Bad Words

by Rioghnach Robinson

“The rare kind of book I can’t believe doesn’t already exist . . . [a] clear, clever voice and incisive social commentary elevate the book’s irresistible will-they-won’t-they romance to a once-in-a-lifetime read about truth, art, vulnerability, and all the sticky places they intersect. BAD WORDS LEFT ME BUZZING.” - EMILY HENRY, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Great Big Beautiful Life

A sharp and deeply felt debut about art, ambition, and the connections that both inspire and undo us.

Parker Navarro’s debut novel was meant to define his career - until critic Selina Chan’s blistering review made it the flop of the decade. Four years later, his new book is his shot at redemption; for Selina, reviewing him again is a professional risk she can’t refuse. When her second takedown ignites a viral feud, both their fortunes shift overnight. But as the literary world feeds on their public sparring, a quieter dialogue begins - one that challenges everything they thought they knew about success, sincerity, and each other.

Both incisive and tender, Bad Words lays bare the costs of creation - the pull between ambition and integrity, the vulnerability of being seen, and the unexpected closeness that can grow in the space between critique and care.

When words can make or break us, how do you stay true to what matters most?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers

400 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 6, 2026

Reviews

[zahra]

if emily henry calls a book special, you best believe i'll be reading it

Thank you to St. Martins Press for the copy via Goodreads giveaway!

[Caitlyn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever read a book and think, "this was needed right now?" Bad Words is a propulsive read, with the type of tension and commentary that urge you to read past your bedtime. Rioghnach's prose is sharp, witty, and honest, with imagery and characters that draw you in from page one. Parker and Selina's feud made me think a lot about how authors engage with reviewers, and how reviews often need to be written in good faith to be honest. The thing I appreciated the most about Selina is how she never wavered from her principles and didn't allow anyone to bully her into retracting her criticism. The familial and friend relationships brought depth to both Parker and Selina's characters and allowed Rioghnach to explore the ramifications of their public personas in relation to how they coped with being so exposed. Allowing public opinion and hundreds, if not thousands, of perspectives and eyes on you is unnatural, and this novel did not shy away from combatting the idea that sometimes putting the internet away can be healthy (and needed). As a certified romance reader (trademark), I really enjoyed the will-they-won't-they romance. But what I really loved was the ways in which Parker and Selina changed their original perspectives of each other (and their writing) as they grew closer and allowed more pieces of themselves to be revealed, including their families. This is the kind of novel that's important, timely, and going to be big. I can feel it.

[Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

first, thank you to st martin's press and goodreads for sponsoring the giveaway that put this masterpiece into my hands.

Bad Words is not what I was expecting at all. In the beginning, I thought it would lean more towards literary fiction with intense commentary about the publishing industry. What I actually got from this novel was so much better. The slow burn was amazing and Robinson's take on the romance genre was refreshing. I was talking to a friend recently about how I haven't read a really good romance book in a while and I guess I jinxed myself.

The pacing of the novel was just out of this world. I normally don't like the enemies to lovers trope in realistic fiction, but it made so much sense for Selina and Parker. Robinson perfectly captures the feeling of slowly falling in love with someone the world wants you to hate. The discussion on the publishing industry as well were also very good, it wasn't too in the reader's face but still got the gears turning.

Excited for this book to come out and for any of Robinson's future works!

edit (spoilers): wish the ending was a bit longer because i needed more selina and parker fluff because i love their dynamic

[Genevieve (GenLikesToRead)]

Raise your hand if you’re here because of Emily Henry 🖐️

[Becca Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the deepest respect for romance as a genre, and I loved the way that this book pushed against the boundaries of that genre. The richest descriptions and character explorations are in the first half of this book, evidence that Robinson has created real people with rich inner lives. That portion of the book also held a nuanced conversation about criticism and showed how deeply the author explores different viewpoints. I cared least about the romance (which I cared about deeply), and when its time came, which I relished, I found myself missing some of the depth and precision I saw in the beginning of the book’s explorations of character and internet culture and the way we see ourselves and others. I could have read 50 more pages about the quick controversy at the end.

The sentences in this book were savory. Some I reread just to enjoy the way Robinson crafted them. I laughed out loud. I paused over thoughts. I flipped pages before I was quite done with them because I needed to know what was happening, but then of course I flipped back because I didn’t want to miss a single word.

I know my review could never compare to Selina’s, but I’m fully prepared to evangelize to everyone I know about the gorgeous depth and beauty of this book!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark my words, this book will convert a lot of romance genre naysayers into believers. They will come for the sharp commentary and intersection of critics, authors and social media. But they will stay for Selina and Parker's banter and barbs. This romance is so smart and on point and the slow build to the HEA was just pitch perfect. Reader, I LOVED this.

I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.

[Lauren McNamara]

i am so excited for this eeee

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting from this book, or if I really had any expectations, but I knew I was going to be reading a book slightly different than what I normally go after. I was, however, pleasantly surprised in the best way. I didn't realize how my emotions would be shifting so much with different sections of the book. One moment, I was intrigued, like Where is this gonna go? The next, I was like, is this going to pick up? Then, I taste the drama! It gets juicy. Next, it's sexy. Then it's sad. Then I'm happy! I don't know, I think I sort of fell for both lead characters, and I was thankful it didn't go into the typical, "miscommunication, but we're not gonna talk about it, and so we part miserably for the rest of our lives never really knowing" routine. This book felt fresh and fun. I read it in three sittings. It was refreshing to read about two characters who took responsibility for themselves and worked together like healthy adults. OH, and I must mention, the whole way through I felt like this could easily be a movie!

Thank you @stmartinspress and @rioghnachrobinson for this early bound manuscript! I now have a new-to-me author whom I will look out for.

[BookstagramETC]

Smart Romance Newsletter 1/29/26: Rioghnach Robinson’s, Bad Words (October 6th) is perhaps one of the most hyped releases of the year, with people (myself included) fighting for galleys, January launch events despite the fall release date and a prominent (and rare!) Emily Henry blurb. The author’s Instagram presence, a funny and unedited mix of classical music, copy editing and math jokes, suggests a keen intelligence that also appears in the description of the book, which alludes to a broader commentary on art, ambition and the creative life in addition to a deeply felt romance. In reading the press coverage of the novel, I’m reminded of the Hamilton quote, “I’m looking for a mind at work,” which I think is perhaps the best summative line I can offer when trying to describe my own taste. If this book lives up to its promise, it will top many best of lists this year, likely mine included.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely electric! *Bad Words* is a sizzling, clever, and emotionally charged enemies-to-lovers romance that had me hooked from the very first page. The chemistry between Parker Navarro and Selina Chan is off the charts — witty, sharp, and full of tension that slowly simmer into something irresistible.
Selina’s sharp review of Parker’s latest novel sets the stage for a fiery confrontation that explodes into an internet frenzy, with fans taking sides and drama unfolding in real time. But what truly makes this story shine is the banter — clever, biting, and full of heart. Watching Parker and Selina navigate their messy, public feud while gradually unraveling each other’s defenses was pure joy.
Rioghnach Robinson nails the slow-burn romance, developing it with nuance and emotional depth. It’s not just about sparks flying — it’s about growth, vulnerability, and finding connection in unexpected places. If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with a modern twist, *Bad Words* is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down!

[Nicole]

Bummed I missed the goodreads giveaway, but extremely pumped for this!

The premise sounds, **chef's kiss**. Also the title is so fun! And while I haven't read Rioghnach's other books as Riley Redgate, I am a big fan of the other works she's written. Cannot wait!

[Liz | thebohobookblogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely brilliant.

[samah · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute for the girlies that think they are irredeemably evil and unlovable but also I am going to need Parker to be a thousand times more pathetic this is the only way straight romance works

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of romances, but I LOVED this book. The characters are complex, it's full of with and dry humor, and the inside look at the relationship between authors and critics was really well done. I can't wait for next fall to get here so the rest of you can enjoy this one!

[Nadia]

Automatic read because my personal and close best friend Emily Henry said on a podcast that it’s amazing and a true enemies to lovers book

[this_eel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen. LISTEN!! LISTEN UP!!! I haven't felt like this since You've Got Mail first came out on VHS. I haven't felt like this since the top of the Empire State Building. I haven't felt like this since Nora Ephron died and I've never said that about anything and I might not say it about anything else from here on out.

BAD WORDS succeeds on so many levels, and in part it's just the ideal book for me and in part it's just an exceptionally good book. Here we go.

1. BOOK ABOUT BOOK
I do not like books about authors. Their existence often suggests to me that a writer has spent much too much time reading (this is possible, and I would know) and not enough time looking up and talking to people who are not like themselves. This book, absolutely immersed in the various angles of the publishing industry, is canny enough, nuanced enough, and sharp enough to overcome my dreadful biases. Robinson skewers and sympathizes by turn, insightfully observing the perspectives and behaviors of all the major players: publishers, writers, critics, journalists, very online readers, and sometimes the venture capitalists who threaten to ruin everything.

Robinson understands this industry from inside out, is not new to the field (although this is her adult debut) and the whole way through I was going YES YES YES THAT IS IT!

The crux of the conflict in this book is a writer who is wounded by the intensity of professional criticism, and a critic who believes to her core that her value as a critic lies in her honesty. The conflict's capacity for transformation the idea that sometimes a negative perspective contains a deeper understanding of a piece of writing than any bland compliment. And complicating this are several factors: the appetites of the market, the rent on NYC office space, the rise of AI and soulless business interests, the issues of class and clique that impact the publishing world more than we'd like to think, and the tide of online public opinion, ferocious, black and white, and viciously willing to turn on a dime. I love ALL of this.

2. BOOK LIKE MOVIE
I grew up on Nora Ephron, wearing down VHS tapes in the comfort of my living room, playing my You've Got Mail soundtrack CD constantly, crying over the inevitable rupture before the inevitable, permanent, gorgeous, comforting, romantic conclusion. I've been seeking the high of 90s and early 2000s romance for the last two decades and despite the preponderance of "rom-coms" out there (a few movies and a lot of books), I have never found anything that quite scratches the itch. There's not enough edge, or the characters don't have enough friction, or the jokes are bad, or there are no jokes, or the characters aren't complete enough people to gut you when they're wandering through the plot sure they will never find happiness. Maybe they're out there but I can't find them.

I have wanted the pace, snap, and melancholy of a movie I could watch a hundred times, and boy does this book have it. It's exceptional on paper and it belongs on screen. Robinson writes brisk, descriptive prose and plot, with perfectly timed romance beats paired with a voice all her own. I gasped, I crowed, I cried, I came out of this book in a drowsy, satisfied fugue, like climbing off the couch with puffy eyes and turning on the living room lights.

3. BOOK ABOUT PEOPLE
In addition to being incredibly smart about all angles of the book world, Robinson has set us up with an excellent cast. The side characters--sympathetic coworkers, a steadfast roommate, complicated families, the married couple you depend on too much--are smartly selected and lovable. (The venture capitalist is also smartly selected, although not particularly lovable, as are the Very Online Readers.) The family relationships, in particular, show a complexity that Robinson has demonstrated in her YA novels and it absolutely shines here, profoundly impacting both main characters in believable ways.

But a romance is only as good as its leads, and I am happy to say that Parker and Selina are absolutely stellar characters. Both come by their perspectives honestly, and the more time you spend with them, the more Robinson expands upon them until you are deeply in love with them both. Parker, perceived as privileged and pretentious, is a tender people-pleaser who wants to write something important, who is emerging from personal crisis and wants nothing more than to help his large and complicated family. Selina is perceived as either a hero of a dying art (genuine criticism instead of fluff piece reviews paid for by publishers) or a cold hard bitch, and she is a wounded, private, very literal, very insightful person with standards and principles that often put her in other people's ill graces. She is a person of great feeling who finds it incredibly difficult to reach out and be received by others with love. The way these two very different people clash and then gradually intertwine is delicious, emotional, and by turns juicy and heartrending.

4. BOOK DOING ROMANCE
All I can say is that the roller coaster has rarely been more perfectly engineered. Oh my heart.

5. AT THE END OF THE DAY
I flew through this book and I loved it and it was something my heart CRAVED and was DENIED and now has been GIVEN and it is FOUR HUNDRED PAGES LONG but they go FAST, ALMOST TOO FAST, GIVE ME MORE. Robinson is a fantastic writer and she has long deserved for her emotionally astute, skillfully written books to reach a massive audience. I've never been more thrilled to hear someone got a big advance--I've read her YA novels for years and they're some of the best in the category. If people haven't picked her up before, I sincerely hope that they read her back catalog after this. And Bad Words HAD BETTER launch her into the spotlight she deserves. She's an excellent writer, and this book is just wonderful. I am in love.

[Maria Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Bad Words after a bit of a reading slump and honestly, I didn’t expect to fall so hard for it. From the first few pages I knew this was something special. It’s clever, funny, and I couldn’t put it down no matter how hard I tried. The moment I finished, I just wanted to tell everyone I know about it even though no one else had read it yet, which made it even worse because I had so many feelings about it.

We follow Parker Navarro, a Filipino novelist whose dreams are finally coming true until a brutally honest review from critic Selina Chan completely derails his career. Years later, she strikes again with another devastating review for his second novel, and when they finally come face-to-face at an industry party, things spiral into a messy and very public feud that’s just as entertaining as it is heartfelt. Of course, things get more complicated when sparks start to fly between them, which makes for some of the funniest, most chaotic, and unexpectedly tender moments I’ve read in a while.

Getting to read Parker and Selina’s story was such a treat because they both feel so real, like people you could actually know and root for even when they’re being a little ridiculous. Their banter had me giggling, their mistakes made me want to yell at them, and their growth kept me reading way past bedtime because I just needed to see how it all played out.

Since I work in the book world, I loved how this story pulls you right into the behind-the-scenes of publishing. It’s not something you see often, and it felt so comforting and fun to read about something that feels close to home. There’s a lot of heart in how it shows the messiness of authors, critics, and everyone in between.

As an immigrant myself, Parker’s journey hit me in ways I didn’t expect. His family’s love and support made me emotional, and I also really felt for Selina and her complicated family dynamic. They’re more alike than they realize, both trying to figure out how to exist under public scrutiny and somehow finding comfort in each other through all of it.

I also appreciated how the book explores the idea that once a story is out in the world, it belongs to the readers, not the author. It’s about how words matter, how they can hurt and heal, and how sometimes the best thing we can do is own up to the things we say.

Bad Words is funny and heartfelt and completely addicting. I was honestly sad to turn the last page, but I know this story will stick with me for a long time. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it next fall.

[Laurie Bok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Words, some are actually good words, very good words because I had to look them up.

I actually don't read too many reviews - of anything, unless I'm trying to pick one product over another that has many of the same features. I never read book reviews, so this was an interesting foray into the world of publishing and book reviews.

I really enjoyed how the two main characters met fairly quickly and started the chemistry ball rolling - with lots of friction and, of course, a few misunderstandings that gently melt away, and then more misunderstandings - typical romance book.

I have been seeing more of this structure - that each chapter is dedicated to the point of view from one person, and then the next is from another character. That, and also succinct chapters that don't blabber on and on for 15 pages.

Now, with almost every book I read, I can envision a movie or a TV show if the storyline is interesting and fresh, and the characters actually have character and depth.

It's easy to do now when there are so many limited series that are 8 - 12 episodes. An entire season can encompass the book - unless of course they're 800-to-1000-page books, or a book series.

I read that Rioghnach Robinson is mainly a YA author, and this is her first foray into the adult genre. I'd say she's off to a good start!

If you like witty banter, an interesting storyline, and main characters that you can sympathize with both of them at different times throughout the story - then add Bad Words to your reading list.

Disclaimer: I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway with the purpose of reading and reviewing.

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so magical and cathartic about the first five star book of a new year, and I could feel right away that this would be that book for me. I also love discovering the voice and perspective and style of a new author.

This is a love letter to the world of books and writing in its many forms. It’s a reflection on art and the artist and criticism and public discourse that brought so much nuance and clarity and feeling to the subjects.

But it is also a romance with a slow burn that feels like a rocket launching into space. I had that absolute heart stopping/swooping/soaring feeling so many times as I witnessed these two learn more about one another and themselves as they fell in love.

This book also perfectly showcased why I love a dual narration - I loved reading about the observations of each character through the other’s eyes, and I was also always desperate to switch perspectives to see what the other person is actually thinking. And the way Robinson describes what it feels like to be falling in love! Unreal. The world taking on new clarity and also slowing down from the inconvenience of it. I can’t even explain how effective and true it all was.

I laughed, I cried, I stayed up until 4 am and I loved every minute of the reading experience.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Edelweiss for the DRC, and Emily Henry for the recommendation.

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt incredibly of the moment. It captures connection, identity, and communication that shape digital spaces that feel really timely in 2026. The whole story honestly gave me You’ve Got Mail vibes, and this book is for the extremely literary crowd. NYC bookstores, publishing drama, review critics, and people who live and breathe books and language.

It’s a love letter to words! Rio writes with care that makes the dialogue and emotional tension feel alive, especially the banter between Parker and Selina. Their romance moves from genuine animosity into something pretty consuming. I just couldn’t wait to get there...my reason for not giving it five stars is that I wasn’t always itching to immediately pick it back up when I put it down. It felt like a slower start for me.

I loved seeing characters in their 30s navigating ambition, and identity, and I really appreciated the Asian representation and mental health rep. All the characters felt so grounded!! The social commentary is smart and naturally fits. It’s thoughtful, well written, and an emotional novel that will especially hit the narrative for readers who love books about books, language, and love stories.

I know I read it so early but I can’t wait for more people to read it. Literally this book doesn’t even have a cover yet!! I await!

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Words is an entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance between an author, Parker, and a critic, Selina. They become public enemies but find romance in private. This romance is fresh and gave my romance reading vibes a much-needed spark.

Parker is a debut author whose novel is supposed to be the next hit. But a critic for City Magazine, Selina, writes an honest review of the book. The review itself goes viral and slows the momentum. Then, when Parker is ready to release his second book, Selina is back with another unfavorable review. She stands her ground, making it known that she won't be bullied into changing how she writes, and their fight at a party is caught on camera. They go back and forth online, and everyone is picking sides. What no one could expect is that behind the scenes, love is blooming.

I thought this book is so fresh and a fun take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Book lovers will enjoy this romance a little bit more because at the heart of the story are two people who love books, falling in love.

[Kylie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 ~ Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for the book! I received an advanced copy of this book. At first, I was very disappointed by the early conflict, as I thought it may lead to the rest of the book being straight smut; however, I was sorely mistaken. The intense rivalry between the main characters, Selina Chan and Parker Navarro, comes from their own underlying issues and bad experiences as well, so the anger---while directed at each other---allows for emotional expression that is not wholly connected to the feud. These underlying feelings further the depth of the characters, and you get to love both of them separately---not just as a couple. In addition, I was annoyed with the group chat Parker joins because I figured it would come back up again and be the downfall to anything he had with Selina. While it was a component, there were a few other factors that played a role in that conflict, which was a pleasant surprise. Overall, I really loved this book. There was a good amount of yearning, and some hilarious moments in the story. I remember annotating "LMFAO" a lot. :)

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

God this book was everything. I ate this book up and will not apologize for loving every mistake of it. This book was heart wrenching, nerve wracking and emotionally complex at times. It honestly was incredibly realistic at points and I think that is part of what made me fall in love with it.

An author whose book is reviewed by a literary critic who HATED his first book and the online feud that comes from her review of book 2 that could potentially bomb his career. As news outlets and social media try to add fuel to the fire by putting them in events and interviews together, both Parker and Selina realized they may have misjudged each other. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover, because sparks may just fly.

This is a slow burn romance for people who are fans of a build up and angst. I honestly think this could be in my top 5 favorite literary romances of all time. A dual POV story between author and literary critic, you get a look into both of their lives and it is just perfect, please do yourself a favor and preorder

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of literary fiction will enjoy this sophisticated and thought-providing story filled with eloquent prose and smart commentary about the publishing industry. Romance fans will love the slow burn enemies (and I truly mean enemies)-to-lovers romance between two vulnerable people finding a connection where they least expect it.

Parker is a novelist whose promising writing career is derailed by a negative review from literary critic Selina. When a heated, private conversation/argument between the two is leaked, the public becomes obsessed with the polarizing issue of writer vs critic. Both Parker and Celina benefit – albeit reluctantly – from keeping the feud in the public eye. Little does everyone – including Parker and Selina – know the two are slowly falling for one another.

Overall, a well written and unique spin on the enemies-to-lovers trope that’s sure to be a hit with fans of Emily Henry and Taylor Jenkins Reid.

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

(free review copy) YES YES YES YES THIS IS WHAT WE NEED IN ROMANCE. Exquisite character development, elevated and whip smart banter, achingly vulnerable romantic leads, and for maybe the first time ever, an enemies-to-lovers story that actually makes sense. But this story is as much a romance as it is a bitingly real take on the publishing industry and review / critique culture. It gives readers so very much to think about on that front regarding truth vs. kindness.

This is not a romance for the "omg i just want a spicy story that's so cute!" crowd. This is for romance readers who want something to chew on, ponder, and pine over. Who are willing to wait and work for it. And it's mostly, deeply, for the readers who are intimately knowledgeable about the publishing and review machine.

It's only January, but can I call my favorite romance of 2026 yet?

Source: free digital review copy via Edelweiss

[Tarah DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAD WORDS is a triumph for anyone who cares about art and all that goes into the creation and consumption of it. It's virtuosically told, full of sharp-as-hell observations that only make the romance more delicious. I was captivated from cover to cover. Rioghnach is such a refreshing voice!

[mimi ౨ৎ (semi-hiatus)]

emily henry sold it to me in one podcast episode, so yes.

[Dabney · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come at the passionate reader