Penning Insights #16: Red Flags & Rishtas Feels Like a Netflix Rom-Com

I am back with yet another book review, and this time it’s Red Flags & Rishtas by Radhika Agrawal — a rom-com I had been dying to read.

First of all, congratulations to the author — you absolutely nailed the vibe of this book. While reading, I could already picture it as a movie. In fact, if someone told me tomorrow that Netflix was adapting it into a series, I would believe it without a second thought.

I do have a few complaints, but I’ll save those for the end.

A Rom-Com That Plays Like a Movie

Throughout the entire book, I had scenes unfolding in my head. Every conversation, awkward interaction, and heartfelt moment felt incredibly easy to visualize.

It gave me serious Mismatched vibes. If Netflix ever adapted this novel, I could genuinely imagine it fitting right alongside shows like Mismatched. The atmosphere, the humor, and the character dynamics all felt wonderfully cinematic.

The Humor Is Absolutely Adorable

One of my favorite parts of the novel was its humor.

It wasn’t loud or over-the-top. It was soft, witty, and effortlessly funny.

I genuinely wonder how authors manage to write those tiny everyday romantic moments so beautifully. The awkward conversations, teasing remarks, and little misunderstandings made the romance feel incredibly natural.

The Email Trope Completely Won Me Over

The entire email storyline was simply adorable.

It slowly built the chemistry between the characters without ever feeling forced. Every exchange added another layer to their relationship, making the romance feel warm, believable, and genuinely sweet.

A Fresh Take on Enemies-to-Lovers

The enemies-to-lovers arc was wonderfully executed.

Of course, we all knew where the story was heading, but I didn’t expect the transition to happen so naturally — or so smoothly.

Nothing felt dramatic purely for the sake of drama. The chemistry evolved at a pace that felt believable, making the relationship even more enjoyable to watch unfold.

The Marketing Project Stole the Show

One thing I absolutely have to appreciate is the marketing project around which much of the story revolves.

Honestly, Radhika Agrawal herself could probably teach a marketing class.

The entire concept was creative, believable, and genuinely engaging. Rather than existing as a simple backdrop, it became an important part of the narrative and helped the book stand out from many other rom-coms.

Relationships That Feel Real

I loved the dynamics between the characters.

Ananya’s relationship with her parents felt authentic, but my favorite bond outside the romance was definitely her friendship with Brenda.

The book also explores something people rarely admit openly — feeling jealous of your friends from time to time.

Instead of portraying jealousy as proof of being a bad friend, it presents it as an emotion that often grows out of insecurity, making it feel honest, human, and relatable.

Where the Story Fell Short

My biggest complaint is the ending.

I desperately wanted to know what Ananya chose to do after finally finding her direction.

What career did she pursue? Where did life take her next? I wanted just one more chapter — a glimpse into her future after everything settled down.

Instead, the story ended rather abruptly.

It felt like watching a wonderful film only for the screen to go black the moment the climax ended.

The journey was beautiful. The closure wasn’t.

One Moment That Deserved a Stronger Response

There was also one particular moment where another character made a remark that I personally found unacceptable.

As someone who strongly believes in equality, I kept waiting for both the male and female leads to challenge it more firmly.

I expected a powerful comeback. Unfortunately, it never came.

Final Thoughts

This is a recurring complaint I have with many rom-coms.

Either they barely have a plot, or they build a wonderful one only to rush the ending before giving readers the closure they deserve.

Thankfully, Red Flags & Rishtas belongs firmly to the second category.

The journey is delightful. The romance is adorable. The humor is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

I only wish the ending had been given a little more room to breathe.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

Despite my complaints, I genuinely had a wonderful time reading this book.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted rom-com filled with witty banter, lovable characters, adorable romance, and a story that plays out vividly in your imagination, Red Flags & Rishtas is definitely worth picking up.