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! Rioghnach 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 AAPI 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 read it so early (before the cover drop) but I can’t wait for more people to read it. The cover is literally giving LITERARY ROMANCE. So fitting to the story! It’s perfect.

everything they're saying about this book is true!! hands down!!

i didn't want to stop reading!! as someone who loves a good enemies to lovers and LIVES for the tense back and forth, i was invested in this book from the very beginning. rioghnach sets the tone so quickly and you can feel the hate, distrust and animosity between parker and selina right off the bat. like?!! it was so GOOD!! in person, through social media, through email, their banter (is it called banter if it's just attacking the other 👀) was so perfect.

and then comes the moment of oh. . . this person is actually different than i thought & wait they're really hot & oh i really like to talk to them & maybe we could be friends? god i was eating it up!!!! such a perfect set-up and i love love love how their relationship builds and builds and builds. i was on the edge of my seat, butterflies in my stomach, waiting to see how it all played out.

and yes i cried. HARD. bc rioghnach is a wordmaster. she makes you feel every single thing in the moment & you can't help but feel like it happened to you to. i was broken and then put back together.

another thing i loved about this book is how rioghnach tackled some really hard topics in such an authentic way. struggles with mental health, suicidal ideation and being a child of immigrants. i've had close friends who have struggled with all three of these things and knowing their experiences, i think rioghnach captured everything so perfectly. i really really appreciate that she didn't hide away from the messy & instead dug into it. i think you see so much growth throughout both parker & selina's stories bc of it & and it makes their romance that much more impactful.

i cannot recommend this book enough & i cannot wait for the world to read parker & selina's story & to obsess with everyone over how freaking amazing their story is.

thank you SO MUCH St. Martins Press for the arc! this is my honest review.

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson is a remarkable novel, one that left me feeling as though I'd been through the wringer, in all good ways! Although I found the first half a little slow as the premise was set up and expanded, Parker, the author who wrote his first novel which Selina, the critic eviscerated in her review, which led to his second novel four years later which she was again panned, by the time they meet I was fully immersed. As their relationship develops you'll have to draw your own conclusions on whether you can support it, or whether they're both crazy to attempt being friends, but the author deftly strikes a beautiful balance in keeping you guessing and giving you exactly what you want. I loved this novel!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I’m not usually one for reviews that exceed a single line of text, but for Selina Chan, I’ll make an exception. I will also, in all likelihood, go purchase a few magazine subscriptions after I post this.

Go ahead and queue up “My Ego Dies At The End” by Jensen McRae

Fave quotes:
- Parker: “No offense, Selina, but who outside publishing thinks this is interesting?”
- Selina: “I was in the presence not of greatness but of goodness, something so warm and expansive that it counterbalanced everything else that people were capable of.”
- Parker: “If I’ve ever said anything that mattered, I said it to you.”
- Selina: “I would love him right into my own uncertainty.”

This novel swallowed me whole with its literati setting, succulent prose, and disastrously charming characters. I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say it will be culture shaping, or overgenerous to claim that (unlike Parker’s books, in Selina’s opinion) it executes on everything it promises.

Despite the winks at the publishing industry the author allows (a joke about too many books these days starring novelists, Parker asking Selina if she thinks anyone outside the industry cares about its niche drama), my obsession with this story had nothing to do with my proximity to the industry. Though set in publishing, the relationship portrayed here (between an artist and a critic) could be transmuted to any industry and the message would hold: that criticism makes for better art, better stories, and better music. That it’s vital to our ecosystem, and must be protected as its own form of creative expression. That there is nothing so remarkable as holding onto conviction in your opinions.

I will of course rate this book 5 stars because I loved it, but I’ll put it in people’s hands and recommend it because I want to start opinionated, varied conversations. I think that’s what would make Parker and Selina most proud.

I’ll close with a metaphor that Selina would probably say circles the point instead of making one, but I’m an author and, like Parker, sometimes I’m prone to overwritten nonsense:

In the finale of Season 1 of The Final Table on Netflix, three-starred Michelin chef Grant Achatz is arguing against his fellow judges, who want give first place to the more experimental, gastronomically fancy dish, even though it doesn’t taste as good. But Achatz — known himself for experimental, gastronomically fancy food — wants to give first place to the homier, more appetizing dish. He says [paraphrased]: “Is it not the ultimate charge of a chef to serve you something delicious?" I think about this all the time. I think about this world-renowned innovator reminding everyone in his industry that food can't be award-winning if it isn't also good.

Selina, here’s your point: It’s the ultimate charge of an author to write a great book, and BAD WORDS is precisely that.

I slowly began to hear chatter about this book coming out in October. Enemies to lovers, set in the publishing world— I had to read it! To say I loved it would be an understatement. Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson deserves the hype and everyone is going to be talking about it come release.

On a writing level I loved it! It had me feeling all the feels: giddy, smiling, angry, sad. The characters were real. I loved Parker and Selina. The side characters were so well written and intentional added so much to the story.

I love a book that includes email and text correspondence and wow(!) does this deliver. I had such a smile on my face reading this.

Bad Words is a romance, but there is a lot of build up to that point. Well worth the journey and it made the romance and emotions feel so real.

Highly recommend Bad Words! I cannot wait to read anything Robinson writes next. This will be one of my favorites of the year!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book!

I am convinced that I just read something that has been etched on the soul of this author for, possibly, their whole life. Bad Words isn’t just a romance novel, it’s a gentle soap box that was stood on to speak about art, writing & the human experience in these present days. What a treasure. A part of me wants to say there’s some magic in these pages, but I know that is just not true—it’s humanity, Prometheus’ ever-glowing flame, that’s what’s here. It grabbed me by my shoulders & made me so glad to exist in a world of people who are vulnerable enough to share their thoughts with the world. With me. GOSH. I just loved this so much.

Bad Words is the PERFECT marriage of, say, a more contemporary fiction vibe with a romance. This story was so meta & eye opening to the world of modern authorship, but also so perfectly romantic & filled with delicious tension. Selina Chan, you will always be famous to me. Ugh. I love her so much, I just wanted to crawl into the book & tell her how amazing she was. & Parker, that sweet, sweet fool—of course I see my own reflection in you, the person who sees themself as a pawn for keeping peace. This book will not be everyone’s cup of tea, ESPECIALLY in the romance sphere. But, man, if you want to watch a tenuous relationship naturally unfurl to love & understanding & maybe think about what you say a bit more, Bad Words is your girl. It’s so easy for us nowadays to see people & drama & to throw our opinions around, & I think Bad Words is a timely story to remember the human being behind the smoke & mirrors.

5 ⭐️. There is not one bad word I could say about this book <3 thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press & their Early Reader Program for this eARC & also to NetGalley. LOVE YOU GUYS!!

Genuinely hyperventilating & sobbing. RTC <3

A literary romance. A tale of two artists and why art (and love) is so important.

An enemies to lovers romance between a fledging author and book critic, who slowly realize they have much more in common than they first believed.

A war of who is most stubborn, but also so much more. A war of if/why criticism has a space in the book industry.

This book challenged me with its commentary and made me smarter. It feels very timely and poignant.

An engaging and satisfying read about art, love, writing, and figuring out how to say what you mean.

Parker's second novel is about to be published. He is excited until his least favorite literary critic publishes another scathing review of his work. Selina and Parker have a public fight but, privately, they being to develop confusing feelings for one another. Is it love? Is it hate? Or something much more complicated?

This was lovely. Readers are treated to both Parker's and Selina's perspectives, and it was a delight to see their relationship develop over emails, texts, and in-person.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

I won't delve into the blurb of the book too much cause I would never be able to succinctly put into words what this book about made me feel, but ill try: Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson is an ode and a challenge to three things: Asian familial dynamics, the publishing industry, and criticisms.

The first thing it did was made me feel SEEN, I might be south asian but the family dynamics in all of asia are more of less the same, the loud boisterous family of Parker where he feels like he's never heard, and no matter how hard he tries there's always another fire to put out. In contrast to Selina's family where you are heard but never seen. The book does a brilliant job to explore both the dynamics.

The second thing this book does is question how does one critique art for art's sake and not to chase a viral moment. It questions the responsibility we share as readers and reviewers and the author's ability to be able to shrug off criticism and not let it affect them.

the third thing this book does is show a beautiful private relationship, full of YEARNING, stolen moments, vulnerability, and honesty in the background of an ugly, nasty public feud, where people have already decided who you are. The even more beautiful part of the story is that neither Selina or Parker change themselves to fit one another, they learn to grow next to each other and come to appreciate their shared jagged edges as something to be love.

I would have happily read another 100 pages of this sarcastic, headstrong, contradicting couple because of how well they work together.

a HUGE thanks to Rioghnach Robinson, Amelia Beckerman, and St.Martin's Press for this advance reader copy

As a reader, a writer, and a lover of all things bookish, this novel was an easy 5-star book. The writing is excellent, and the characters are well-developed. Robinson is creative and has crafted a beautiful story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I'M OBSESSED! Everything you've heard about this book is true -- it is the best romance I've read in years (and I've read a lot of romance!!). I love books about publishing and this is a true love letter to the publishing industry and book lovers. Both Selina and Parker are real, complex characters who just love novels the way I do. It is a also a true enemies to lovers, where there are actual stakes involved and reasons why they hate each other, while still creating a compelling, believable romance. A perfect reminder of why I love to read and why fiction matters.

Perfect for fans of literary romance and Book Lovers by Emily Henry. I feel like this book was written for me specifically.

Bad words left me with only good thoughts.

In fact, for a very well named book, I can say I will ONLY have good words - and that is just so clever of this author.
If you took Pride & Prejudice, made it modern, swapped gender based personality norms and added a dash of smutty deliciousness, you would end up with something like BAD WORDS. Something, because this book cannot be replicated.

It was perfect. When Parker's novel is torn town by the city's toughest literary critic, it destroys his life and confidence. Now, armed with his sophomore attempt, Selina Chan has her hands on the book, and a lot of pressure from the new owners of her company.

What results is one of the best books I've ever read. This will be one I recommend for years to come. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced readers copy, my pre-order is confirmed for October 6th.

Picking up a novel by an author I’ve never read is always a mystery. How could I have known that this novel would be one of the loveliest I’ve ever read ? The writing is exquisite. The protagonists who co-narrated, are so well developed and described that I would know them if we passed on a street.

The novel is narrated by Parker Navarro, an author, and Selina Chan, a literary critic. It’s an Asian Hepburn/Tracy, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE love story that the author has created, combining the elements of a romance (a meet ugly not cute) with the ability to write on a level that generally eludes romance writers.

As a reviewer, I was very taken with Selina and the integrity which a critic should aspire to. Writing reviews is often difficult, even for a non-professional like me. Hard to pan a book that someone has put years of their life into writing, but being honest comes with writing reviews.

As a woman, I have a crush on Parker, brilliant, sensitive, and needy enough to make some errors in judgment which alienates him from his community and Selina.


I HIGHLY recommend this novel to all my readers. Without a doubt, this will be one of my favorites of 2026. I got pue pleasure getting to know Parker and Selina. I found myself genuinely delighted with the way Robinson managed to create a perfect and satisfying ending.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this ARC. I could not have hoped for a better experience as a reader and reviewer.

I had heard so many amazing, wonderful things about this book and safe to say, it lived up to all my expectations! This is an incredible story and I can’t wait to read more from RR.

5/5
Bad Words is the romance novel of all time. A startling look at why we create, critique, and the tenuous publishing landscape, all through the perspectives of a feuding author and book critic. It’s a book that knows the power on the page, the page itself a series of deliberate choices and writing a tremendously public act. All of that is a testament to author Ríoghnach Robinson who unfolds her public feud between novelist Parker and critic Selina, one that prompts a path towards change and unforeseen connection. With their impassioned back and forth—each convinced they are right—a romance first appears out of the question, if not for a kernel of familiarity uncovered after every heated argument. Like the love they share for an obscure novel from their teen years or a favorite, slightly pretentious drink they both order. Bad Words had me waiting on bated breath for Selina and Parker’s next exchange, to fight or to give in to the intense connection at the heart of all of their interactions. But like any true enemies to lovers, these two have to wade through the issues that led up to their quarrel. Bad Words finds its place in the literary landscape, challenging our views on criticism in the book space and interrogating the essential question: why do we create and how do we connect? Bad Words is as bracing as opening yourself up to criticism can be, where to be known is to be seen for the totality of who we are.

SO, SO, SOOO TASTEFUL MY GOD!!! It's not too often when I come across an enemies-to-lovers that is done the way I like it, but BAD WORDS certainly has the right amount of tension, emotion and realness that it will have you reading this book in one evening. A literary critic criticizes an author's not one, but both his books that it ignites a feud, a public one too. They feel like they are going to explode/implode when in the same room, but yet at the same time a genuine connection between the two is somehow starting to also develop between them -- how is that even possible?) I was so intrigued by the premise that I was so happy the story and writing did the premise justice and more. The sparring, bickering and the chemistry between the two was top notch, not to mention the depth and tenderness to these perfect humans who deserve all the love and each other so much. When you see the vulnerable sides to Selina and Parker, you just want to wrap them up in a blanket and hold them until they feel better. I'm telling ya, I found this book to be so sharp, smart and sexy that I already can't wait to read whatever the author grants us with next. I feel so blessed to have read Selina and Parker's story and to have witnessed their love.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

to echo the incredible emily henry: BAD WORDS is a once-in-a-lifetime read, and at its altar i offer the hours i've spent attempting to put my ardent love for it into sufficient words. i could tell you what you could read anywhere else—that this is a true enemies-to-lovers romance between promising author parker navarro and literary critic selina chan—or i could tell you something truer: that ríoghnach robinson has written a revelation.

beneath its deeply genuine characters, endlessly charming humor, passionate love for reading and writing, and its unforgettable central romance, BAD WORDS asks a singular, razor sharp question: how do you trust and love and create art in a world that has made up its mind about who you are and what you're worth? we are, all of us, one precisely worded viral post away from living a different life.

the slow blossoming relationship between parker and selina happens behind the scenes of their devastatingly public and hateful feud, casting a parallel timeline of new love and crushing vulnerability alongside the cruelty they experience at the hands of people who have loud, unshakeable opinions of who they are, largely thanks to each other's actions. laced throughout their lives is the everlasting love of the stories we tell, both to ourselves and one another, and the hazy areas inbetween, where the truth is often found. i have never rooted harder for a couple than i have for parker and selina, and i can feel now that i'll be instinctively looking for them in every bookstore and bar and party i go to.

an astonishing and inimitable novel about love, art, perception, and truth, BAD WORDS is an absolute masterpiece. if i have anything to do with it, this will be the romance book everyone is talking about this autumn. it releases this october, and i can't wait for you to read it. i don't often describe books as perfect, but this is as close as you can get.

Do you know that buzzy feeling you get, when you start reading a book that you can immediately just tell is going to be phenomenal? When you recognize writing that you will come back to, again and again? I had that feeling throughout the entirety of Bad Words.

THE PLOT: Parker Navarro’s debut book was eviscerated in a viral review by book critic Selina Chan. Four years later, his second book is poised for release. When Selina takes aim at Parker’s writing once more, their feud turns public with very real consequences. As their paths cross again and again both in and out of the spotlight, they slowly begin to discover truths about the other that alter their opinions and perspectives.

I find myself not even wanting to disclose the tropes in this book beyond the obvious of enemies-to-lovers, because that’s how much fun I had discovering them for myself without any prior knowledge. And I know that every reading experience is unique, but I personally think that everyone should have the same exact experience that I had because it was THAT excellent.

When I say I want to read enemies-to-lovers, THIS is what I mean. For this beloved trope to truly work, you need high emotional stakes and very real reasons why the characters are on opposite sides. You need a storyline that is strong enough to support the slow burn, and that gives the characters time to navigate the conflict and messy feelings keeping them apart. Bad Words NAILED it.

My final thoughts: I had no clean leggings to wear to the gym today because I ignored all chores yesterday to read this book in one sitting.

A very genuine and heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson will be released on October 6th, 2026. I am seated at my local independent bookstore and they’re telling me it’s not October yet but I’m here waiting.

This was just really beautiful. I loved what it had to say about criticism and literature, and I definitely look forward to what Rioghnach Robinson writes next. Also I just love Selina Chan so much.

I loved this book and thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the chance to read this early. This is a true enemies to lovers book with genuine and realistic character dynamics. Parker is on the verge of publishing his second book after his debut that earned a massive advance. His second advance is more modest partially due to a harsh review of the first. When the reviewer issues another less than flattering early review of Parkers a private in person confrontation is unleased on social media. Selina is a tough and honest reviewer, especially if she feels an author is not living up to their potential. Underneath their very public animosity is a begrudging respect for each other and some similar opinions of literature in general.
The evolution of their relationship felt natural and genuine. I liked that this was set in the literary world. When you tend to see book drama flare up on social media among fans it was fun to see it in Bad Words among the professionals. Looking forward to pushing this book on people once its published.

Simply incredible.

I consider myself a connoisseur of romance novels, so I feel secure in saying this is in a league of its own. It delivered a perfect slow burn while keeping true to the soul of the story. Selina & Parker were soooo well developed. At times I was so pulled into this feud I felt like I would get on social media and see people talking about it. I would fight to the death for Selina.

This novel shed a much needed light on the intricacies of the writing & publishing worlds through the feud between our MCs, a critic and an author. Rioghnach painted us a detailed picture of this industry while also creating depth in the MCs through their relationships with family and friends but also with each other. Their perspectives of each other evolving as the plot develops was the cherry on top of this story.

I feel like this will be one of those novels that gets non-romance readers to give it a try, which is a feat unto itself. I loved this for so many reasons & i think it’ll be a huge hit.

*thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing the advance review copy

Wow wow wow! It's been a while since I've read a book that made me feel quite like Bad Words did. I loved this book from start to finish. It was such a compelling read and was a true enemies to lovers trope. So many enemies to lovers are soft enemies, but these two truly hated each other which made it all the more fun to watch them fall in love. The characters and character development were so well written. Seriously, just read this book--you won't regret it!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

There is nothing I love more than an enemies to lovers that feels grounded in reality, and as though there was a real issue stopping two people from recognizing their chemistry, and Bad Words delivers on that score and countless others.

This slow burn romance was impossible to put down, and saved me from a reading slump that was keeping me from trying anything new. What a marvel.

This was a really interesting and memorable read. The premise pulled me in right away, and the story quickly turned into something deeper than I expected.

What stood out most was the voice. It felt sharp, a little raw at times, and very honest. The book explores language, relationships, and the complicated ways people communicate with each other. There is humor mixed in with some heavier moments, which made it feel balanced and very human.

It is the kind of book that makes you pause and think about how much power words can have, both the ones we say and the ones we hold back.

Overall I found it thoughtful, engaging, and a little different in a way that I really appreciated.

I loved this book. So emotionally resonant. It made me tear up multiple times. I was rooting for both Parker and Selina both in their relationship and their growth as individuals.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC. I devoured this book. Beautifully written, covering so much interesting ground. From the fraught relationship between authors and critics, and authors and publishing houses, to the role social media can play in making and breaking novels (and people). This is Robinson's adult fiction debut and she absolutely nails it -- we get to know Selina and Parker (and their families and friends) before they get to know each other, so as their feud unfolds we know what they're missing about the other. Their process of figuring it out was funny and tender. The interview chapter was perfection. This is one I will read again.

I don't think I have the words to describe how much I loved this book. It might be the most beautifully written book I've read all year. Not the romcom I was expecting but a truly stunning piece of work that simultaneously felt both fresh and familiar. Both Parker and Selina's individual struggles and experiences with race, their begrudging interactions with each other giving way to more, the reflection on today's internet culture all made for a rich story. It was the type of book that I simultaneously couldn't put down and also never wanted to end.

I loved this book!

I thought the characterization was spectacular. Selina and Parker are fully fleshed out, which really carries the story.

The book has some truly beautiful prose that had me pause my reading to really sit with the words.

I especially loved the exploration of their Asian-Americanness and of the complicated feelings that come with being of both cultures.
It felt specific in the sense that I don't personally know the places, foods or dialects they mentioned, but it was still incredibly universal because all the emotions brought forward were familiar and spoke of a very common experience. Isn't that essential to a good book?

Special mention to New Year's Eve, my catnip in romance.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the early copy!

What. A. Book.

I found this premise immediately engaging from the first pages and the writing really sucks you into the setting; New York City and the publishing & journalism world. The two main characters felt so real and I love that we got dual POV, especially for a literary-leaning romance since I feel like that's rare but it worked so well. I loved Parker, I loved Selina, and I loved seeing their (entirely valid) hatred turn into a friendship and eventually build to more. I thought that development was incredibly well paced, and I felt so deeply for these characters.

Bad Words completely wrecked me in the absolute best way possible. 😭📚

If you are a fan of 'enemies to lovers', you have to drop everything and read this right now. It is about a writer and the harsh literary critic who absolutely tanked his debut novel, and let me tell you, the tension is unreal.

But honestly, the angst was delicious. It is such an addictive slow burn, and seeing her finally let her guard down was the emotional punch I needed. It isn't just a fluffy rom-com; it made me feel so much. Defintely a top read of the year for me.

Truly absolutely fantastic. On one level it’s a snappy enemies to lovers romance, but there’s a lot more about the power of words in the digital spaces we all spend too much time in. This is a great commentary, and beautifully written.

Rioghnach Robinson’s Bad Words walks a razor-thin line between literary fiction and romance, and somehow makes that tension its greatest strength. The prose is sharp and observant, but it’s the electric, slow-burn dynamic between the leads that truly carries the story. The will-they-won’t-they energy is absolutely addictive, building with a precision that keeps you turning pages well past bedtime. Robinson captures emotional ambiguity in a way that feels both grounded and intoxicating. It’s easy to see this novel gaining serious buzz when it’s released...

I LOVEDDDD THIS!! If I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about when I could keep reading it. This isn't a typical romance. Plus for once someone wrote a male character with an actual personality, and the conflict wasn't because no one can communicate. Selina was super funny.

Never have I ever loved such flawed characters like Parker and Selina. My goodness, the rivalry and hatred these two had for each other was so fun to read, which made the slow burn of their relationship so, so deliciously hot. I swear, every time I read a new chapter, I would ping-pong between whose team I was on.

They both had very valid reasons for why they disliked each other and for the things they would say and do. Their downfall was the prejudice, egocentrism, and arrogance they carried. They were so high on their horses that they refused to admit they were wrong, even when it was pretty clear they both were.

For a bit of context, the story centers on Selina, a book critic, who essentially (almost) destroys Parker’s career as an author. It reminded me of how brave authors are in general. Writing a book is not just about telling a cute story, it’s about being vulnerable, not only with themselves but with readers too. It means putting their most intimate thoughts and feelings out there for people to pick apart and make assumptions. This is something Selina struggles with. I feel like it was hard for her to believe that people were that brave when she herself sticks to “facts” because, deep down, she was afraid of how she would be perceived if she allowed herself to be vulnerable. So it made her narrow-minded at times.

Amazing romance aside, this is a great example of how words and actions do have consequences. Sometimes, without even noticing it, we can destroy someone’s life. So it’s a strong reminder to be mindful of what we say, especially online. The book also touches on toxic family dynamics and how the lack of support from the people who are supposed to be there for us can affect our daily lives and the way we build relationships with others.

Honestly, I could go on and on. I made over 40 highlights and more than 20 notes, which is not normal for me, so you already know this book was hella good. Bad Words is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of 2026.

A book about books and the literary world? Uhm yes, give it to me!

One highly intelligent, harsh critic, with mile-high walls and one writer so swoony, genuine and warm-hearted, and seemingly the target of said critic — that’s Selina and Parker, our MC’s. And what happens when they let their guards down & toe the shovel in a little deeper?
 
Splendor. 🤌🏼
 
But it is one tumultuous road.
 
Bad Words was an unequivocal delight. Refreshing, unique, clever, BOOKISH with great depth and the most delectable slow burn – ughh, what followed the interview in Selina’s apartment nearly undid me, nearly melted my little black heart. This book left me smitten with cartoon hearts for eyeballs.

But don’t be fooled; this one packs a serious emotional punch. And I loved it every minute of it.

Highly recommend.
 
Thanks to NG & St. Martin’s Press for the arc in exchange for review.
 
Pub: 10.6.2026.

Bad Words has to be one of my favorite reads this year. The banter between the two main characters was so organic. Nothing about Selina and Parker felt forced. I especially appreciated how Robinson maintained their strengths and weaknesses as the two characters began to realize they had misjudged the other person. Selina was consistently honest and strong, and Parker was consistently sensitive and kind. It was an enemies-to-lovers that just made sense. A lot of times when I read enemies-to-lovers, I'm like, just kiss already!! But the deep-seated mistrust in their relationship was carefully built to create a very rewarding pay-off.

Furthermore, I absolutely loved that Parker was a writer. His vulnerability in writing was incredibly relatable. Robinson's general commentary on writing was very interesting to read.

Some books just have that... "it". This book has it in spades. It's not a romance, it's not a drama, it isn't about mental health, stereotypes or self-reflection and growth. Yet it is about all of that. It is interesting trying to define this book - there are too many parameters to try to capture without inadvertently excluding what makes it so special. In the end, a satisfying, contented read that makes you glad that you did.

Absolutely loved this. Bad Words offers a sharp, insightful look at criticism and writing in the modern digital era.

Selina and Parker are true enemies/rivals to lovers in every sense. Selina is a silver-tongued critic, while Parker is a promising writer, and Selina quickly becomes his biggest obstacle, delivering harsh critiques of each of his books. When Parker publicly confronts her, their clash spirals into a widespread online feud between critics and authors that further deepens their rivalry. While both Parker and Selina's arguments had their merits, there wasn't necessarily a wrong or right side, just different opinions and perspectives.

Their romance is a true slow burn. The intensity of their initial conflict makes any reconciliation feel almost impossible, but over time, hostility gives way to an unlikely friendship and eventually, something more. Despite disliking Parker’s works, Selina is one of the only people who truly understands what he’s trying to express. Parker, who hides behind a friendly, people-pleasing facade, finds his authentic voice through Selina, both in his writing and in his life. In turn, Selina, who has built up a tough exterior from her childhood and career, reveals a softer, more vulnerable side with Parker. In contrast to their public, high-profile feud, their relationship unfolds quietly and privately, becoming something meaningful that exists outside the noise of public opinion. Their romance is a powerful triumph over the chaos and negativity of the digital age.

A fantastic read for anyone who appreciates literature and books.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

You know it’s a good book when it makes you stop to sit and contemplate what you just read. There were so many points during my time reading Bad Words where I found myself reading a paragraph just to stop for a second, read it again and think. Robinson compels us to reevaluate our relationship with social media, the judgement we inevitably give and receive from strangers and to me it showed the importance of criticism, but also the right to give criticism.

When I finished this book, I wanted to read it again just to see if I could understand it even better, get a new perspective out of it. Selina Chan, this strong sharp critic who is genuinely unmoved by the opinion of
others and is precise, straightforward and unapologetic about her reviews. Parker Navarro, a flawed, cheerful, struggling writer who felt like his career was destroyed. I was captivated from the start on how different they were on paper, jumping back and forth their point of views. They were complete opposites until they started to understand each other.

The love story between Selina and Parker was slow and unsteady but you see every second of it. The slow changes, the realization that maybe they had misjudged one another too quickly. After how turbulent their story had first started I was genuinely wondering how these characters were going to find a way to each other let alone entertain feelings. But that’s something Rioghnach managed to do, turning such an already profound book into an even more special overpowering romance.

This book was AMAZING. Laugh out loud funny (the banter! I could have read a hundred more pages of the banter between these two!!) and intimately emotional. Every chapter I was giddy and smiling, or crying my eyes out. Selina and Parker, who start off on incredibly bad terms, gradually learn about each other through email and text, let down their walls, and come to realize how similar they actually are. It was a slow burn with an excellent payoff. I also really appreciated the realism of how social media affects the book industry.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with a digital review copy via NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

5/5 stars

This might be my favorite romance of the year, and I'm already dreading the wait until October to recommend it to everyone I know.

Ríoghnach Robinson's debut centers on Parker Navarro, a novelist whose career was gutted by critic Selina Chan's scathing review, and Selina herself, who's now been assigned to review his comeback. When her second takedown sparks a viral feud, their public war reshapes both their lives—but beneath the sparring, something else begins to take shape.

What makes this book special is how deeply it understands its own medium. Robinson writes about the vulnerability of creation, the brutal honesty of criticism, and the strange intimacy that can grow when two people are paying that much attention to each other's words. Parker and Selina's dynamic is genuinely enemies-to-lovers in a way contemporary romance rarely pulls off—not surface-level bickering, but real conflict with real stakes. They have to earn their way toward each other, and watching that unfold had me holding my breath through every exchange.

The smaller moments hit just as hard: shared references that reveal unexpected overlap, the details that make you realize how much these two actually have in common beneath the animosity. It all builds toward something tender and inevitable.

This is a romance, yes, but it's also a thoughtful interrogation of the book world—why we write, why we critique, and what it costs to be truly known. Robinson has written something that will resonate with anyone who's ever cared deeply about stories.

I cannot wait to put this in people's hands this fall.

This might be my favorite contemporary romance ever written. The setup hooked me immediately, the literary quality of the writing elevated every page, and the New York setting was so richly drawn I felt completely enveloped in it. Selina Chan is a character I’ll be thinking about for a long time. The whole cast felt deeply, genuinely real. A true enemies-to-lovers story told with gorgeous prose? This one is going straight to my reread shelf.

Books like Bad Words make me so thankful that I am a reader. And the fact that it is her adult debut? I am in awe! I can’t wait for more books from Rioghnach Robinson.

This was everything. Heartwarming, nerve wracking, and full of a will they won’t they romance. And the TENSION!!!!! This was everything i could’ve asked for in a romance! The characters were so thoughtfully developed, and their arcs were perfectly developed. I really loved this one, and will definitely be reading further books by this author!

This is easily one of the best contemporary romance novels I have ever read. Set in New York city, this story follows the relationship between novelist and critic. Written in dual first person POV, this book is a slow burn enemies to lovers, but the execution is unique and the story will suck you in right from the beginning. The banter is witty with a gloriously sarcastic edge and I loved every moment of their back and forth as the relationship develops. Both Parker and Selina show incredible introspection and character development throughout the novel. Neither is used to emotional intimacy or vulnerability and watching them each navigate these feelings is endearing. The growth shown by each is both relatable and realistic.
I found so much to love in both Selina and Parker. I could see pieces of myself in each of them. They are both thoughtful, intelligent people trying to make a place for themselves in the literary world. They each have to grapple with the idea of how powerful the written word can be, and how in this age of social media words written can never be unsaid, especially for public figures. The weight of a carelessly worded internet post or book review can have unforeseen and long lasting consequences. I found the toxic and destructive nature of social media to be very well represented, which was refreshing to see.
The multi-dimensional, well developed characters and immersive prose make it difficult to believe this is a debut novel. Future releases from this author will be instantly added to my TBR.

Everyone in this book is smarter than I could ever dream to be.

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨

I’m gonna be so real I didn’t see how they could get past their rage for each other!!!! But they did (this is not a spoiler because it is the nature of the genre) and it was wondrous.

At one point I literally just stood up. I was holding the book out in front of me and I think my face was like 😦😦😦😦😦 because there were so many horrors happening at once and I was so distressed. Standing did help actually.

Selina is SUCH an incredible character. I love a FMC who stands ten toes down for what she believes in but is also able to admit when she was actually wrong (on the rare occasion she is). She’s talented and brilliant and brave and she has put so much work into being the best that she can be and she deserves to be celebrated!!!!

And Parker is such a flip of the usual stereotypes - he is earnest and open (to a point) and desperately wants to be loved and liked. He’s vulnerable and emotional and messy! And he (eventually) recognizes that he is able to be those things without his credibility being questioned in a way that Selina is not. I love inverted tropes and this was done so well.

I also loved that their friends were truly just so kind and loving. They cared so openly and wholly about them and wanted the best for them over all else. Their lives look completely different and they don’t even question it, they’re just happy for them. I would die for Arthur to be honest.

This book is brilliant. In my humble opinion. Both main characters were relatable in a way that struck me very deeply. Read this book, have a good laugh, a good thoughtful introspection and reflection, a good heartache, and a good time.

Bad Words
4.5 ⭐️

A masterclass in how to perfectly execute a slow burn!

An author and a critic clash when Parker Navarros new novel is panned by Selina Chan.

Parker Navarro is a people pleaser, even in his books he can’t help but try to make everyone happy.

Selina Chan is the opposite. Headstrong, stubborn and completely confident in both herself and her opinion.

When Selina gives a negative review of Parker’s new novel it sets off a chain of events in both the literary world and their own personal lives.

I love this book! The slowest of slow burns, such complex and fully fleshed out characters that you can’t help but to route for, and a cast of side characters that I absolutely loved.

Rioghnach did a wonderful job developing the characters. Every choice made complete sense! both characters end up so different from where they started and I was so impressed by how well executed the growth was. Every moment felt so natural!

The romance was sweet, the tension high and the prose beautiful!

Please pick this up if you love a good slow burn, complex characters and a book set in the publishing world! I loved it so much!

Thank you so much St Martins press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I want to reread this book every day for the rest of my life.

A contemporary romance that is enemies to lovers where they are actually enemies! The slow burn of all slow burns! This book hit every mark for me. I absolutely loved it. There were a lot of spots reading this where I thought to myself 'if this was any other romance book, they would've seen each other in person right now' (context: most of the interactions between Selina and Parker are through text/email) or 'if this was any other romance book, they would've kissed now' (if there was a scene where Selina and Parker WERE in the same room, and they were having a tension-filled moment). But the tension kept building, and the burn was continuing on at a slow pace (make no mistake... I was very happy to have the tension continue to build, and delightfully surprised at the slow pace of this romance)!

I've read a lot of romance books by now, so there are some things I always find myself looking for: do these characters have chemistry? Are they growing in this relationship? What I find mattering most is: are they compatible? This is different from chemistry, although I find I can definitely feel when characters don't have chemistry, and it's hard to ignore when they don't. Contextually, in their lives, does it make sense for these two people to be together? Selina and Parker both grew so much, from truly loathing each other to understanding each other to slowly, against all odds, falling in love. Through this journey into a relationship, they both grew so much as individuals, to a place where they were truly compatible, and both fit exactly what the other needed.

This book is a romance, but it is also a commentary on literary criticism and the literary world as a whole. And I LOVED it!

Upcoming Release: “Bad Words” by Rioghnach Robinson (Publishes 10-6-26)

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced ebook.

THIS BOOK 🥰. A true enemies to lovers- the best I’ve ever read!!

Robinson is an absolute tension and dialogue wizard. Selina and Parker are true enemies: Selena is a serious book critic at a reputable publication. She absolutely slams Parker’s first novel, of which he was offered a huge advance to write. Now, a few years later, he’s pulled himself together and about to publish his second book. Selina delivers a harsh review, yet again, sure to set him up for failure.

It was just a total joy to observe how masterfully Robinson develops this plot and this relationship between Selina and Parker. I was totally engaged and invested in the dilemmas and struggles of both reviewers and authors. I was smitten with the absolute YEARNING and tension as the story progressed. And the fact that much of their early relationship takes place via emails and texts just totally delighted me as my husband and I had a similar experience while dating for many years long distance (while in different states and even countries!)

This book was recommended by THE Emily Henry, so I had high expectations, and they were met.. and then some.

I saw an entire movie play in my head while reading this book. I know no one in Hollywood is asking me, but if they did, I would tell them that it would make such a wonderful screen adaption. Ah the whole week in snowy NYC between Christmas and New Years was just so dreamy!

This is such a solid romance with depth and substance. I just can’t wait to see what else Robinson writes; needless to say, I’m a fan!

I expected to like this and I still feel bowled over by the stunning and singular story Robinson has crafted. If a book is touted as “enemies to lovers”, this is what I expect to see and yet a compelling “enemies to lovers” story line might be the least impressive accomplishment of this book. Bad Words is something utterly unique and the clarity with which Robinson writes is truly captivating.

I love an unapologetic woman and the way that Selina refuses to water herself down to make herself more palatable speaks directly to my soul.

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson might just be my favorite book this year so far. The tension within the two main characters -Selina and Parker- as well as the tension between them. The moments of longing to be seen and the yearning that develops. The moments of finally being seen to have those moments picked apart to try and find meaning and truth within them. The pacing of this story from beginning to end was like a nice slow meal with three complete courses that leaves you still wanting more because how delectable it was!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

This feels like the kind of book one can only find once in a lifetime. I was completely engrossed in this book--it was captivating and elegant, and the writing felt like it included the perfect amount of sophistication that just tied the novel's whole identity together into a perfect harmony.
The character arcs were insanely well written. In the beginning, I could feel the tension clearly portrayed between Selina and Parker, and it was the kind of book that almost made me wonder how the storyline could progress from rivals to something else. Both of the characters struggled with their own problems--whether it be in terms of identity, relationships, or opinions. But the way they complimented each other and were woven so seamlessly into the storyline was so satisfying to read. When I finished, I found myself trying to think of things I wanted to say, but I really had no words. Speechless. What an excellent read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the free eARC.

Wow. This is my favorite read of the year so far. The prose is elevated and beautiful. Parker and Selina are real, and flawed, and yes, occasionally unlikable, in the best way. The banter was TOP. NOTCH. Truly artfully done. The romance was a slowwwwwwww burn, but so worth it. And the commentary on how audiences interact with authors and reviewers added an interesting and fascinating element to the reading experience.

I will absolutely be purchasing this for my shelf when it’s released, and I will read anything this author writes in the future. A true 5-star read!

I can't wait to reread this book.
LOVED the concept and this story was so thoughtful with the plot and characters. Besides the fact Parker should've groveled more, I think these characters were so perfect for each other and fleshed out.
I've been reading a lot of books recently where the authors almost treat the reader as too dumb to comprehend complex characters and plots, and THANKFULLY this was not it. And I loved every second.

Honestly, Bad Words is my read of the year, maybe ever, and I don’t say that lightly. I keep thinking about how Emily Henry called this a once in a lifetime read, and I love to admit it… but she was absolutely right. That kind of praise feels almost too big, but somehow this book actually lives up to it.

THIS is how you do enemies to lovers. But more than that, this is how you write a real romance. Not something driven purely by tropes or spice, but something layered, intentional, and earned. The writing itself was unreal. Rioghnach’s prose is so sharp and intelligent, but also fluid and almost effortless. It’s witty without trying too hard, emotional without being overwhelming, and just…beautiful in a way that’s hard to even explain.

The slow burn between Selina and Parker is everything I want in a romance. It’s not rushed, it’s not easy, and it’s definitely not perfect. It’s messy and complicated and frustrating at times, but that’s what makes it feel so real. Every moment between them feels earned, and the tension was... well, I genuinely don’t know if I’ve read a book with better tension. It’s there in every interaction , from professional to personal to emotional and it just builds and builds in a way that had me completely engrossed in a way I do not think I have ever been before.

What I also really loved is how much depth this book has beyond the romance. The commentary on the publishing industry, criticism, social media, and what it actually means to create something and put it out into the world felt so honest and, at times, a little brutal. You can feel how vulnerable it is to be on either side of that, whether as a creator or critic, and I thought that was handled incredibly well.

And the cultural aspect was exemplary. The way Rioghnach explores growing up in an Asian household and how that shapes both Selina and Parker added another layer that made their characters feel even more grounded and complex. These aren’t surface level characters; they have history, pressure, expectations, and I felt all of it.

Speaking of characters, I loved that they actually grow. Not just a little, but in meaningful, believable ways. Over the course of the story, you see them change, confront things about themselves, and evolve, and that’s something I feel like a lot of romances say they do, but don’t always fully deliver on. This one absolutely does.

And the chemistry is so palpable. I could feel it through the pages. There were honestly moments where I thought there was no way they could ever work through everything between them, and I kind of loved that uncertainty. It made the payoff that much more satisfying.

At its core, this book is about so much more than romance. It’s about art, ambition, vulnerability, and what it costs to be seen and loved, even when it is someone you are not supposed to. It’s about the messy space between critique and care, and how connection can grow in the most unexpected places.

It’s bold, it’s fresh, it’s emotional, and it feels different in a way that’s honestly rare. This is one of those books that reminds me why I love reading romance in the first place. Genuinely, I’m in awe.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rioghnach Robinson, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book.

LOVVVVVVVVED! More romances for smarty pants!

I loved Parker and Selina and I loved the issues this book tackled while not beating us over the head about them. Perfect balance I am SO impressed.

YES! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! This is enemies-to-lovers done right! So first, big thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I loved it! Truly, knew one chapter in I was going to love it.

Parker is a novelist, Selina, the critic who sharpened her pen and went to town on Parker’s debut. When she gets a hold of the ARC for his second novel, well… let’s just say it’s enough for Parker to take matters into his own hands. What’s left is a laugh out loud war between author and critic.

Here’s the thing about, “Bad Words”, that really separated it from other romances. Everything came together so organically. I kept waiting for these forced meet-cutes and arguments that lead to the tearing of clothes, but they didn’t come. This book was done so well, you could totally imagine this happening to you in real life. Nothing about this book felt forced.

Then there were the characters themselves. These two felt like real people. When Selina saw Emily in the apartment, I totally understood how she felt. Same with Parker. These characters feel so deeply that it’s impossible not to relate in someway.

I really just can’t say enough good things. I enjoyed it from start to finish and look forward to future works. 5 stars!

This felt like a romance/book club fiction hybrid, and has one of the truest enemies-to-lovers arcs I’ve read in a long time. This wasn’t rivals-to-lovers or dislike-to-lovers, but true enemies with high stakes each main character is protecting with their hatred.

Bad Words is an exploration of online fandom culture and the human experience of how we choose whose words and opinions matter. The character development was precise and thorough, and the main characters’ chemistry was palpable, both in their hatred and in their love.

I could’ve used more of the couple together—this is a SLOW burn, with the first kiss after 80%—but it was still compulsively readable and a joy every page!

"Now the moment had become a snapshot in time...an illuminated window that I would look back on for the rest of my life, as it grew smaller and smaller behind me."

This book felt like cotton sheets on your skin, a warm fireplace on a cold evening. Like a sigh of relief and the sun on your face. I can count on one hand the romances I've read that make me want to read them all over again. This one has joined the list. It could have just been the subject matter but this book felt more highbrow. It appeals to your most intelligent side while also creating a longing –that slow burn– to succumb to your inner demons.

I felt as though we were truly able to experience both Parker and Selina's public persona and private ones in equal turn. That's no small feat, considering we also truly got to know each of them in turn. It felt like a true haters to lovers but without actually feeling trope-y. The sex scene was unveiled just when you thought you couldn't handle it anymore. It was heady and well written; on par for who they are. We saw that initial intimacy and then given strong hints, glimpses, glances into the rest of their physical relationship.

I loved this. There were a few aspects that I didn't like but not enough to elaborate. This will be a reread for me. I can't wait.

This might be one of my new favourite books. It felt like it was coming deep from Robinson's soul, a story about art and words and how they impact our lives and loves. I could not put this book down. I don't think I've ever read a better modern enemies-to-lovers romance. I will be recommending this to everyone I know and I am disappointed I have to wait until October to force it on people. So incredibly beautiful, I LOVE YOU SELINA CHAN!!!!!

I loved this book. Truly loved it. Clear‑the‑schedule, just‑one‑more‑chapter‑that‑turns‑into‑the‑last‑chapter loved it. Easy five stars and the kind of read that pulls you straight out of a reading slump.

The premise hooked me immediately. Parker Navarro is an author still carrying the sting of a brutal review written years ago by Selina Chan, a high‑profile literary critic. When she’s assigned to review his next book, they clash publicly, the argument goes viral, and suddenly their long‑standing tension is great for his sales and her publication’s traffic. Messy. Complicated. Completely irresistible.

What makes this book stand out is that it’s not just banter and chemistry, though it absolutely delivers on both. It dives into the publishing world, criticism culture, and online discourse in a way that feels sharp, current, and real without ever feeling heavy‑handed. The push and pull between creating and critiquing, and how quickly the internet turns conflict into spectacle, is handled with insight and heart.

Selina and Parker are stubborn, driven, and wonderfully flawed. They don’t just mildly dislike each other — they genuinely clash, and their arguments actually make sense. No flimsy misunderstandings. No dragged‑out drama. Every shift in their dynamic feels earned, and watching them slowly learn to listen instead of react was incredibly satisfying.

Enemies to lovers is done right here. They truly resent each other at the start, professionally and personally, which makes every crack in the armor and every moment of connection hit harder. The romance builds naturally and lands with intensity, tenderness, and real emotional payoff.

I also need to say this: the editing is spectacular. The pacing is tight, the dialogue snaps, and the story flows so smoothly that nothing pulls you out of the experience. The polish on this book is obvious, and it elevates an already fantastic story into something exceptional.

Fast paced but never rushed. Smart without trying too hard. Emotional without losing the fun. I was fully invested from beginning to end, and the final pages had me grinning and immediately wanting to tell someone about it.

I officially have a new favorite author, and I cannot wait to read what Rioghnach Robinson writes next.

If you love sharp dialogue, publishing‑world drama, and romance that actually earns its emotional payoff, do not skip this one.

★★★★★

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance review copy

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This story spoke to my soul! It’s about finding the right words and having the courage to say them with clarity and conviction. It’s about getting and receiving someone’s honest, whole, and unvarnished truth, and how that’s such a rare and beautiful gift. It’s about how when we choose the path of least resistance, we might lose ourselves in the process.

In a world currently full of the next hot takes, a lack of critical thinking skills, and a literary crisis, this story is timely with its sharp and witty commentary. I won’t do Selina and Parker the disservice of saying something without actually saying anything, so I’ll finish with this: Bad Words made me feel seen. It’s emotional, romantic, and lived up to every single one of my expectations. I loved every word.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book.

Calling it book an “enemies to lovers romance”doesn’t begin do it justice. It’s so much more than that formula implies. It’s a thoughtful, intelligent, often funny novel about writers and readers, cultural dialog in a click-bait age, identity and belonging, and the many pressures bearing down on the traditional publishing industry. The actual romance features two very believable, fully 3-dimensional people falling in love against their own expectations and in spite of their initial assumptions and misjudgments. I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy! I’ll be recommending it to everyone.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

Bad Words absolutely lived up to the hype and then some. This is the kind of book that hooks you with sharp, witty banter and keeps you for the emotional depth you didn’t see coming. Parker and Selina’s dynamic is electric—tense, messy, and completely addictive. I loved how the story explored ambition, criticism, and the vulnerability of putting your work (and heart) out into the world. It felt smart without trying too hard, and deeply relatable in unexpected ways. The slow-burn tension was perfection. I couldn’t put it down and kept thinking about it long after I finished. A truly standout debut I’ll be recommending to everyone.

I absolutely loved this book! From start to finish, I was fully immersed in the story and couldn’t wait to find out how it would end. The writing is beautiful, drawing you into every scene, and the characters are wonderfully complex and relatable. This is a book that stays with you after it’s over. Loved!!

I loved this. I was completely immersed in the story and absolutely loved the writing style.

I loved the juxtaposition of author and critic, the spaces they occupy, the commentary on social media, virality and the role it can play both positively and negatively.

Selina and Parker are brilliant, flawed characters who find themselves at opposing ends of a feud after a recording of an argument between them goes viral. Selena is an unforgiving book critic and Parker is a writer who is caught in the crosshairs.

I adored the truce and development between Selina and Parker. It was organic, unforced and let them be exactly who they are.

Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a great romance novel with excellent prose.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

What a beautifully written modern romance. I found myself clinging to every word. I happily anticipate her next novel!!

A fresh, smart contemporary romance that leans much closer to literary fiction. This book is so much more than a romance. It's a celebration of writers, readers, and the oft-underappreciated critic. It's also a conversation about the people who are chronically online in bookish communities, sometimes to their own detriment.

Selina Chan is a notorious book critic with a silver tongue and incredible prose, capable of making or breaking an author's latest release. Parker Navarro is no stranger to Selina, having already survived one of her scathing reviews. Four years after his debut, Parker's new book is again panned by Selina, igniting a war within the literati.

The slow burn of Bad Words was absolutely perfect for me. Selina and Parker feel so fleshed out, two deeply flawed, extremely stubborn people with well-crafted backstories that make their actions and feelings genuinely understandable. Both arcs feel fulfilling because Robinson takes the time and care to let them breathe and grow.

This is enemies-to-lovers at its best, where the enemies actually have a reason to hate each other. They both carry pre-conceived notions of the other that make it so delicious when those walls finally come down. It also makes for a fascinating reading experience; I genuinely understood both sides of their argument throughout.

It bears repeating: this is not just a romance. Bad Words tackles the very charged topic of creation and criticism without shying away from nuance. Beyond the literary angle, it also thoughtfully explores mental illness and the experience of being AAPI in media.

Pick this up if you like:
- You've Got Mail
- A slow burn between two wordsmiths
- Romance between real adults with actual jobs
- Just pick it up, full stop.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Wow, this book!

I am not easily surprised when it comes to romance books, but I didn't see Bad Words coming. Ríoghnach's writing is so beautiful and clever, and I fell so hard for these flawed, vulnerable characters - I just wanted to wrap them both up in a hug.

I love that it pushed the question of who is qualified to be a critic (definitely not me, but I hope you'll read this when it comes out anyway).

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for honest review. I cannot wait for this book to be out in the world.

BAD WORDS was a damn delight to read. It’s immediately up there with MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES and SKY DADDY; in other words, it’s the rare book that’s clever, well-written, and - hardest and best of all - FUN. There are too many capital letters in this review, but that’s okay because it matches my enthusiasm! Truly, I can’t wait to shout from the rooftops about this gem of a book.

rioghnach is a wordmaster. she makes you feel every single thing in the moment & you can't help but feel like it happened to you to. i was broken and then put back together.

I cannot stress enough how special I think this book is. The characters feel so real, their love story so authentic it felt like I was right there with them, falling in love as well. But on top of a sparkling romance, how the book handles discussions of the current book industry, the place of critique, the role of reviewers and authors was so nuanced and well-balanced. It felt both modern and somehow nostalgic at the same time. It took over my apartment while I read it, so textured and rich that it lets its reader live inside it.

Going to preorder it now and urge all my friends to do the same.

Gosh, this is such a smart romance.

This book forces you to slow down and enjoy it. I haven’t read anything like this in a long time. A striving author versus the bluntly honest book critic who tanked his debut novel ten years ago.

This was a captivating look into the literary criticism world. Sometimes it felt a little slow, but I am not sure that is a bad thing. It felt good to mentally pause and simmer on each side of the criticism of art argument.

“You don’t ever have to apologize to me for your opinion.” <— this line from Selina was my big “oh shoot”, lightbulb moment.

Neither Selena or Parker were perfect, but their journey from mortal enemies to a ceasefire and to a passionate understanding of each other was deeply endearing to read.

Also — Selina and Parker’s friends are true pearls on the necklace of life. Their understanding and support of Parker and Selina seemed to serve as their foundations to stand on, their safe spaces, a soft place to land when they took risks. Really lovely.

Overall, I thought this was great! A top book of the year for me: true enemies to lovers, thought provoking concepts, interesting look into the book world, great friend group.

After reading about the significance of book reviews and the care that goes into them, it’s a bit daunting to now reflect and write my own. Let me begin by saying that it has been a while since a contemporary romance novel has captured my heart the way Bad Words did. Rioghnach Robinson uses my favorite enemies-to-lovers trope in such a clever and tender way that not only gives us a couple to root for but also reveals the sign of the times with its commentary on authorship, publishing, visibility, and the toxicity of social media within these spaces.

Parker Navarro has written his second novel, hoping to redeem his career after his debut novel received a scathing review from literary critic, Selina Chan. Selina must now review Parker’s sophomore novel much to her dread as her second review is no better than her first. The internet is hungry to feed into the feud that ensues between author and critic, spiraling more than either Parker or Selina anticipated. Circumstances throw Parker and Selina together and their sharp banter evolves into secret emails and texts that move from flirtatious barbs to something more vulnerable, until everything they thought they knew and perceived about each other is questioned.

I found the voices of both these characters distinct and real, their stories fully fleshed out within the pages. As a thirty something, I saw myself in these characters that are navigating the motions of life at that age with respect to career anxieties, family expectations, and relationships. Opening up to someone is one of the most daunting things a person can do but Parker and Selina find the vulnerability to do that with each other and it is so touching and beautiful to read. At the end of the day, we are human and what makes us human is the will to connect with each other—to find someone who can accept and love us for who we are.

The toxicity of social media especially within the publishing space is a topic I find important to read about. These days, where the internet is the most prominent space to promote books, it can be challenging for writers outside of the current trends to grow like they used to. Readers don’t often come into a new book without having some preconceived notions about it and the author from the masses of BookTok, Bookstagram, etc. A internet feud and not the contents of the book itself, gives Parker’s book attention and sales before the public can even read and formulate an opinion of it themselves. For Selina, her career as a literary critic, is also challenged by the short attention spans that come from an endless internet feed.

Bad Words is a congregation of good words molded together, creating an inspiring modern-day romance. I can’t wait to read Robinson’s next one.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I’ve said it a million times: I love books about books. But Bad Words was so much more, so much deeper than I anticipated it being. The depth of character, from their professional lives, to personal lives, to childhoods and histories…I felt like I truly knew both Selina and Parker. And I adored them for it. The pace of the plot did not feel rushed, nor did it drag out. Often novels feel unrealistic in their timelines, but Bad Words…it felt like I was watching friends lives unfolding in real time. I laughed a lot (bc I adore a strong, sarcastic, cutting female lead), and also cried. No notes.

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy - I’ll have no hesitation in recommending.

At the risk of hyperbole, BAD WORDS by Rioghnach Robinson is exactly the book I've been wanting to read for years. Sharply written, beautifully envisioned, and expertly crafted, this is a pitch-perfect romance that feels both true and unforgettable. I picked up the book during a busy time, telling myself I'd just read a few pages, and twenty-four hours later, I'd inhaled it.

Parker and Selina are my favorite couple I've read in forever. Individually, both characters are fully formed and lived-in, their histories and circumstances clear from the start. I love nothing more than a biting, type-A protagonist, and Selina fits the bill in every way. She isn't just uptight by accident, though; it's rooted in her upbringing and her deepest insecurities, which makes it all the more satisfying when love starts to crack her protective shell.

Everything about this book is cinematic. I read it like a movie in my mind from that first, memorable meet-disaster to the final pages, where everything had been turned upside down and yet felt exactly how it always should've been. It's rare to see characters change so much together while still holding on to who they are—an honest, incredible happily ever after.

The irony of it all is that I have nothing but good words to fully describe how I feel. There are very few books that have left me both speechless but also unable to be quiet in pursuit of telling everyone else about it, and behold, Bad Words is proof that such a book does exist! It was impossible not to feel everything all at once whilst joining along what felt like an immersive dive into 2012-2015 stan Twitter feuds (complimentary) between both author and critic, as well as the ever-so-involved third parties who only know information at face value and blindly choose sides without full context.

Throughout the novel, I actually felt my emotions spike and fall for both Parker and Selina as they went through hell and back, both professionally and personally. I wanted to cry, to yell, to do anything and everything, alongside each of them as I read both of their perspectives. Each POV was well fleshed out and added so much depth to two already complex characters. And I will say, if you grew up in an Asian household, both of their perspectives weren’t as complex to me, as I’ve been on the receiving end of similar thoughts from both sides of my family, who I felt were well-represented by both Parker and Selina’s families, too. 

Bad Words is more than just an enemies-to-lovers kind of story, and thankfully so. It’s a true glimpse at how turbulent the publishing industry is, the power of social media and influencers, and an incredible view of the lens of just how the first-gen experience and differences in upbringing in an Asian American household can impact the way you perceive yourself and the world around you. Both Parker and Selina were painfully relatable in their experiences — Selina’s being one that I can relate to right now in my own life.

THIS is how you write an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance! I loved this book from start to finish, and enjoyed it not only as a romance, but also as a literary fiction that taught and challenged me as much as it entertained. Thank you to St. Martin’s press and NetGalley for this eARC!

Four years ago, Parker Navarro’s highly anticipated debut novel was decimated in a review by literary critic Selina Chan, dashing his hopes and expectations of success and financial security. Fast-forward to the present, Navarro is set to release his sophomore novel, only to be blindsided yet again by another scathing Chan review.

The feud that follows sets the stage for one of the best, truest enemies-to-lovers I have ever read. All of their interactions, from their public fight to awkward run-ins, build up to a tension that is palpable. There is snarky banter, email exchanges, and the kind of “will they won’t they” slow burn that I absolutely love.

The dual POVs were a great choice for this novel, as it gave the reader both MC’s perspectives, insecurities, and backgrounds. The MCs each have impressions of the other that are based on their written works and social media personas, but in reality, they are both so much more than what they present to the world. The novel addresses their struggles with tough family dynamics, AAPI identity, misogyny, mental health struggles, communication in the age of social media, and the question: can you separate the art from the artist? It was so beautifully written and thought provoking, and I genuinely couldn’t wait to read it each time I had to put it down.

Talk about a novel with impact. It’s a gorgeous exploration of deep questions around why we create, who we’re creating for, and whether authors, readers, and critics owe one another anything in the whole transaction. I found this to be a propulsive read in that I just had to keep going, but also the kind of book that made me want to slow down and soak up the language, to highlight, to delight in a particularly well-crafted metaphor. The author has curated and arranged every single word of this novel with utter precision, making it a completely satisfying reading experience.

I found the protagonists well-drawn and complex, each of them with solid reasons for their mutual dislike and disdain. It’s difficult to imagine Parker ever overcoming the pain of Selina’s eviscerating critiques of his novels, but somehow, it’s possible. The author does a beautiful job of showing a gradual progression in their relationship, with Parker and Selina each having something unique to offer the other. The romance is intense and satisfying, and the journey to get there is equally riveting.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

This book has so much heart, and I’m so happy to have read it.

Bad Words is a prime example of how to do REAL enemies-to-lovers in the context of contemporary romance: with the characters causing true harm to each other in the beginning and having to figure out how to move forward. In addition to the great banter and round characters, I really appreciate the mental health representation in the book as well as the exploration of how online discourse impacts our real-life wellbeing was poignant.

This book was on my radar after hearing Emily Henry talk about it. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read it, and I plan to read it again. Really looking forward to reading more from this author!

The best romance I've read in years. I tend to gravitate towards romance that have a more literary spin on it because it tends to be a little heavier and darker (not capital D dark romance but like the characters are really going through it in a non manic pixie dream girl/grump for no apparent reason way). Anyways, that's what I've been craving and Bad Words delivers on that perfectly. It is true enemies to lovers in a way that manages to allow the character to have animosity for each other with out one or both of them being assholes or relying heavily on miscommunication (ew grow up and stop believing gossip you're a whole ass adult).

I really enjoyed the way Selina and Parker went from strong dislike to acquaintances to reluctant friends and gradually came to care about eachout. It developed in such a realistic way and felt organic to the story. I also loved the family and friendship dynamic hanging on in both their lives and the way that motivated and shaped their thoughts and actions. They both felt like full three dimensional characters in a way I don't often see in the romance genre. Robinson really took her time to show us who they are instead of just telling us over and over again. Highly recommend especially if the liked Seven Day in June and Book Lovers, two of my other fave romance reads.

“Bad Words” is the kind of novel I wish I wrote. Deep, incisive, and insightful, tinged with humour and vulnerability, this novel is both a treat and an introspection on our modern times, a commentary on the people behind the screens and the layers we all have that make us into the people we are. Robinson is an excellent writer. I enjoyed it very much.

Thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for an eARC of this book. I had so much fun, I finished it in a day.

We follow Parker Navarro, as he is about to publish his sophomore novel. His debut was a 900 page work of effort and was supposed to be a critic favorite, until it encountered the reading desk of Selina Chan, who left such a scathing review it was dead on arrival. She reads and lambasts book #2 and a chance encounter at a party results in a shouting match that goes viral. A true enemies to lovers romance, this was a riot to read, filled with witty repartee and engaging dialogue.

I've never read anything from this author before (who also goes by Riley Redgate for her YA) but definitely will need to take a foray into her backlist now.

Inhaled this novel. This was a refreshing slow burn where I actually learned a lot about editing and writing a book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am so grateful to have gotten an ARC!

Bad Words is the definition of "smart romance" and a shockingly poignant debut by Ríoghnach Robinson. Calling this book a simple enemies to lovers would be an insult. Yes- Selina and Parker do not like each other, but the complexities of their characters as well as their relationship are fascinating to read and so much more than enemies to lovers.

I loved the discussion this book will encourage regarding the powers/harms of social media. I loved all of the cultural aspects mentioned about Selina's Chinese heritage and Parker's Filipino. The award for FMC with the most integrity- sometimes to her downfall is Selina and I adored that about her. She is dedicated, strong and stands up for her opinions. LOVED. This book blew me away and I highly recommend for many reasons I won't be able to articulate!

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I feel like an a****** raving about a book that doesn’t come out for six months but here we go… This was one of my favorite romance novels of all time. I’m obsessed with Selina. Love her, love him, love an enemies-to-lovers arc that’s actually a little bit savage. It brought back all the feelings of texting my now-husband in our early days in the best way.

Thank you to my book club for convincing me to ignore my TBR of published books and sign up for NetGalley!

This is more than a romance novel, it looks at how how words can wound people, drive them apart while also bring them close together. Selina is a critic who is hated by authors because of her ability to “belittle” their work or show how underwhelming their books are. Parker is a writer and Selina has in the past discredited his work which has cause tremendous loss both in confidence and in revenue for his previously published books. She did this four year ago and here she comes once more before the launch of Parker’s new book discrediting his work. Parker has decided to confront Selina because he has had enough of her mingling. This confrontation was caught on camera and as subsequently cause a buzz in the reading the community both for authors and critics.
*family dynamics
*mental health issues
*enemies to lovers
*slow burn

I simply adored Bad Words, the first adult novel from Rioghnach Robinson.

Parker Navarro has had a tumultuous experience as a literary darling turned flop, thanks to a scathing review of his much-lauded debut novel. When the reviewer, Selina Chan gets a hold of his next novel and pans it again, things become explosive.

Both of our leads are deeply imagined, and give a compelling and sympathetic perspective on art and criticism. I flew through this in no time, and wish there was more.

This book is so so so good I can’t even put I to words. I’ve already read it I be and then another time

Wow, 5 stars. A raw, self discovery journey that I finished in one sitting. Absolute perfection, everybody needs to read this.

Where do I even begin with this. I've been screaming about this book to by best friend for weeks, and she's been hammering me to stop because it doesn't come out until the fall.

Parker has not a mean bone in his entire body. But this infuriating woman who not only demolished his debut, but also slandered his upcoming release has him wanting to wring her. And he almost does. A video of them arguing goes viral, and thus starts their infamous feud.

The immediate hostility between them had me asking this question so many times: How could they POSSIBLY end up together?? Who in their right mind could believe the critic and the author of headlines would fall for one another. But Rioghnach does it. And does it WELL. And has you grappling for all the CRUMBS because this is the SLOWEST of slow burns.

Being in the same industry has Parker and Selina revolving around each other. Selina can't seem to get away from the author who cornered her for her pan, and his stupid fluffy hair. She starts to actually listen to him, and realizes, they aren't much different. She hides the sad part of herself who just wanted someone to love her for her. Parker can't seem to get his mind of her, constantly checking his notifications. He understands her more when they reveal common interests: like obscure books and their favorite author. Hasty exchanges turn into lingering touches, numerous emails, and delicious visits.

This is also a story about literature. About art in all of its forms and appreciating every single one. There is no one versus the other, but a coexistence because one can't happen without the other. We see this through Selina and Parker's fans battling each other online. "Critics shouldn't have to deal with emotional talentless authors!", or "Authors beware of this lying self-absorbed woman!" But to create is to change. To change is to understand the world and the people in it more.

I am already planning on buying this book, sharing it with others and reading it again. I read until my eyes hurt, blinked a little bit and then kept reading some more. It was written with such a great flow, incredible relationships (romantic and platonic), wonderful character development and dialogue. I loved these characters so deeply. One of my new favorite books.

Raise your hand if you were sent here by Emily Henry??? 🙋‍♀️ 10/10 NO NOTES. Possibly my 2026 fav? Thank you Netgalley for the eARC!

I devoured this book in a few days! This was enemies-to-lovers x 10 and packed the sort of emotional gut punches that left me teary-eyed.

This is a breath of fresh air in the contemporary romance space! Both characters feel real and fleshed out independently, yet they bring out sides to each other that are so interesting to explore (exactly what I want in a romance novel). Really funny! Definitely a book aimed at those in the book industry, but I think it will be so delightful for anyone to read. Loved a dual POV and both protagonists were fun to get inside the head of. The chemistry was there, the animosity felt very real, and the slow turn of enemies to lovers was masterfully done. At times, the prose felt a little simple, but I do not think that detracted from anything. Will be reccing!!!

I’m sitting here, struggling to find the right words for this review, because nothing quite feels like it does this book justice. The writing is so eloquent and deeply moving that I almost hesitate to describe it, afraid my own words might diminish its impact.

I truly loved every minute of Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson. It completely pulled me in, and by the final quarter, I found myself in tears. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after you finish, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend to a friend. I already know I’ll be purchasing a physical copy to experience it again after reading this ARC on my Kindle.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for the opportunity to read Bad Words in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE enemies-to-lovers and this one was perfect. The characters really hate each other and though they fight, there's still top-notch yearning and tension. I enjoyed the humor and drama so much. I'm thinking this author might be a new favorite!

This story has a fantastic slow burn that just keeps building. Like so slow that it takes over 500 pages before they finally kiss. Seriously, it just kept building the whole time and I'm here for it! I was fully invested in the characters and in the story. They were realistic and relatable. The emotion in this story was raw and hits hard.

An absolute must-read!

This book was such an anticipated read for me and it did not disappoint! It is such a perfect enemies to lovers as these characters truly despise each other and feud for real, yet still there’s room for yearning, drama, tension and so many funny moments.

As someone who loves watching enemies fall in love in every format possible, this book felt like it was made for me. The banter was top tier and I loved that I could feel their chemistry so BAD. Their email and messages to each other made me giggle and I was gripping my reading device like my life depended on it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

But besides all that, I also loved seeing both sides of the coin in the publishing world (authors and critics) and thought it was such an important message to have both worlds represented and understood so right. This book really translated the passion that goes into writing, reading and reviewing something.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a delightful book. It is very reminiscent of Emily Henry's books and Seven Days in June. This book will definitely not be for everyone though. Don't go in expecting a classic romcom type romance book- yes it is romantic but it is very slowburn and i would say its more plot and character driven than romance.
It has a lot to say about bookish social media discourse in a way that i really enjoyed. This is absolutely something that i could see happening in real life and all the social media posts in the book are spot on to the stuff you will see on twitter or threads.

Highly recommend!

This book is how all romance books should make you feel.

I did not know that a true enemies to lovers was possible in contemporary romance prior to reading this book. Parker and Selina bleed from the page directly into your heart, and the dual POV truly intensifies that feeling. Bad Words is my favorite book of 2026 so far, and I know this book is going to be an immediate hit.

The tension built through the slow burn, the enemies to reluctant friends to lovers, finally leading readers to their first kiss on page 525. It was the best torture I've endured. The way I was gripping the book waiting for it to finally happen, and once it did, I had full body goosebumps and I just didn't want to ever stop reading about them. The third act conflict was also something all readers could see coming, but it was still just as heart wrenching once it happened. How would they get through this? How do they most past this? The resolution is exactly what a romance lover wants, and reading this book felt like watching some of my favorite romance films. A modern You've Got Mail-esque tale, packed with classic yearning paired with current popular romance novel levels of passion.

This book encapsulates how thin the line is between love and hate, and how someone you disagree with can also share the love of some of your most beloved things.

The writing in this book is also just beyond beautiful. I had so many favorite quotes from this book, and some of them had me taking a break to re-read the lines due to how beautiful and relatable they were.

These are just a few of those:

"The way he'd spoken about fiction not as a calling, not as an art, but as a place that your body enters and exits, a fertile, private place."

"Sometimes a book forms such a foundational part of you that to meet somebody else who loves it, who really cares about it, feels like stumbling on a stranger in another country who comes from your hometown."

"The best books always convinced me of this: that I was in the presence not of greatness but of goodness, something so warm and expansive that it counterbalanced everything else that people were capable of."

"This was how it felt, then, to love someone: To sacrifice clarity. To let go the illusion of objectivity. To give every word the benefit of the doubt."

"if I had to choose between the neat and comprehensible outside and the inexplicable inside, then, for the first time in my life, I chose the inside. I would love him right into my own uncertainty."

"I loved our life together. We read side by side on the couch with quiet music over the speakers, occasionally reading a striking line out loud to each other. We laughed over dinner tables with people we loved. Every day I felt like myself; every night, before I slept, I felt close to her."

"Some mornings, after reading her latest, I would come into her office and kiss her and say, "It's perfect." And every so often, reading my pages, she would text me, You're brilliant. Maybe nobody else in the world agreed. Maybe we were unreliable sources now; maybe that was what it meant to be in love. All I knew was that I'd finally found the right words. I wanted to spend the rest of my life saying them."

After finishing, my immediate first thought was just how badly I wanted to re-read the book over again, and how much I adored every second I spent reading this book.

Thank you so much for the E-ARC!

I immediately picked this one up after seeing Emily Henry’s blurb and recommendation, and it did not disappoint. Bad Words follows author Parker Navarro and critic Selina Chan and the (very viral) back and forth that ensues when Selina writes a second takedown on Parker’s book after doing the same with his debut. We see how their relationship unfolds from animosity to something more, as well as the impact of outside voices on the situation and how they view themselves and their work.

This toed the line perfectly between literary fiction and contemporary romance. It has a very introspective quality, and we learned who both Parker and Selina were separately so well amidst the fued, while still being very grounded on the romance side. I thought it was really clever how Parker and Selina were initially thrust into this very online feud making public comments back and forth with so many strangers weighing in with their opinions, but the two were able to connect and really understand each other through similar exchanges (just not publicly).

The characters felt so real, and this had some thoughtful commentary on authenticity in criticism and the impact of the internet. Do you need to protect your authenticity and write what you actually think, or do you need to maintain a keen sensitivity to the potential impact on the subject matter in mind? What matters more? I loved how Selina knew herself so well and never backed down from her principles despite the public’s opinion of her. We also see how unnatural it is to have thousands of strangers making split second reactions and judgments on who you are online without having the full picture, and sometimes it’s needed to take a step back and disengage.

Overall, thought this was exceptional and was an easy 5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a book I will be recommending to all of my friends. The enemies to lovers storyline felt so real and authentic which was a true breath of fresh air. I loved getting a peek behind the publishing industry curtain, and thought the author did an amazing job crafting her main characters.

Ooooooh this had me kicking my feet and giggling like a fool! This was so good. Most contemporary enemies-to-lovers romances are such a scam. At best, they’re just a huge misunderstanding where the flighty FMC thinks the MMC hates her for whatever reason, but he’s actually obsessed with her. They aren’t actually enemies at all. But this? Yes. Oh yes, this was true loathing fueled by a very real, very valid clash of personalities.

On the one hand you have a writer who is a precious golden retriever of a boy, who is overly nice and wants to be liked by everyone. Even if that means stifling his own thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, you have this sharp-tongued, aloof critic, who is more concerned with honesty and integrity than she is with sparing anyone’s feelings. He is putting his heart and soul into his writing, wanting to do what he loves and support his family financially. She is putting all her dreams and determination into being a successful journalist and showing her estrange parents they were wrong about her potential. Do you see the inherent discord here? It’s delicious! And the banter was TOP NOTCH!

It was witty and romantic, but also surprisingly tender and heartfelt. As these two characters grapple with their public feud, they end up having to face some of their own personal struggles they’ve been afraid to look at in the mirror. Why is she always afraid of being emotionally vulnerable and pushing people away? Why is he always saying whatever needs to be said to make sure people like him?

I loved this so much and will DEFINITELY be grabbing a hardcopy when it comes out. But in the meantime, a huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for this e-ARC.

It's not often that I get as engrossed in a book within the first few pages as much as I did with BAD WORDS. I think that's a true testament to the great writing from Rioghnach Robinson - her writing was electric from beginning to end. The story was so enthralling and her characters just popped off the page. The writing was witty and so brutally honest. I ate up everything and was left wanting more.

I feel like many of us avid readers are always curious with how the BTS of publishing works, and this novel really highlighted a few sides of it that I have never read about before. Specifically, how damaging some reviews can be and how easily it is for people to misunderstand things, only for them to be blown out of proportion. So much more was said that really got me thinking - and I hope it gets others thinking as well!

The romance was a slow burn and the chemistry was fully there. It felt so true to the characters.

This is a book I will be thinking about for some time!

I was so blown away by this book. So many inside jokes for those in the writing world, and such a true hate-to-love that really felt earned and real and not rushed. I laughed so hard at the emails, and felt so many things with each layer of backstory unearthed. My only wish was the last 10% of the book was longer.

Perfection! If you love an enemies to lovers story, this will scratch that itch in the best way. Especially if you love all things books. The character development was off the charts. Chemistry between Selina and Parker was chef’s kiss. I’m honestly speechless by how remarkable this one was, and think most readers would find something in it to love.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

"If I've ever said anything that mattered, I said it to you."

I wish I had the profound writing skills needed to describe this book, but here's what you're getting instead:

This book awakened that beautiful reader spark in me, reminding me how books can be exciting, make you want to spend all day (and night) reading inside, and make your mind work overtime with all the thoughts they can provoke. I picked "Bad Words" up on a whim when I saw it was available on NetGalley, and I immediately knew I had found a gem. This is a romance between a book critic and the author of a book she critiques, which sounds like a dream synopsis to a book lover like me. But it surprises you by being so much more than that—it's full of timely conversations on literary criticism, mental health, social media, and vulnerability, and I think Rioghnach Robinson really follows through on tackling the difficult topics she brings up. As someone who's always on BookTok and reading book reviews, it really made me consider both Parker and Selina's sides in this feud. It made me think about how we review books, who book reviews are for, how we make assumptions about people we don't know (and how social media fuels this), the impact of our words, and what changes when we really get to know someone. While I was a Selina girl through and through, both characters are layered with good and bad, and I flip-flopped between loving them and being angry with them. It was beautiful to fall for Parker as Selina did, after digging through the layers of who he really was, and I think it's really a testament to what human connection can cultivate. I was also intrigued by the premise of an enemies-to-lovers book set in a real-world setting, which I loved! The tension was unmatched, and it really defined a slow-burning romance.

I can't end this review without saying that one of my favourite bits of this book was reading about Parker and his siblings. As someone with two siblings who communicate very much like Parker and his siblings do, the text threads between them had me laughing out loud and feeling very touched. Though we didn't get tons of scenes with them, I still felt like Rioghnach Robinson fleshed out all four of the siblings so well, and I could really see their differences and unique qualities.

Bad Words was very good! True enemies to lovers and a delicious complexity of identity, pressure, and family expectations. The chemistry between Selina and Parker is fiery, even when they’re publicly bickering. Watching their walls come down with each other and subtle chipping that eventually becomes familiarity and then intimacy was so beautiful! There were so many layers to this novel and it was a rare read. Lovely.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bad Words was one of my favorite reads of the year so far. It’s a literary romance that blends a compelling enemies-to-lovers story with a sharp exploration of criticism, creativity, and the publishing world. Following a feuding author and critic whose rivalry turns unexpectedly personal, the book is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

Robinson’s writing is stunning—sharp, witty, and deeply immersive. I found myself rereading lines just to savor them, while also racing ahead to see what would happen next. Parker and Selina are flawed, intelligent, and sometimes frustrating, but their chemistry and growth kept me completely invested.

Read if you like:
- Dual POV
- Enemies to lovers
- Reverse age gap

I especially loved the depth of the first half, which dives into character, internet culture, and the vulnerability of creating art. While I wished the second half kept a bit more of that same depth, the romance was still incredibly satisfying.
Overall, Bad Words is a smart, layered, and memorable read that lingers long after the final page.

This will be one of the best books of 2026! It reflects on how art is created and the importance of criticism to keep audiences and artists sharp and engaged.
This book tells the story of Parker Navarro, a Filipino American author, whose career spirals after his debut novel is harshly criticized in a literary magazine by Selina Chan. Now years later, his second novel is about to debut and Selina once again is asked to critic it.
I loved how their relationship moved from true contempt to friendship and understanding to love. Above all, I felt like both characters grew and learned from their experiences, becoming more well-rounded versions of themselves.

A fantastic book that will definitely be one of my favorites of the year! A high-quality romance with a timely commentary on the meaning of criticism and how the overwhelming ability to access everyone's opinions 24/7 on social media impacts the human condition. It leans a little more literary fiction and is somewhat meta, but it's not flashy or obnoxious about it. Lately I've had a bad habit of bingeing romance books in 1-2 days so that I can get to the happy ending, however, there are so many introspective moments for these characters that felt so honest and vulnerable - I really enjoyed slowing down and sitting with their thoughts. The author does a great job of creating a multi-layered, dynamic plot without forcing a bunch of underdeveloped storylines to get a happy resolution. I could not put the book down, but also did not want it to end. Overall a bold, thought-provoking and heartfelt novel.

Also Selina Chan is an incredible character and this is the perfect execution of enemies to lovers.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC :)

This book came highly recommended by a friend and I am so happy I listened! After a terrible rom com story, I needed some sort of redemption in the romance genre and Bad Words delivered! This was a sharp writing style and a perfectly timed enemies to lovers story that I feel like hasn't been done in quite some time. I haven't felt like this towards a romance story since Seven Days in June. I can't believe this actually doesn't come out until October because I feel like I need more people reading this book immediately. It feeds the reader with a juicy story revolving around the publishing world that I think ties well into getting to know our characters. Mature conversations are presented to us that I think we don't often get in the romance genre nowadays. It was a breath of fresh air, and what initially felt daunting to read quickly became planted within every waking moment I had, even beyond finishing the book!

I'm reeling from how much I loved this book. The characters were vibrant, and I especially related to Parker and his people pleasing tendencies, plus the absolute freedom that comes from being with someone that doesn't require any qualifiers to understand your intent.

The romance was wonderful, but the thing that really stood out to me was the commentary on the way readers, critics, and writers interact with a work of literature. It made me consider more deeply how I want to view and speak about various issues that come up in the book world.

Once again, I really loved this book. Big recommend, to romance and non-romance readers alike.

Loved Parker and Selina's story! This literary slowww burn romance was an excellent read!

Both of them stayed true to their characters till the very end, which makes you want to be invested in them throughout. Even though there was a third act conflict (as expected from any romance novel), it didn't feel contrived. Kudos to the author! The conflict felt organic and honestly, the misunderstanding was something brewing from the get-go. Selina's moral compass is exemplified during this tense situation. This is something that the book alludes to from the beginning- she has exacting standards for everyone but doesn't shy away from expecting the same from herself, sometimes to her own detriment.

Both the FMC and MMC have a lot going on with their families, it was so interesting to read all their backstories and their dynamics. IMO, it enriched the storyline and provides an insight into the kind of experiences that has shaped their characters. The unapologetic portrayal of Selina's Asian household felt authentic to me.

For all that super slow burn and yearning for the majority of the novel, the final resolution happened a little too quick (perhaps abrupt) IMO, but overall, this was quite a satisfying read!! I felt Selina and Parker were well matched by the time I reached the end.

Look forward to the next by the author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#BadWords, #NetGalley

I absolutely loved Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson. This is one of those books that completely pulls you in from the very first page and never lets go. The voice is so sharp and distinct that it feels immediate and immersive in a way that is hard to look away from.

What really stood out to me is how fearless the writing feels. There is a rawness and honesty to it that makes every moment land with real impact, while still leaving room for humor and nuance. It manages to be intense and engaging without ever feeling overwhelming.

I found myself completely absorbed in the tone and style, and it is the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish. This was such a memorable reading experience for me, and I cannot stop thinking about it.

This was such a good read! I enjoyed it so much. It is a book that I am and will continue to recommend to others to read as well since I enjoyed it.

I wish I was Selina Chan so I could articulate the many ways I feel about this book. But simply put, I adored it. I stayed up far too late finishing it and can’t wait to tell everyone I know that they need to preorder this.

Selina and Parker were like two people holding mirrors up towards each other, forcing one another to look at themselves, their careers, their life choices, and challenging all of them. This is a unique romance book and definitely stands out. For fans of Beach Read, Book Lovers, Seven Days in June

I adored this and it’s definitely going to be a new favorite.

I urge you to preorder this book, add it to your Libby reminders, jot down the title, anything that will get you to read it when it comes out in October. It is phenomenally well written, the characters are complex and unique, and the plot is entertaining and thought provoking. The POV switches between the two main characters, Parker and Selina, with ease and distinction. I could see each setting very clearly in my head; Parker and Selina’s apartments, the bars and restaurants, the streets of New York, Selina’s office building. The visuals are still with me now. I have never personally read a book that explores the push and pull between authors and reviewers, and I loved that Robinson didn’t lead the reader by the hand to the point, but wrote in such a way that we could find it on our own. Selina and Parker have natural chemistry that ebbs and flows, twisting and turning with the plot. While this is a book about the publishing industry, anyone will be able to enjoy it. Robinson also writes under the name Riley Redgate, and I’m excited to see what she’s got in store for me to read.

I will recommend this book to everyone I know and everyone I will ever know.

I've been sitting here trying to come up with a proper review to express myself and I can't! It's just too darn good!

6 stars.

This book is just... perfect. The writing is elevated in a way that feels authentic and sharp and laugh out loud witty. It challenges the codependent (and often toxic) modern relationships between authors and their readers and provides brilliant commentary on where literary criticism fits into this ever-changing landscape. Selina and Parker are both so heartachingly vulnerable and strong in different ways - ways that made them frustrating and real and completely relatable. The way they came together was perfectly slow-burn and deliciously tense and completely truthful. I could not put this book down, and I already look forward to the next time I will pick it up again.

Have you ever read a book and thought, “I really needed this right now?” Bad Words is one of those books. It’s fast-paced and full of tension, the kind that keeps you reading way too late. Rioghnach’s writing is sharp, funny, and real, with vivid details and characters that pull you in right away.

The conflict between Parker and Selina made me think about how authors and reviewers interact, and how reviews should be honest but fair. What I liked most about Selina is that she stayed true to her beliefs and didn’t let anyone pressure her into changing her opinion. The relationships with family and friends added more depth to both characters and showed how their public lives affected them personally.

The book also highlights how overwhelming it can be to live under constant public attention, and it doesn’t ignore the idea that sometimes stepping away from the internet is actually a good thing. As someone who loves romance, I really enjoyed the “will they or won’t they” aspect. But what stood out most was how Parker and Selina slowly changed their opinions of each other as they got closer and opened up about their lives.

I don’t even know where to start with how much I loved this book. It is sharp and insightful and beautifully written. It’s a love letter to books—what makes a good book, who gets to decide, and how does one’s life experience alter how a book is received? I loved how Selina and Parker’s quiet love story considers what it means to be truly seen by another person. Every word of this book is utter perfection.

5 ⭐️
1st person, dual POV
Low 🌶️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital advance reader copy of this book!

Bad Words absolutely had me hooked on every sharp, messy and too-real conversation it threw at me. Parker and Selina’s dynamic crackled from the start, all tension, ego and barely-contained vulnerability. I loved how their public feud slowly unraveled into something much quieter and more intimate. It captured that push and pull between art and criticism so well, where every word felt loaded and every reaction felt personal. This book was smart, biting and unexpectedly tender in all the right places. I finished it feeling a little wrecked and very impressed.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book so much….I didn’t want it to end. Set in the worlds of NYC publishing and literary criticism where two smart and talented people deal with how survive ubiquitous social media, group think and cancel culture. Selina Chan is a 30-something literary critic at City magazine (kinda like the New Yorker) and possibly the best and clearest voice of her generation. Selina is 1st generation Chinese American who grew up as a bookish and lonely only child in Minneapolis, graduated from Columbia but greatly disappointed her parents by changing her major from pre law to English. In fact, they stopped paying for college her junior year and the three have been estranged since. Parker Navarro is.a 1st generation Filipino American from the Bay Area with a loud and large family who graduated from Yale. His 1st book was set to be a great work of literary fiction with a huge advance and lots of buzz. Until Selina panned it and sales when nowhere. Parker was devastated but worked his way back to selling a second novel. After reading an advance copy, Selina savaged this book as well but with very public consequences. At a book party, Parker confronts Selina and they have a heated argument. Unfortunately, someone filmed and posted it and that sparked a storm of texts, articles and interviews The Selina v. Parker feud was very public and everyone in the book world had an opinion. How these 2 navigate this mess and eventually come to a place of understanding is provocative, insightful and very human. Parker and Selina help each other come to terms with their families, careers and themselves. What great characters.

It’s an interesting experience reading a book with so much hype surrounding it, but luckily in this case it did not fall short of my (massively inflated) expectations. This will undoubtedly be one of my favorite books of 2026.

This book is exquisitely written. The story is sharp and singular. And the characters are some of the most compelling I’ve ever read. I loved everything about Selina and Parker—separately and together. They were deeply human, full of anxieties and baggage and different kinds of pain and yet they were both so strong. I never read with the intention of personally identifying with fictional characters, but I saw so much of my own mental struggles in both of these characters. It made my heart ache, which is the best kind of feeling when I’m reading a book.

This is a true enemies-to-lovers storyline. The things Selina and Parker write and say to and about each other are BRUTAL. Which made it all the more satisfying when they start uncovering everything underneath all of those harsh words. The slow burn of it all was absolute perfection. I’m convinced there’s no other way this story could have unfolded.

And a moment for the writing!!!! For me, the most satisfying type of prose to read is when each word feels like it was placed with exacting precision. Like—that word, in that specific sentence, was only ever meant to be *right* there. Rioghnach has perfected this kind of writing. It’s smart and cerebral but flows in way that makes reading feel EASY. Like you’re just slipping through the story.

BEAUTIFUL. Worth every bit of praise it’s getting.

This was an absolute gem of a book and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to read it. It combined all my favorite elements of literary fiction and romance without ever feeling cliche or like you needed to suspend disbelief. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the gifted copy.

Bad Words is a beautifully written, intelligent and modern romance that should not be missed.
Selina and Parker enter into an on-line feud when Selina reviews his latest novel and pans it causing multiple repercussions. I found it very thought provoking on relationships in today’s world and how words that never disappear on the internet can tear people apart. I was routing for both characters to find happiness and the author did a lovely job making them believable. Overall it is the perfect combination of literary fiction and romance that can be difficult to find.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In BAD WORDS, a literary critic and an author go head to head in a public feud about art, serving commentary on why we create it and how we connect through it, but also the dialogue between art and criticism, and the intersection of creative professions with big corporations. Plus, the reflections on being perceived as an author, how hard it is to separate oneself from one’s work, and how any kind of opinion worms itself deep into one’s perception of self resonated SO HARD.

Although I’d personally shelve it as a contemporary novel with a romantic subplot, it also has a true enemies-to-lovers trope which had me rooting and resonating with both parties to the point that I could not put it down. It’s specific and raw in its characterisation, propulsive with its tension between the main characters, and an absolute treasure on the line-level. I’ll be thinking about this for a long time.