Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Too Good To Be True by Prajakta Koli

Imagine walking into a bookstore, only to bump into your dream man—charming, mysterious, maybe even with a past worth romanticizing. Sounds like every rom-com lover’s fantasy, right? That’s exactly the promise Too Good To Be True makes. Written by Prajakta Koli, aka MostlySane—a name that needs no introduction to her millions of YouTube fans—this debut novel attempts to translate her signature wit and relatability into the world of fiction. Given her huge digital following and storytelling chops on screen, expectations were sky-high. But does the book live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Avani, a romance-loving law student and part-time bookstore employee, has made peace with the idea that real life doesn't offer swoon-worthy, slow-burn romances like her beloved novels. Until Aman walks in. He’s practically book boyfriend material—handsome, accomplished, and uncannily attuned to her every word. As sparks fly, so do the doubts. Avani finds herself second-guessing everything—is this real, or just too good to be true?

The novel banks heavily on the will-they-won’t-they trope, peppered with witty banter, emotional tug-of-wars, and enough “aww” moments to melt the heart—at least on paper.

Prajakta’s writing voice is exactly what you’d expect from someone who made her name by being “your relatable friend on the internet.” The tone is chatty, casual, and very Gen Z-friendly. Sometimes, too Gen Z-friendly—with slang that feels forced and dialogue that tries a little too hard to be “cool.” The prose lacks polish and leans heavily on telling, rather than showing, making parts of the narrative feel rushed or undercooked. That said, there are pockets of sincerity and emotional honesty where her potential really shines through.

Avani is clearly designed to be the everygirl—sarcastic, emotionally complex, and deeply romantic. Aman, on the other hand, feels like an aesthetic choice more than a fully fleshed-out human. We know he’s a CEO, but... of what? His professional life is vague to the point of being laughable. What works, however, is the chemistry between the leads. Their dynamic feels lived-in and sweet, especially in their quieter, more vulnerable moments.

As for themes—self-doubt, romantic idealism, and the fear of being “too much”—they’re universal and worth exploring. They just needed more depth and less surface-level gloss.

The plot follows a predictable arc, and while that’s not always a bad thing in romance, the pacing feels uneven. Key events either drag on or are skipped over entirely (like that mysterious “big meeting” Aman keeps having—what was it even about?). The story sometimes reads like a series of loosely connected scenes strung together with dialogue. It’s digestible, sure—you can finish it in a few hours—but not necessarily memorable.

The central theme—is love real or just a well-written illusion?—is a compelling one. There’s also an undercurrent of questioning self-worth, especially in relationships, which many readers will relate to. The book lightly touches on mental health and societal pressures, though these moments lack the emotional depth to truly resonate.

There were glimmers of warmth that tugged at my heart—the BFF dynamics, the unspoken anxieties, the butterflies of new love. But more often, I felt detached. I wanted to feel Avani’s internal world more vividly—her fears, her desires—but it felt like I was watching her through a glass window.

With its conversational tone, Too Good To Be True offers easy readability, making it especially accessible for new readers. The witty dialogue—though inconsistent—does land some charming moments that genuinely made me smile. And the premise? Utterly relatable. Who among us hasn’t spun a love story in our heads after locking eyes with a stranger in a bookstore?

The writing in Too Good To Be True often feels underdeveloped, especially in descriptive scenes that seem to rush just to return to the comfort of dialogue. Avani and Aman, while cute together, lack depth outside their romantic dynamic, making it hard to connect with them as individuals. Add to that an overuse of internet slang, which often comes across more as a gimmick than genuine voice, and the narrative sometimes feels more performative than authentic.

As someone who is familiar with Prajakta’s work, I really wanted to love this book. There are glimpses of her voice—her sincerity, her humour—but they’re buried under layers of inexperience. I couldn’t help but think this would’ve worked better as a web series. The bones are good, the heart is there—but the execution needs serious refinement.

Too Good To Be True is a debut that, while flawed, isn’t without charm. It’s like your first pancake—slightly burnt on one side, undercooked on the other, but you still appreciate the effort. For die-hard MostlySane fans or readers looking for a light, breezy romance that doesn’t demand too much, this might hit the spot. But if you’re looking for depth, craft, and emotional complexity, you might be left wanting.

A sincere but clumsy debut—Prajakta Koli has promise, but there’s work to be done.

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