Not Safe for Work

by Radhika Agrawal

Perfect for readers who love books with enemies-to-lovers tension and sharp banter, Not Safe For Work by bestselling Indian author Radhika Agrawal is a page-turning spicy workplace romance set in India.


A senior graphic designer at decor brand Jharokha, Kavya Mehra has battled burnout, sky-high rent and a commute from hell for three-and-a half years to earn her place in Mumbai. Life is finally beginning to look up.

Then Neil Desai walks in. Her new intern. Her insufferable, handsome, privileged, man-child of an intern, with a cushy life built on his father's money and influence. And Neil finds out something about Kavya that she desperately needs him to keep to himself. It's a tiny white lie, sure, but in a city where thousands are waiting to grab her job, even the smallest slip-up can unravel everything.

When teamwork and late-night brainstorming sessions throw them together, their sharp-tongued fights start to feel suspiciously like foreplay, and they find themselves navigating professional minefields, a rapidly brewing office scandal and an attraction that was never part of the job description.

A delightful pick for readers who love the workplace tension of The Hating Game and the bite of a great desi rom-com.

Genres: Romance, Adult

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2026

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

[Avani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would you fall for your intern?.👀

Because Neil clearly didn’t get the memo about keeping things professional. And Kavya? Well, she’s equally chaotic, stubborn and impossible not to root for.

Kavya and Neil are the kind of characters who will annoy each other, challenge each other, make questionable decisions… and somehow still make you go “yeah, these two are definitely meant to be.” Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is effortless, and their chaos somehow makes perfect sense together.

Not Safe for Work by @radhika.yellow is a workplace romance with Mumbai at its heart. It's messy, funny, warm and ridiculously easy to binge. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers, witty banter and two adorable disasters slowly falling for each other..

If this is your vibe, add this to your TBR.. 💛

💻 Things I wasn’t prepared for:
→ falling for an intern
→ catching feelings at work
→ Kavya & Neil being absolute chaos
→ actually rooting for them from the beginning

[zai · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was so annoying, yes that's the word annoying, it wasn't particularly bad, the writing was fun, it was fast paced but oh god what was that plot ??? and the mmc, neil had zero charisma, or redeemable qualities, kavya was somehow a side character in her own book, i would've much rather read a book about nikita.

[readwithinsoul · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

i had read radhika agrawal’s first book, red flags & rishtas, and really enjoyed it, so i was already excited to see what she would do with her second book. and honestly, i liked this one even more. not safe for work was such a fun workplace romance, and i absolutely loved the plot and the way the story slowly built up.

i really liked that the book doesn’t immediately rush into the romance. we first get to know kavya, her life in mumbai, her work, her struggles and everything she’s worked for before neil even properly enters the picture. then neil is introduced so naturally, and from there, their relationship slowly starts changing. the enemies-to-lovers tension, the banter and all those little interactions between them made the slow burn so much more enjoyable. i was genuinely rooting for them throughout the book.

the one thing i personally felt was that the pacing changed a little towards the end. the story had such a steady pace for most of the book, but the last part felt a bit rushed to me. i think if those events had been given a little more room to unfold, i would’ve enjoyed the ending even more. that said, i really liked getting neil’s perspective towards the end, especially because the book is mostly from kavya’s point of view. it was such a nice little addition and gave me a different understanding of him.

as her second book, i think radhika has done such a good job with this one. i loved the characters, the storyline, the slow burn and especially the way the romance developed between kavya and neil. it’s such a fun read, and i can definitely see myself picking up whatever she writes next.

if you love enemies to lovers, workplace romance, slow burn and lots of banter, definitely give this one a try. i really enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it.

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and literally flew through it in one single day! Finishing a book that fast is the ultimate proof of how incredibly addictive it is.

The story is a workplace romance about Kavya, a graphic designer, and Neil, her handsome rival intern. When they are forced to work together, their office fights quickly turn into sizzling chemistry.

What I loved most is how incredibly relatable the characters felt. The corporate struggle and everyday office drama did not feel exaggerated at all, making the whole story feel so realistic. With its witty humor, fantastic pacing, and clever twists, this kept me completely hooked.

Highly recommended!

[Sanskruti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Not Safe For Work by Radhika Agrawal

This was one of the most enjoyable romances I've read in a long time. I was hooked from the very first page and genuinely couldn't put it down.
The humour, the witty banter, the Bollywood references, and the vibrant Mumbai setting all came together perfectly. As someone who enjoys desi romances, this book checked every box for me. The office politics felt authentic, the characters were easy to root for, and the chemistry between Kavya and Neil was impossible not to love.

Kavya Mehra has moved from Mussoorie to Mumbai and works as a senior graphic designer at Jarokha. Neil, a wealthy Mumbai boy and an intern, who's carefree and impossible not to like, ends up discovering a secret that could get Kavya into trouble at work. He uses it to his advantage, completely changing their workplace dynamic. Watching the two of them go from constantly bickering to working together made this such an entertaining read.

Later, they are paired up, to work together on a project, that could change their career, forever. Between late-night brainstorming sessions, workplace drama,and undeniable attraction, their relationship develops in a way that kept me invested from beginning to end.
It may sound cheesy, but reading this book genuinely felt like watching a Bollywood rom-com play out on screen. It was funny, emotional, romantic, and incredibly relatable.

If you're looking for a desi workplace romance with unforgettable banter, lovable characters, and plenty of chemistry,and a fast-paced story, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

[Anandarupa Chakrabarti · Rating 5 out of 5]

With "Not Safe For Work," Radhika Agrawal proves she's meant to be the voice of this modern generation. Her writing is very contemporary, yet the narrative is too much of everything.

Not Safe for Work promises everything a romance reader could ask for—an office setting, enemies-to-lovers tension, sharp banter, forced proximity and slow-burning attraction. But beneath the swoon-worthy romance lies a thoughtful story about ambition, burnout, self-worth, vulnerability and finding genuine human connection amidst the relentless chaos of city life. Not Safe for Work delivers much more than just butterflies; it offers emotional depth wrapped in humour and heart. Kavya Mehra is strong, flawed, and deeply relatable. She is the kind of woman who wants to achieve everything in life. Sometimes she carries it all with grace, and sometimes she breaks under the pressure, but that's exactly what makes her feel so real. Then there's Neil Desai—the charming, frustrating, privileged intern who is your next-door Ambani ka beta. He's an online fashion critic, and besides uncovering scandals and judging one's fashion sense, there's a side of him who wants to prove his worth, start his own something, and is emotionally vulnerable at times. The chemistry between Kavya and Neil is amazing from the very beginning. Their sarcastic conversations, unexpected moments together, and late-night work sessions slowly bring them closer in a way that feels natural, believable and cinematic. It grows step by step, making every small moment, heartfelt conversation, and quiet glance feel special. Radhika's picturesque representation of their playful banter is funny and entertaining, and it had me smiling and laughing throughout the book.

Beyond the feel-good, picturesque and cinematic equation between the two protagonists, this book quietly speaks of the corporate office culture. With every office conference and email sent, the narrative dragged aspects of favouritism, miscommunication and distrust.
If the first part of the book had the liveliness of early twenties, the second half slowed down, brought maturity and finally a beautiful happy ending.

Whether you enjoy office romances or are simply looking for a feel-good love story with memorable characters, witty conversations, and plenty of heart, Not Safe for Work is definitely worth reading. It's a book that will make you smile, laugh, and cheer for the characters until the very end.

[Anoushka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to pick up this desi workplace romance as it promised enemies to lovers and office rivalry. I was fully expecting witty banter, tension and a good romance that makes you root for it. Unfortunately…it didn’t meet my expectations…at all.
The mmc was more frustrating and annoying than charming and I kept waiting for some sort of development arc but that too felt flat. The fmc was just okay at best.
And then came the quintessential third act breakup, it was the same misunderstanding/miscommunication we’ve seen a hundred times before but what made it even more annoying was that a grown man was acting so immaturely. Added to that what really lost me, though, was how the fmc somehow kinda ended up taking the blame by the end of it, as if the way she reacted to him for the thing he did was actually the problem. Like girl really?
Overall, this one simply didn’t hit the mark for me. That said, I do want to end on a couple of positives. The writing style had a sort of ease to that made me fly through the pages. And the little “hating to falling in love with Bombay” angle was lowkey cute.

[Shruti Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25🌟
Not going to lie, I was a little skeptical in the starting 40 pages buttttttt the way it picked up after that? LOVED.

This is "She's the boss, he's the intern" type of book, which is such a good reverse in role. Absolutely loved that.

And the way they both know career threatening secrets about each other had me so intrigued about what will happen next.

Even though I've never been to Mumbai, I could totally imagine the entire setting.

Also, I'm a big fan of movie references. I know some people hate movie/book references in their book, but I, personally, loveee them. Specifically bollywood reference. And i lovedddd the references in this!!!

This was short, cute, had good chemistry and humor. I'd definitely recommend this book!

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books are meant to be analysed; others are meant to be devoured. Radhika Agrawal's "Not Safe for Work" manages to invite both. It is a spicy workplace rom-com packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, sharp banter, office gossip and chemistry, but beneath the fun lies a more grounded story about ambition, burnout, privilege, vulnerability and the exhausting business of building a life in Mumbai.

The book's biggest strength is that the romance never exists in isolation. Kavya and Neil have careers, insecurities, family expectations and very different ideas of privilege, which gives their attraction something to push against. The result is a distinctly Indian, contemporary romance that feels desi without becoming performative.

At the centre of it all is Kavya Mehra.

She is a senior graphic designer at decor brand Jharokha. She has spent three and a half years working, commuting, paying an unforgiving Mumbai rent and trying to convince herself that all this exhaustion is simply the price of becoming the person she wants to be. She is ambitious and capable, but she is also overwhelmed, and that contradiction makes her instantly relatable. Kavya is not the polished, invincible heroine who has everything figured out. She is the woman who keeps going because stopping is not really an option.

Then comes Neil Desai.

He is everything Kavya finds infuriating: privileged, handsome, apparently unserious and protected by the kind of family influence she has had to live without. He arrives as an intern but carries himself with the confidence of someone who has never had to wonder whether one mistake could cost him everything. When Neil discovers a secret that Kavya desperately needs to remain hidden, their professional relationship becomes a battlefield and, of course, irritation proves to be a remarkably thin disguise for fascination.

What follows is workplace rivalry, friendship, secrets, jealousy, late-night work and an attraction neither expected. More importantly, the story examines the masks people wear at work and how easily first impressions become judgments. The beating heart of the book is Kavya and Neil. They are not instantly lovable, nor are they perfectly matched. They irritate, misunderstand and challenge each other, which makes the eventual attraction considerably more satisfying that matters.

What makes their relationship work is that the chemistry is built rather than announced. Their attraction develops through conversations, arguments, brainstorming sessions, teasing, jealousy, awkwardness and those tiny moments when irritation begins to sound suspiciously like concern. The romance does not simply tell us that they have chemistry; it lets us experience it and the banter is genuinely one of the book's biggest strengths. It is funny, quick and wonderfully contemporary, but more importantly, it becomes a language of intimacy. Their sarcasm allows them to say things they would probably struggle to say sincerely. Every argument becomes another opportunity to understand each other.

Neil is not an easy character to love immediately, and I think the book is stronger for acknowledging that. In the first half, his privileged, cocky and occasionally bully-ish behaviour can genuinely test the reader's patience. His wealth and connections give him a safety net that Kavya simply does not have, and some of his actions make the eventual romantic shift feel slightly harder to swallow than the book perhaps intends.

Thankfully, Neil gradually reveals another side, the online fashion critic, the ambitious young man who wants to create something of his own, and the person who is more emotionally vulnerable than his swagger suggests. I enjoyed that contradiction, although I did wish the book had lingered a little longer on his accountability. His growth is satisfying, but some of the consequences of his early behaviour are resolved rather quickly.

Still, watching them move from "stay out of my way" to something much softer is enormously satisfying. The book understands that love is rarely one dramatic revelation. Sometimes it is simply the gradual discovery that you have started looking for one particular person in every room.

Kavya is where the booo gains its emotional weight.

She is ambitious, hardworking and fiercely independent, but she is also tired deeply, persistently tired and that exhaustion never feels like a convenient character flaw. It feels like a reality. Her relationship with Mumbai is particularly revealing. The city represents opportunity, independence and the life she has fought to construct, but it is also expensive, exhausting and emotionally unforgiving. The commute, the rent and the relentless demands of professional life are not decorative details. They form the psychological architecture of her existence.

Her greatest fear is not simply failure; it is losing the fragile stability she has worked so hard to build. She knows how easily professional security can disappear. She knows that there are hundreds of people waiting for an opportunity. She knows that privilege can soften consequences for some people while making the same mistake catastrophic for others.

This makes her conflict with Neil more than a conventional romantic clash. He can afford experimentation; Kavya cannot that socio-economic imbalance gives the romance more substance than the trope initially promises. Kavya also embodies something increasingly recognisable in contemporary urban professional life, the person who appears to be functioning perfectly while privately operating at the edge of collapse.

Her struggles with burnout, self-worth and expectations give the romance an emotional foundation. She does not merely need a partner. She needs to learn that her value cannot be reduced to productivity. This becomes especially powerful in the emotional scenes involving her family, particularly her conversation with her mother. It is one of the moments where the book's emotional core rises above the rom-com surface that beneath the office politics and flirting is someone simply trying to hold together work, family and her sense of self.

If Kavya represents the fear of having too much to lose, Neil represents the very different anxiety of having too much handed to you. At first, he is almost deliberately infuriating, the privileged intern, the wealthy man's son, the fashion critic who seems to regard corporate life as an experiment rather than a necessity. But beneath that exterior is someone struggling with his own question of worth that is where Neil becomes interesting.

Privilege can provide opportunity, but it cannot automatically provide purpose. Having access to money, connections and security does not necessarily answer the question of what one wants to become. Neil's desire to establish something of his own gives his character a second dimension as he wants to be taken seriously independently of his surname.
The book acknowledges this contradiction, but I wanted more from it. Neil's privilege is humanised quickly, while the consequences of his early behaviour are comparatively brief. More accountability would have made his transformation stronger.

Still, the tension between Kavya and Neil works precisely because they are not merely opposites in temperament. They are opposites in experience.
She has fought to build security. He has inherited it and is trying to discover whether he can build something of his own. Their romance therefore becomes a meeting point between two very different experiences of adulthood. The office is not just a backdrop.

One of the book's most convincing elements is its corporate setting. The corporate environment is populated by deadlines, emails, meetings, brainstorming sessions, office gossip, favouritism, miscommunication and professional insecurity. These details give the setting texture because the workplace does not feel like a generic romance-office constructed solely to facilitate flirtation. It feels inhabited.

There are deadlines, brainstorming sessions, passive-aggressive emails, office gossip, friendships that keep you sane, favouritism, miscommunication and the constant pressure to prove that you deserve your chair at the table. These details give the book an authenticity that many workplace romances lack. The office does not feel like a decorative stage built only so two people can flirt; it feels like a place where actual people work.

Mumbai is one of the book's quiet strengths.
The city is crowded, expensive, exhausting and intoxicating. It becomes part of Kavya's emotional journey, a place she resents, needs and slowly learns to claim as her own.

Her connection with the city also creates an interesting counterpoint with Mussoorie and the idea of home. The book understands that leaving home does not necessarily mean escaping it. People carry old expectations, family relationships and memories into new cities. Sometimes adulthood is not about choosing between home and independence but learning to live with the emotional distance between the two. The contrast with Mussoorie adds another layer, moving away does not mean leaving home behind.

✍️ Strengths :

🔸Kavya and Neil's chemistry: Theirl banter, friction and slow-burn attraction are the undeniable highlight.
🔸Corporate realism: The emails, deadlines, politics, friendships and gossip feel remarkably familiar.
🔸Distinctly Indian setting: Mumbai, Mussoorie, family dynamics and desi humour give the story its own identity.
🔸Emotional depth: Burnout, ambition, insecurity, privilege and self-worth give the romance substance.
🔸Bingeability: The conversational, cinematic writing makes "just one more chapter" almost impossible to resist.
🔸Humour and banter: Funny without completely sacrificing emotional vulnerability.
🔸Supporting cast: Characters such as Varun add warmth and make the world feel fuller.

✒️ Areas for Improvement :

▪️Neil is privileged, occasionally bully-ish side makes the romantic redemption harder to accept at times.
▪️Some transformations needed more room to breathe.
▪️A few major developments are resolved more quickly than their build-up warrants.
▪️Privilege, burnout and corporate culture could have been explored more deeply.
▪️The more mature second half works, but some emotional developments feel compressed.

In conclusion, this book works because its romance feels human. The attraction is fun, the banter is sharp, and the emotional stakes extend beyond whether Kavya and Neil will finally get together. Kavya's exhaustion, Neil's privilege and the relentless office culture give the romance something substantial underneath the sparkle. It is funny, messy, occasionally frustrating and very easy to binge. The author does not reinvent the workplace romance, and it does not need to. Instead, she takes a familiar trope and gives it a distinctly Indian pulse, Mumbai traffic, corporate chaos, family expectations, desi humour, ambition, insecurity and two people who are far more complicated than their first impressions suggest.
For readers who love enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance, witty banter, slow-burn chemistry, corporate chaos and contemporary Indian romance, this is an easy recommendation.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through Not Safe for Work in a day, and I can see why so many people are starting to enjoy it. What I loved most wasn’t even the romance. It was how honestly the book captures the feeling of moving to a new city, missing home, and trying to carve out a place for yourself. Kavya’s struggles felt familiar, and her journey made me root for her from the very beginning.

The romance is sweet, the banter is fun, and the chemistry never feels forced. It just tells a story about finding love, building a life, and discovering that home can sometimes be a place you create for yourself.

It’s one of those books that’s simply a pleasure to read and leaves you with a smile by the end. I don’t read a lot of romance, but this one reminded me why a good rom-com can be so much fun. Thank you for the book @harpercollinsin ❤️

[Avantika Bakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kavya and Neil were everything I wanted in an office romance. There was just the right amount of corporate (at times I related with my own corporate) for it to be a true office romance. I loved Neil. He was such a green flag. And kavya.. she was sometimes me.. and other times what I wanted to be. It was a real, amazing experience

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Safe For Work is a book that takes up multiple tropes in romance writing, in an Indian setup and delivers a story that is gripping and steamy at the same time. Radhika’s writing keeps you hooked into Neil and Kavya’s life as they navigate the daily grind of corporate at the same time barely tolerating each other. Radhika has painted the contrast between the lives of the two protagonists quite nicely. The privileged intern and the up-and-coming boss was a wonderful recipe for disaster that Radhika cooks up and it delivers on all counts of steaminess, craziness and mushiness. What I loved about the book was that Radhika takes up the day-to-day aspects of a corporate life and writes the story around it. There are no instances which seem out of place in an office setup. The backstories of Kavya and Neil are equally fun and I loved how Radhika takes her time to bring them out in the story at just the right time to bring a fresh perspective into the story. The emails between Kavya and Neil are genuinely fun to read and I laughed out at some of the puns that she has utilized. The gradual change to flirting was easy, natural and almost felt perfect at times.

Coming to the characters, Kavya’s character as a seasoned corporate professional, determined to make it to the big leagues is very well written. Her aspirations and frustrations are very well captured and come out through her various interactions throughout the book. Neil as the quintessential SoBo resident is also very well penned. I loved how we first see Neil, and specially from Kavya’s perspective who would have never thought this would be the way an Intern would “lounge” in the office.

While Kavya and Neil are the primary characters, Radhika pays homage to Mumbai in this book, and there are elements in the story that would not have been possible in any other city in my opinion. Mumbai Locals and their crowds, Marine Drive and the calmness at night, and the clincher-monsoon that makes you think of your office as a second home. The climax is well written and as we talk about Mumbai, I don’t believe that we could have had this ending in any of the cities in the world.

Not Safe For Work is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves a steamy romance, a book that romanticizes Mumbai and a reader in search for a book that makes workplace romance feel natural.

[Priyanka Gowda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars,

It’s not just some basic office romance,it has everything.The life in Mumbai ,The hardships,Heartbreaks,Back stabbing & many more.

Kavya Mehra the hard working employee travelling in Mumbai’s local train barely surviving ,trying to get seen in office & finally to get appreciated for the work she do,gets an intern Neil Desai,the rich kid who drives a Mercedes who never travelled in a local train(I don’t think so he even ever saw it,but don’t worry people our girl gonna humble him) & also who is older to be an intern by the way.

Well how do they turn into rival,One random slip up & Kavya’s secret was out,obviously Neil gonna use it but wait there is more there is something about Neil too.Read to know what secret & how this rivalry turned into something better in time,it’s one hell of a roller coaster ride”I PROMISE”🤧.

I also got to know how trusting someone can cost you everything you worked hard for,What can jealousy do & how the most trusted people becomes your worst nightmare.Back stabbing always comes from people you never expected would do such things.

I really enjoyed how author portrayed everything so realistically rather than sugar coating the stuff to romanticise the romance.I mean for the first time someone have shown in novel how worst surviving in Mumbai’s humidity & Rain is,either you get roasted by heat or you have to swim to reach the destination.

This book will make you realise how your own insecurities can destroy everything you worked hard on.

The last chapter was cherry on top,Everything was so messed up I thought it’s not going to be an happy ending but it was 🥹.
“ANTH BALA TOH SAB BALA”🤧.

Also I really want to appreciate Nikita here,I never thought she would be beside Kavya in her hardest moments she was actually the best kinda friend everyone deserves 💋.

Learnt one more thing from this book, Doesn't matter whom you loved in past or from how long you know them it just takes one person to get into your heart who will break every barriers, insecurities & walls you have build around you🩷.

I also loved all the desi representation in this book,The classic underrated Bollywood movies.Wake up Sid,Ashiqui 2,Munna Bhai MBBS & many more.God those bought back some nostalgic memories ♥️.

Tiny request to author kindly write male pov too because I was so curious to know what’s happening in his brain most of the time😭😭.

[Shruti k · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read a romance that genuinely surprised me. When I picked up Not Safe for Work, I expected a light office romance with the usual workplace banter and slow-burn chemistry. But this book turned out to be so much more than that.

The story follows Kavya, who is simply trying to survive Mumbai's exhausting routine—packed local trains, endless traffic, expensive rent, and the constant pressure of holding onto a job she desperately needs. She works at Jharokha and enjoys what she does, but she's carrying a secret that could change everything. Just when she decides to ask her boss for a department transfer, she's assigned an intern instead. Enter Neil—confident, ridiculously handsome, and someone who definitely doesn't seem like an ordinary intern. Their relationship begins on the wrong foot, but as they're forced to work together, walls come down, hidden truths come to light, and what starts as a workplace partnership slowly becomes something much deeper.

What I loved most is that the romance never overshadows the story. Alongside the chemistry between Kavya and Neil, the book explores workplace politics, burnout, the pressure of proving yourself, and the fear of not being enough. Kavya felt incredibly relatable—she's flawed, hardworking, and doing her best to navigate life. I also loved her friendship with her colleague, which added warmth and reminded me that not every meaningful relationship in a book has to be romantic.

Neil was a refreshing male lead. Beneath all the charm, he has his own struggles and is trying to prove that he's capable of making it on his own instead of living under his father's shadow. Watching both characters grow individually made their relationship feel earned rather than rushed.

The writing is easy to get into, the humour lands well, the emotional moments feel genuine, and the romance is sweet without taking away from the bigger themes. If you're looking for an office romance that's layered with real-life struggles, lovable characters, and emotional growth, Not Safe for Work is definitely worth picking up.

[Sharmee · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this author's first book 'Red Flags and Rishtas', I knew she'd be a must-buy author, and now as I just turned the last page of her second book, I know for sure that she'd be a 'pre-order-her-next-book' author too!

Delivered! This book more than delivered what it promised. Cute, sappy, giggly romance, enemies-to-lovers trope, corporate drama, character growth. The realistic portrayal of an average Mumbaikar (or should I say a person who is struggling to love Mumbai), had me relating to the FMC from the very first line. A healthy bit of 'lessons on moving on' caught my eye and I loved it wholeheartedly.

The author is really good at keeping her book at the perfect length. I did wish it were longer but I can respect an author who knows her audience well and knows her characters even better. The plot was so perfectly romcom-coded that I just fell in love when it kept thickening (read: devilwearscolaba). The office setup and dynamics were realistic enough that I googled Jharokha (lol!) The writing is extremely fluid, easy to read and follow, it never gets clunky with exposition or monologues, it is immersive to the point that I never knew when I reached chapter 15 and it was midnight. I love when a book does that to me.

Yes, the leads both were amazing but it's Kavu who held my heart from start to end. You start thinking of her as someone you know very closely and that's when you know the book is well done. Shoutout to Nikita who was the perfect friend to the protagonist. Kavu truly needed her.

I couldn't really get hooked to Neil or perhaps it was because I didn't relate to a rich guy trying to win his father's approval for sponsorship, instead of actually wanting to work his ass off. Probably because the way he treated Kavya initially put me off. I did warm up to him eventually when he said the iconic line, "She is not you". Uff!

I wish there were more books from this author for me to binge on but until then I'll await patiently for the next dose of cuteness and romance.

[Charu · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Indian romance book, and I genuinely loved it. 🫶🏻

I had actually stopped reading romance for a while because so many romance books stopped feeling relatable or exciting to me, so I switched mostly to psychological thrillers. Not Safe for Work completely changed that. It made me want to get back into romance, especially Indian romance, because the setting, characters, references, and little cultural details made everything so much easier to imagine and connect with.

And the characters!! Neil is definitely my favourite. He initially looks like the typical charming fuckboy, but he's actually such a green flag underneath all of that. He's funny, charismatic, genuinely caring, and just so much fun to read. I usually end up overanalysing fictional characters, but Neil honestly gave me nothing to complain about. 😭

The Bollywood references throughout the book made it even more entertaining. There were so many moments where I just smiled because I could immediately picture them.

I also have to talk about the plot because I genuinely did NOT see some of it coming. I hadn't even paid enough attention to the @devilwearscolaba thing at first, so when everything started connecting, I had that WAIT, WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING? moment. 😭 The Tanya betrayal was the one thing I somewhat expected, but so much of what happened after the party with Nikita genuinely caught me off guard.

I also almost didn't start this book because I always struggle with leaving the comfort of my previous book and getting into a new one. I forced myself through the first four chapters one chapter at a time, and then once I finally got into it, I ended up reading chapters 5–10 in one sitting because I couldn't stop.

Now I'm already dreading leaving this book behind because I know I'm going to be obsessed with it for a LONG time. 😭

This book genuinely brought my love for romance back, and I'm definitely reading Red Flags and Rishtas next. I already know I'm going to miss this world and these characters.

One of my favourite books I've read in a long time. 🫶🏻📖

[Ketki Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished *Not Safe For Work* in about 16 hours, which should probably tell you how difficult it was to put this book down.

The story follows Kavya, a senior graphic designer in Mumbai, whose life gets complicated when Neil, her new intern, walks into her workplace. They don't exactly get along from the beginning, and their initial dislike slowly turns into one of the most entertaining parts of the book. The banter, workplace tension and chemistry between them worked incredibly well for me.

What I especially appreciated was that the workplace actually feels like a workplace. The story doesn't use the office merely as a convenient setting for the romance. We get to see career ambitions, work pressures, promotions, office politics, professional insecurities and the constant struggle to prove yourself. Kavya's relationship with her career and her ambition felt particularly relatable.

I also loved Radhika Agrawal's writing style. It's conversational, easy to follow and filled with humour. The Bollywood references were such a fun addition and gave the story a distinctly desi rom-com feel without taking away from the emotional moments.

And then there's Mumbai. I loved the way the city became more than just a backdrop. Kavya's complicated relationship with Mumbai—loving it, resenting it, feeling exhausted by it and slowly seeing it differently—added another layer to the story. In many ways, the book is as much about finding your place in a city and figuring yourself out as it is about falling in love.

The character development was another highlight for me. Both Kavya and Neil grow throughout the story, and I enjoyed watching their assumptions about each other slowly change.

Overall, Not Safe For Work was a fun, warm and thoroughly entertaining workplace romance. It has witty banter, chemistry, ambition, Bollywood references, character growth and just the right amount of chaos.

A very easy 5-star read for me, and definitely one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a contemporary Indian workplace romance with plenty of personality.

[a_geminireader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book by Radhika Agrawal, and I just had this feeling that it was going to be my favourite rom-com of the year. And I'm so happy I was right. I giggled, I had butterflies in my stomach, and there were so many moments where I just wanted to scream because the chemistry was " THAT GOOD".

Kavya and Neil had me hooked right from the start. Their banter never felt forced, and I genuinely looked forward to every scene they shared. I loved how their relationship wasn't rushed. It slowly grew through late-night work, misunderstandings, little moments, and countless arguments that somehow made me smile every single time.

But what made this book special for me was that it wasn't only about the romance. It also talks about the pressure of surviving in a city like Mumbai, trying to build a career, dealing with burnout, and constantly feeling like you have to prove yourself. Kavya felt like a real person, and that's what made me connect with her so much.

And Nikita... I absolutely adored her. Every time she walked into a scene, I knew something fun was about to happen. She was hilarious without trying too hard, and her friendship with Kavya honestly became one of my favourite parts of the book. She wasn't just there for comic relief she was that one friend who stands by you, hypes you up, tells you the truth when you need to hear it, and somehow makes every bad day a little better. Their friendship gave me major best-friend vibes, and I loved every scene they had together.

The little desi references, the office chaos, the emotional moments, and the romance all blended together so naturally that I never wanted the story to end.

If you love workplace romances with enemies-to-lovers vibes, loads of banter, amazing chemistry, and characters who feel like real people instead of perfect fictional ones, please don't skip this one. It made me laugh, blush, and smile so much that I already know it's going to be one of my favourite rom-coms of the year. 💛

[Sindhu Vinod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radhika Agarwal’s Not Safe for Work is a witty, heartwarming office romance set in Mumbai that stands out for its blend of sparkling humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters navigating love, ambition, and family expectations. It’s more than just a workplace rom-com- it’s a layered story about finding balance between personal dreams and professional chaos.

The protagonist is Kavya, a senior graphic designer in Mumbai, whose life is caught between her hometown roots in Mussoorie and the fast-paced demands of city life.
The novel explores her professional challenges, evolving relationships, and the unexpected romance that blooms in the workplace.

Agarwal captures the chaotic yet vibrant energy of Mumbai’s corporate world, making the office backdrop feel real and engaging.
The title itself cleverly reflects both the professional and emotional turbulence of the characters.

The book leans into the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, but with fresh, witty banter and sparkling chemistry that keeps readers hooked.

It’s not just about love-it’s about family ties, self-belief, and career struggles, making it relatable for young professionals balancing ambition and personal life.

The story unfolds like a Bollywood rom-com, filled with laughter, misunderstandings, friendship, heartbreak, and hope.

The author's writing is conversational, witty, and emotionally layered.
She balances humor with heartfelt moments, ensuring the narrative is both entertaining and meaningful.
This novel shows growth in character arcs and storytelling maturity.
Not Safe for Work is a refreshingly entertaining office romance that delivers on humor, chemistry, and emotional resonance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy Meg Cabot or Sophie Kinsella-style rom-coms, but want a distinctly Indian setting and cultural flavor.
A must-read for fans of contemporary romance who want a light yet layered story that feels both relatable and cinematic.

[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

”It didn't help that the Mumbai monsoon had arrived two weeks early. The air was sticky, the days gloomy, and everything felt vaguely damp. It wasn't exactly the kind of weather that inspired brilliance.”

- Radhika Agrawal, Not Safe for Work

The story begins with Kavya struggling to voice her idea forming in her mind. Kavya, a graphic designer working at Jharokha, felt sidelined during boardroom meetings. Taanya is her confidante with whom she shares her joy and (mostly) sorrows. When Varun Bharadwaj credits her for pitching ‘interesting ideas’, she feels heard. Kavya despises the new hire, Neil Desai. From the opportunities falling on his angular figure to the smirk washed on his chiselled face, Neil is on her hit-list.

”Much like the shifting skyline in my rearview mirror, my thoughts raced by until the uncomfortable realisation settled like a rock in my stomach.”

Deep within, Neil and Kavya are fighting their own demons even after they crossed each other. Their struggles felt validated with the latter wanting to find herself in a sea full of people and the former wanting to prove his worth.

”With its high ceilings and long corridors, his parents' house had always felt too large for conversation.”

I could feel the tension rising in the air and the quickening pulse of the city whenever Neil and Kavya locked horns. Their softening towards each other was one of my favourite moments in the book.

The writing is sparkling with wit and Bollywood-coded settings. Just like in the movies, whether it's a rainfall igniting a spark of romance or two individuals warming up to each other with the ray of sunlight, the couple put up a united front in the most unlikely of situations. The crisp, engaging chapters are not long; rather, I felt that I was a small part of the protagonists' long journey.

Not Safe for Work by Radhika Agrawal edges past conventional romances, delivering a heartfelt story about ambition, vulnerability, and finding love.

[Prerna Shambhavee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you start a book and suddenly it's 2 AM and you've read way more than you planned? That was this book for me.

Kavya Mehra is a senior graphic designer. She has spent three and a half years fighting Mumbai traffic, paying insane rent and dealing with burnout just to keep her job. Life is finally looking up.

Then Neil Desai walks in.

He is her new intern. Insufferable. Handsome. Privileged. A complete man-child who has never known struggle because his daddy has money and connections. And he finds out something about Kavya that she desperately needs him to keep secret. It is a tiny white lie, yes. But in Mumbai, where thousands are waiting to grab your job, even a small slip-up can ruin everything.

What happens when they are forced to work together? Late-night brainstorming sessions turn into sharp-tongued fights. And those fights start feeling suspiciously like foreplay. Soon they are navigating professional minefields, a brewing office scandal and an attraction that was never part of the job description.

This book is pure entertainment.

The banter between Kavya and Neil is witty and sharp. Their chemistry feels natural and the romance develops at just the right pace. I found myself smiling, laughing and repeatedly saying "just one more chapter" until I had finished half the book in one sitting.

What I loved most is how relatable everything felt. The workplace setting is familiar, not exaggerated. It made the characters and their interactions even more enjoyable. The emotional moments blend beautifully with the humor, so the story never feels too heavy or too fluffy.

If you love books with enemies-to-lovers tension, sharp banter and a spicy workplace romance set in India, this is for you. It has everything you want from a desi rom-com.

A page-turner. Delightful. Hard to put down. I highly recommend it.

[Tanushree Agarwalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished *Not Safe for Work* in just two days because I honestly couldn’t put it down. It was such an enjoyable read, with a lovely balance of lightheartedness, slow-burn romance, workplace banter, and just the right amount of steam.

Neil and Kavya’s chemistry was easily one of my favourite things about the book. Their conversations, constant teasing, and the way their relationship develops felt natural and genuinely entertaining. The romance has enough tension to keep you invested without losing the fun that makes the story so enjoyable.

I also really loved the way Bombay was woven into the story. The city didn’t just feel like a setting—it became an important part of Kavya’s journey, and I especially enjoyed seeing how her relationship with the city changed as the story progressed.

The writing is very visual and cinematic, and there were several moments where I could completely picture the scenes playing out. Even the little details, like the texts and emails included throughout the book, added to the experience and made the story feel more immersive.

What I appreciated most was that beneath the fun romance, the characters had their own ambitions, struggles, and personal journeys. It gave the story more depth without making it unnecessarily heavy.

By the end, I was genuinely wishing there was an epilogue or a bonus chapter because I wasn't quite ready to leave these characters behind.

Overall, *Not Safe for Work* was a fun, charming, and beautifully written romance that kept me entertained from beginning to end. If you enjoy workplace romances with strong chemistry, witty banter, a slow-burn relationship, and a distinctly Mumbai setting, this is definitely one to pick up.

I’m looking forward to reading more from Radhika!

[Ocean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve always had a difficult time with mainstream Indian romance books. Most of the times i couldn’t get past the corny writing, let alone ponder at the stale story.

Keeping this bias in mind, I have to say, I found this book to be a pleasant but predictable read.

1. The writing was smooth and the characters, dialogues, storyline didn’t make me cringe as if they were written by a 40yo man pretending to sound young

2. I love that the author takes inspiration from Sophie Kinsella (icon), however, the “signature” wittiness and humour that an iconic Kinsella book has, was missing.

I really think the author has the potential to flesh out better characters because as of now, the book didn’t have an ounce of “comedy” that a romcom should have.

3. The major flaw i found in this book that made me want to drop it down to 3 stars-

The Lazy Conflict-resolution style that the book has.
In the beginning I’m promised High-stakes, a solid secret from both Kavya and Neil and to my disdain, it was resolved in the third act in the most anti-climatic way possible.
And the book does this constantly. Every tiny flicker of conflict between any character is constantly brushed off or immediately resolved.
There was no time for a problem to simmer or build-up.
I understand that a feel-good book doesn’t need to be too dramatic but this approach just felt half-hearted.

My final thoughts, I liked the book. It was a cozy, breezy read and I would recommend it to a beginner reader and might just pick up the author’s first book because I liked the writing style.
I wish that in the next book, the Author plunges more into the conflict, the characters, the depth, because I would love to read more from her.

[DIPTISHA SARKAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Not Safe for Work' by Radhika Agrawal is one of the most fun enemies-to-lovers workplace romance I've read recently. I kept awake till 4am just to finish this. Believe me when I say this, I don't generally compromise with my sleep. But when I do, it's generally a good book.

The story introduces us to Kavya and Neil. Kavya is the Senior Graphic Designer at Jharokha- chaotic, ambitious, and who belongs from the mountains of Mussoorie. She moved to Mumbai for this job and her life changed, and not in a very good way. Mumbai life was very different from her Pahadi life. As we get to know a bit about her, enter Neil, the office heartthrob intern- Kavya's intern! He has the best looks, the perfect body, and the charm no one in the office can resist, except Kavya. Kavya sees a spoilt, overprivileged manchild.

Kavya has a secret which Neil knows, which can have her fired from her job. And Kavya knows something, which can spoil Neil's life. But, what do they do to keep each other's secrets?
Well, they becomes rivals.
But, how do they work together? Crazy deadlines, office meetings, being on the same team, how do they manage to suffer each other?
But let me tell you, they do more than suffer each other. *wink*

This was just the kind of book that I wanted to read to giggle in bed at night. The chemistry, the banter, the flirting, the tense atmosphere, everything was just on point. It's a kind of desi romance which every book lover dreams of. The mails and text messages were the most fun parts. This book has everything a rom-com lover looks for in a book. If you enjoy reading enemies-to-lovers workplace romance, that makes you giggle, I suggest you pick this book next and have a fun and enjoyable reading session.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has 'The Hating Game' energy with bollywood fusion.

Workplace romances are already a recipe for chaos. This one has an annoying intern, a senior employee who has worked far too hard for her place, and a secret that could put her job at risk. Things get super interesting.

Not Safe For Work by Radhika Agrawal brings all of this together in a spicy workplace romance set in Mumbai. Kavya Mehra has spent three and a half years at decor brand Jharokha. Dealing with burnout, expensive rent and a brutal commute while trying to build a stable life for herself. Things finally seem to be moving in the right direction until Neil Desai joins as an intern.

And Kavya has absolutely no patience for him.

Neil is privileged, irritating and far too confident with his father's money and influence behind him. To make matters worse, he discovers a small lie Kavya desperately needs to keep hidden. With her job already feeling fragile, having him know her secret is the last thing she needs.

Of course, they don't get the luxury of avoiding each other.

Late-night brainstorming sessions and workplace problems keep putting Kavya and Neil in the same space. Their arguments have plenty of bite, and the line between irritation and attraction starts getting harder to ignore. Add an office scandal to the mix, and their already complicated equation gets even messier.

I absolutely enjoyed this setup and the writing. It all made me feel like I'm watching a fun movie! There's plenty here to keep one entertained. The sharp banter gives their interactions the kind of energy that makes workplace romances so addictive. I actually became a fan of the author because this book totally lived up to my expectations.

[Sakshe D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Radhika’s work via Red flags and Rishtas. Kid you me not , I have mentioned several times in my previous post as well, that this book took me out of my eight-year-old mouldy reading slump and thrived me back into the game to create a substantial book account in meagre two months.
Therefore, there was no way under the sun, I was missing this second book. To commence, I love the tangy, edgy pink of the cover, profusely attracting all the feminity and romance out there. Both her characters Aadar and Neil bucket into different segments, but comfort and portray our dream guys, in some way or the other.

There is something strangely radiating, love and spice about workplace romance because of mainly two reasons. One that we spend majority part of our day at work. We practically live 60% of our life at our workplace. Secondly, most have already been there. Though prohibited, but the colleagues rekindle a spark with one of the them or the other.

As you continue reading the narrative, you will find yourself peeking out from one place or the other empathising with either Neil or Kavya, chapter by chapter, stanza by stanza. Being a diehard Bollywood fan, romcoms have a special place in my heart, and this book fully delivers my Bollywood Meet cute of a rich spoilt, brat falling in love with the hustler, beautiful girl.

I sometimes wonder when will I ever get over my fascination for this mainstream narrative? I guess never, and I think no one should. We all should continue our sailing our boats, clutching onto romcoms, keeping us sane and happy through this jungle of life.

[Rups!! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A full-on office drama!

Not Safe for Work takes us into the world of corporate life, where people work hard to achieve their goals—whether it is money, promotions, recognition, or simply survival. But beneath the professional ambitions are people dealing with personal struggles, relationships, expectations, and the reality of doing work that may not necessarily be their passion.

What makes the story interesting is the way it brings together office politics, personal relationships, ambitions, and a little bit of drama.

What I liked:

- The plot is easy-flowing, with events unfolding naturally and bits and pieces from the past adding to the present storyline.
- I liked how the story connects past and present relationships with the characters' professional goals. It beautifully blends personal lives with the corporate world.
- Some situations felt surprisingly realistic. One scene where a character prefers travelling by local train rather than by car in Mumbai particularly stood out to me—it felt very relatable and grounded in reality.
- The friction and bickering between the leads in the beginning were enjoyable and added a fun element to the story.
- The writing style is simple and easy to follow, with some funny dialogues and good attention to the corporate/office background.
- And then comes the betrayal towards the end! I won't reveal any spoilers, but it was definitely not something I had expected.

Overall

Overall, Not Safe for Work is a good, humorous and engaging read with plenty of office drama, relationships and unexpected turns.

Read it if you're looking for some drama in your life! 😉

[Aritri Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most romance novels work on a formula or as we call it in the literary world "trope". So when it comes to writing romance there is a huge element that can hardly be used which is the element of surprise. Because when one reads a romcom, they are not expecting their lives or thought process to be drastically transformed. They are only looking for some entertainment, lots of warmth and a little bit of magic hidden in laughter and the giddiness. This is why @radhika.yellow 's book Not Safe for Work works so well in this genre. It honestly feels great reading this book. The characters are not outrageous, instead they feel like the people you would know from your workplace or friends' group. I was invested in Kavya's story from the first page of the book. A girl who works in corporate, living in a city that is far away from her home (in this case Mumbai) and hating every bit of this city's life full of loneliness and a longing for home. These are all the things that make Kavya relatable to a majority of young women in their 20s or 30s. Then Kavya meets Neil, a young rich brat who is appointed as an intern, he has all the resources in the world yet keeps trying to prove a point to his father that he can make it on his own.
The chemistry between Kavya and Neil was insanely good. And I am honestly surprised by how well written this book is. It made me want to fall in love all over again with my husband.

I think I am going to read Radhika's previous book "Red Flags and Rishtas" right after this one because I am not ready to say goodbye to her writing yet.

[Deotima Sarkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Radhika Agrawal drops us into Jharokha, where branding campaigns, client shoots, mood boards, viral Instagram strategies and impossible deadlines are just another workday. Kavya Mehra has worked too hard to earn her place in Mumbai to let anyone question her talent. Neil Desai, the intern she instantly dismisses as a privileged nepo baby, arrives carrying assumptions of his own. As work and campaign a forces them together, those first impressions slowly begin to unravel, and the enemies turn lovers.
The highlight wasn't just the romance, but the relationships surrounding it. Through Nikita, Tanya and the people orbiting Kavya's life, the novel quietly explores the difference between friendships that are convenient and those that truly show up when life falls apart. In a world built on curated Instagram feeds, personal brands and carefully edited versions of ourselves, NSFW asks who really knows the person behind the screen.
The advertising world feels wonderfully authentic equal parts creative chaos and controlled panic along with the social media , the bollywood familiarity while Mumbai, drenched in monsoon rain, the crowded trains which are the lifeline of the city and relentless ambition, becomes far more than a backdrop. It reads like Radhika Agrawal's love letter to a city that can overwhelm you and embrace you in the same breath as she intended!
By the end, this isn't merely an office romance. It's a story about ambition, identity, finding your people and learning that the strongest relationships, romantic or otherwise are built when the filters come off.

[Mehrunisha Bano · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 — and officially a very happy fan. 🥹

Not Safe for Work — Review

I finished Not Safe for Work today, and honestly, I don’t even know how to properly explain how much I enjoyed this book.

What I love most about your writing is how naturally you write from a girl’s perspective. There are so many little thoughts and situations in the book that I’ve genuinely thought about myself. While reading, I kept having these moments like, “Yaar, I’ve literally thought about this too!” 😂

The dating and arranged-marriage situations were especially relatable. I’ve actually wondered what would happen if I ever met someone I had dated in an arranged-marriage setup, or if someone I knew randomly turned up in such a situation. And then you literally put something like that in the book. I was just sitting there thinking, “DAMN, so I’m not the only one who thinks like this!” 😭😂

I also work in a creative agency, so I connected with that part of the story even more. Some of those workplace moments felt way too familiar, which made the book even more enjoyable for me.

I think that’s what makes your books special to me. They don’t feel like I’m just reading about fictional characters. They feel like I’m watching people and situations that could actually exist around me. The thoughts feel real, the awkwardness feels real, and even the chaos feels familiar.

It’s funny, warm, romantic, and genuinely comforting in a weird way.

I really, really hope you write more rom-coms like this because I’m definitely going to read them. ❤️