If you have been in a reading slump and are looking for a sweet escape, I recommend ‘Too Good To Be True’ by Prajakta Koli.

After my gruelling exam season, I picked up this book on a whim, and it was the retreat I needed. It pulled me back into the joy of reading and ignited my enthusiasm to bury my nose in nonfiction and academic books.

Koli’s ‘Too Good To Be True’ is a romance fiction that captures the euphoria and uncertainty of modern romantic relationships. The intense feeling of infatuation, butterflies fluttering in your stomach, developing a crush on someone way out of your league and your crush liking you back (unexpectedly) are explored through the lead character of Avani.

Koli crafts Avani’s character in a way that resonates deeply with young female readers. As a student in her early 20s, Avani embodies independence. She lives on her own in Mumbai, balancing academics with a job at a bookstore to support herself.

Despite being independent, overachieving and academically driven, she is not portrayed as perfect. The emotional scars of her parents’ tumultuous marriage, separation, and untimely passing have not healed yet. These past wounds subtly influence her relationship with Aman, the man she is dating.

If Avani is real, Aman, on the other hand, feels almost too perfect. As the title suggests, he is too good to be true. He is courteous, charming, exceedingly handsome, affluent, and essentially the dream guy straight out of a romantic fantasy. Although his character is enjoyable to read, there is a disconnect because he doesn’t feel as layered or flawed as Avani. However, despite his near-perfect portrayal, their first encounter at the bookstore is written in a way that feels authentic.

When Aman walked in to buy a book, Avani’s reaction was hilariously relatable. When their eyes met, she instinctively ducked as if she were in a water balloon fight with him on holi. And when he started talking to her, nerves completely took over. Her brain short-circuited, and she blurted out a response to something Aman hadn’t even asked. This scene is both funny and familiar because, let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt their heart race and their mind go blank in front of someone ridiculously good-looking?

Similarly, the book subtly presents the changing dynamics of effort in romantic relationships. In the past, love was often expressed through grand, extravagant gestures such as writing hundreds of love letters, composing poetry, building architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal, or even fighting wars for love. These acts symbolised unconditional commitment and devotion. However, in today’s fast-paced digital world, the definition of effort in relationships has totally shifted. Now, something as seemingly small as texting first, sending a good morning message, or remembering small details about a person holds great significance. Reading this book will make you feel this transition deeply.

Apart from romantic love, ‘Too Good To Be True’ also delves into friendships. Avani’s interactions with her friends Martin, Rhea, and Maya are some of the most entertaining parts of the book. Their witty banter, inside jokes, and no-holds-barred conversations add humour and warmth to the story. They act as her support system and also, provide comic relief to the story. The book also emphasises friendship as important as romantic relationships.

Likewise, beyond romance, the book emphasises the importance of self-awareness and self-love in relationships. Koli does a great job of highlighting that a meaningful relationship is not just about finding the right person; it’s also about personal growth and healing. Avani’s journey is more than just about falling in love. It is also about confronting her past, understanding her insecurities, and realising her worth beyond a romantic connection. Hence, it is a book that doesn’t just focus on the highs of romance but also the internal conflicts and personal battles that come with it.

The book’s language mirrors how most young adults communicate—casual, filled with pop culture references, and flows naturally, making it an easy and engaging read. However, while this conversational tone makes the book relatable, there are moments where it might feel overly simplistic and informal for readers who prefer more nuanced prose.

Although ‘Too Good To Be True’ shines in many aspects, the ending feels somewhat rushed and too dramatic. The novel builds up Avani and Aman’s relationship with realistic struggles and sweet moments, but the resolution feels a bit forced, almost like a movie climax rather than a believable conclusion.

Moreover, this book has been a major hit in India, largely due to Koli’s immense popularity as a social media influencer and the strong backing of a renowned publisher like HarperCollins. Had the same book been written by ‘just an author’, it’s unlikely it would have gained the same level of attention. The plot isn’t particularly exceptional, and the writing style is fairly simple rather than rich or elaborate. However, considering it’s the debut novel of a digital creator, it seems fine.

Despite a few drawbacks, ‘Too Good To Be True’ is an enjoyable read, especially if you’re looking for something light, funny, and relatable. It might not be a literary masterpiece, but it does what it sets out to do: entertain, engage, and provide a cosy escape from reality.

Too Good To Be True

Author: Prajakta Koli

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year: 2025

Pages: 311