, a bold and quirky serial dater, is the queen of dating apps, boasting an impressive 153 dates. On the other hand, Aadar Chauhan, a thoughtful advocate of arranged marriages, believes in the old-school way of finding love. Their contrasting worlds collide after a series of hilariously awkward events forces them to live under one roof—and leads to a playful bet: who can find love first?

What Makes It Shine

1. Humor with Substance: The author skillfully uses satire to tackle sensitive issues like nosy relatives, societal pressures, and the search for “the one.” Every laugh carries a deeper message, making the story as reflective as it is entertaining.


2. Dynamic Characters: Ananya’s relatable personality—bold, flawed, and wonderfully real—stands out, while Aadar’s progressive yet traditional charm offers a refreshing take on arranged marriages. Their chemistry and banter are electric, keeping readers hooked throughout.


3. Thoughtful Themes: Beyond the laughs, the book dives into self-worth, societal expectations, and the red flags we often ignore in relationships. It reminds readers that whether it’s love or arranged rishtas, the key to happiness is finding someone who truly values you.


4. A Twist Ending: The story wraps up with an unexpected conclusion that is both surprising and satisfying, perfectly tying together the book’s themes of love and growth.


With its simple and engaging writing style, memorable characters, and hilarious yet thought-provoking moments, it’s a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Ultimately, this book is more than a bet between a serial dater and a serial suitor—it’s a heartfelt exploration of love, personal growth, and embracing who you truly are. A must-read for anyone navigating the chaos of modern relationships!

[Naynesh Desai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light romantic romcom.

When two individual meet for a rishta’s they hit it off and reject each other.

But what happens later is the fun.

It’s about dating scene and wedding proposals.

A light cute romantic comedy read. Pick it up if you need break from other genre!!!

[Rashmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was so good. Short, sweet and mildly funny. But the ending was so disappointing 😞

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Electrifyingly delicious-
✒️📖
Review of 'Red Flags and Rishtas'

'Red Flags and Rishtas' is a romcom we all have been waiting for a long time. It's sweet, fast and saucy. Electrifyingly delicious. Ananya Kapoor, with 153 Tinder dates under her belt, is someone I might call a datezilla. She has her knives sharp, her mind sharper. She has seen and lived through them all- the good ones, the vile ones and all else on the dating spectrum.

When on a boring date, she is daydreaming about a random guy to come save her. Read this to understand her crazy bandwidth- 'But, of course, my life wasn't a romcom, and the man I was shamelessly fantasising about in front of my date was not even looking at me.'

The shit hits the fan when she spends some time with a guy and (mild spoiler ahead. Jump to next paragraph if you don't want to spoil it for yourself) his big brother (warning again) is slated to meet Miss Kapoor in an arranged marriage setup.
When Aadar gets to know the pickle, sparks and snide remarks fly and the air becomes thick with passion.
I loved the parts where Ananya, the MC, is detailing her struggle with the dating. It's difficult to find out the real height of a person when on a dating site but she has a master key for every problem. The people who put up their pics at careful angles, Ananya shares, are the ones who ate trying to hide their height/weight.
A particular para that stands out as funny as well as with a lemon dash of philosophy is- 'I'm not afraid of awkward silences. In fact, I quite enjoy them. You can tell a lot about a man from the way he deals with a lull in conversation. For example,if he's too eager to fill the gaps, he interprets silence as rejection. If he acknowledges it, he's trying to salvage asituation he thinks isn't going in his favour. '

Agarwal has written Ananya as a strong, fiery woman teetering on the edge of a crucial decision. The situations she finds herself in are hilarious and push the story forward. Somewhere I felt that the story was going too dialogue-centric and author's decision to showcase her writing as zany in every other sentence comes as grating in places. I have this issue with the dialogue-heavy storytelling format. Agarwal's skill with humour offsets this shortcoming a bit and comes as a breath of fresh air.

All in all a good book to spend on a beach while looking for a hot date.

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

honestly , i don't like to give less then 3 stars
but this book was all over my instagram feed , so i thought maybe it'll be good , but it was so superficial , honestly i felt disappointed.
couldn't connect to the characters.
did I laugh - no
any mushy feelings - no
did i cry - no
was i shocked - absolutely not

the whole book that I read in a single sitting , i was waiting for something to happen but the book ended leaving me in nothingness, i could have slept in that time .

[Shreeya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of this book like even after completing 70% of the book I am not at all seeing any spark between and suddenly without any sexual tension ever, they kissed out of nowhere and after that girl realised that she loves him there was no romance novel feeling and she suddenly realised it and the guy rejected him on his engagement day and then suddenly he one fine day realised that she is not the one and there was no groveling the girl just was ok to date him

[Sleepy Kid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope, nope, nope. Radhika you had an amazing chance of making this "enemies to lovers" an amazing book but you went ahead and ruined it with a cheating trope. Not once but twice. Not to mention the FMC was just so selfish and please stick to the part if you want to give HEA or character arc. You can't give both and expect me to like it. 2 stars only for the banter. The ending ruined it

[Avipsha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Ishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting couldn’t put it down!
Didn’t expect to love it this much, but wow… so real, so relatable, so me!!!!
Funny, emotional, and full of heart 🫶

[The Book Critiques · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set in bustling Delhi and introduces us to Ananya Kapoor, a confident, career-driven woman. Ananya is no stranger to the highs and lows of dating apps, swiping her way through love and heartbreaks while navigating her independence. On the other hand, we meet Aadar Chauhan, a charming advocate for arranged marriages who believes in family values and the “old-fashioned” way of finding a partner.

Their worlds collide when an unexpected twist forces them to meet. What starts as awkward meeting soon turns into a competitive bet: who can find a suitable partner first—Ananya through her endless swiping, or Aadar via his family’s carefully curated rishtas? As the bet unfolds, the story dives deep into the complexities of modern relationships, addressing themes like societal expectations, personal desires, and the struggle to stay true to oneself.

What I loved most about this book is how the author uses humor to touch upon sensitive issues without losing the light-hearted tone of the story. From nosy relatives to the pressure of finding “the one,” every situation is written with a touch of satire that keeps you laughing while reflecting on the realities of Indian matchmaking.

The characters are the heart of the story. Ananya is bold, flawed, and wonderfully real—a woman many readers will see themselves in. Aadar, on the other hand, brings a refreshing perspective to the idea of arranged marriages, showing that it’s not as outdated as it might seem. Together, their chemistry, banter, and growth make for an entertaining and heartwarming journey.

Beyond the laughs, the book offers a thoughtful commentary on the red flags we often ignore in relationships—whether it’s compromising too much for the sake of societal approval or letting outdated beliefs dictate our choices. It reminds us that whether we choose love or rishtas, the most important thing is to recognize our own worth and find someone who values us for who we truly are.

✨ Why You Should Read It
If you’re someone who loves romantic comedies with depth, this book is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of books like The Zoya Factor or movies like Band Baaja Baaraat. The engaging writing style, relatable characters, and hilarious yet thought-provoking moments make this book an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

[nextdoorlibrary_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun, Romantic Ride

Ananya Kapoor loves dating apps, while Aadar Chauhan believes in arranged marriages. When their worlds collide, it’s chaos, laughter, and a battle of beliefs. Ananya, with her 153-date streak, bets Aadar that she can find a partner before he does. What follows is a funny, sweet, and slightly messy journey you won’t want to miss.

Let’s talk about Aadar. Sigh. I liked him when he slipped her a note during a meeting (adorable), but his apology? Wow. He didn’t just say sorry—he gave her a perfect, movie-worthy meet-cute because she deserved it. I mean, who does that? He’s easily one of the best book boyfriends ever.

I’ll admit, around the 75% mark, I felt the story slowing down, and I almost stopped reading. But I’m so glad I didn’t! The ending completely stole my heart, and it reminded me why I love rom-coms.

The writing is light and easy to enjoy, with humor that made me laugh out loud (the meet-cute scene? Hilarious!). And the cover? Absolutely beautiful!

This book isn’t perfect, but it made my bad day better and left me smiling. If you love fun banter, lovable characters, and a story that feels like a rom-com movie, you’ll enjoy this one. A solid 4 stars—give it a try!

[Aishwarya Shetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 : Ananya Kapoor is quirky, witty, successfull and confident. She has been on 153 dates and believes herself to be a serial dater.
Aadar Chauhan is smart, tall, handsome, and progressive. He believes in arranged marriages.
One day, Ananya makes a bet with Aadar to see who will find a partner first.
Who do you think will finally get their happily ever after : Serial Dater or Serial Suitor ?
Read the book to find out.

𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 : Easy, great banter with a slow burn. I absolutely devoured reading this book. The tension and the chemistry between the characters were palpable. Initially, i picked it up immediately because it was a short 230-page read, but it left me wishing there was more to read about these beautiful characters, which i promise i never felt about any other book😭💓

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙚 : The way Aadar always did simple yet profound gestures for Ananya always made me squeal in joy. One of my fav was when Ananya and Aadar went for lunch after a business meeting, and Ananya hated what she ordered, and Aadar casually placed his own plate in the middle so she could eat from his plate.❤️🤌🏻✨️

[Abhisikta Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Red Flags and Rishtas is a full-fledged romantic comedy written by Radhika Agrawal. Set in the heart of Delhi, the story revolves around two polar opposites—Ananya Kapoor and Aadar Chauhan. Firstly, there's Ananya, who after a heartbreak goes on to become an expert in online dating. Then there's Aadar who is progressive but firmly believes in arranged marriages. A series of hilarious events bring them together and what happens next? Well, you’ll have to dive into the story to find out!

The book was a fun ride through and through. It explores modern dating, career struggles, and starting over in a way that feels incredibly relatable. The writing style is neat and humorous, and the fast-paced narrative had me finishing the book in just two sittings. I particularly loved the witty banter between Aadar and Ananya, and it was so vivid that I could easily imagine this story getting adapted into a Bollywood movie! However, I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed, and I would have loved to see more depth in Ananya and Aadar’s chemistry.

That being said, Red Flags and Rishtas was such a fun read for me, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light-hearted rom-coms.

[Shriya Talwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and heartwarming love story.
Not sure why people didn't like it much, I'd agree there was too much focus on the protagonist's job but I liked it overall for the reasons below :)

Very closely depicts the modern-day dating scene, as well as the arranged marriage setups in India - two different yet almost similar ways of finding 'the one'. Related a little too much with the protagonist for obvious reasons. Of course, it has a little drama to make the plot interesting, but it's too close to real lives - the bonds with our parents (sometimes little banter, most times pure love and care), the beauty of female friendships and meet-cutes!

It's rare when you love both characters in a love story, and this book offers that.
The girl is sometimes messed up, sometimes sorted like all of us are at some point in our lives. She wants to do it all and be the best at it. She's not ashamed of her feelings, follows her gut, and has both highs and lows. (Aren't we all like this?!)
The guy, too attractive and sorted, is deep, a bit mysterious yet fun, will make you fall in love with him every time he's in the scene.

All in all, I'd recommend reading it, especially if you're a single Indian girl in this era of modern dating :p

[readwithinsoul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you kidding me?! THAT ENDING?! 😭

This book had me smiling, giggling, and screaming like an absolute fool. Ananya Kapoor, with her 153 dates (yes, you read that right), is fun, chaotic, and unapologetically herself. And there’s Aadar Chauhan who is progressive, maddeningly confident, and let’s not forget, annoyingly attractive. Their opposites-attract vibe is the perfect setup for non-stop banter, ridiculous bets, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension.

But let’s talk about the ending without spoiling it: THE TINDER PROFILE. THE MEET-CUTE. I was literally grinning from ear to ear. And just when I thought things were going in a certain direction, BAM, the engagement scene had me yelling, “WHY?!” Like, bro, what were you even thinking? 😭

Also... Karan. Can we just agree he deserves his own book?! Because let me tell you, the man sounds “hotter than hot”. 🔥 Radhika, PLEASE, I need Karan’s story now. Pretty please! 😩

This book gives all the feels: laughter, swoons, frustration (in the best way), and a deep craving for more. Highly recommend if you’re into laugh-out-loud, slow-burn-ish chaos with all the feels.

[Yashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a slow burn for me. There was not much physical interaction between them. They are kind of work mates. There was not so much about love between them. The main characters first met with an arranged marriage set up. The female character is a queen of dating apps. On the day before meeting the boy, the female lead went on a date with the male lead's brother. But it was such a fun read.

[ThatOld Book Smell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Flags and Rishtas by Radhika Agarwal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why did I wait so long to read this?! I kept ignoring it thinking it would be “just another Indian rom-com.” Spoiler: it’s not it’s so much better.

This book is pure desi rom-com magic family drama, witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right amount of tension. Annie was such a relatable, strong yet sweet protagonist, and Aadar… well, let’s just say I desperately wanted his POV because he gave off major swoon energy.

Fast-paced, fun, and honestly felt like watching a Bollywood rom-com on paper. I’m officially a Radhika Agarwal fan sign me up for all her future books.

[P :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

my new fav fav fav rom-com!!! LOVE IT SO SO MUCH!!!!!