Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted early listen!
Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson is a smart, layered romance full of emotional depth and characters I rooted for the whole way.
Parker Navarro's much-hyped debut novel tanks after a scathing review from critic Selina Chan. Four years later, his second book is his shot at redemption and maybe his last chance to keep his writing career alive. Selina can't pass up the chance to review it, and she writes another blistering takedown. When a video of Parker confronting her goes viral, their feud lights up the publishing world and the internet. But somewhere in all that noise, Parker and Selina start actually talking to each other.
This is a romance with grown-up stakes. Yes, there's plenty of witty banter and the inevitable third-act breakup, but Robinson layers so much underneath it. I loved the unvarnished look behind the scenes of publishing. Selina writes for a venerable magazine that's barely hanging on, and the pressure to write for clicks instead of thoughtful criticism is real.
I also loved how seriously Selina takes her job. She approaches every review with care and real respect for the craft.
Robinson also digs into the pressure on young people to choose a "safe" career over the one they're passionate about. And I loved how Parker's roommate looks out for his mental health and how his family rallies around him.
Narrators Katharine Chin and Major Curda are excellent. They give the banter real pop, bring the heat to the romance, and handle the emotional moments with sensitivity.
Parker and Selina don't get a meet-cute. Their relationship grows as they dig deep and figure out who they are, separately and together. It's thoughtful, beautifully crafted, and the character development is excellent.
If you love a romance that makes you think as much as it makes you swoon, put this one at the top of your TBR. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bad Words publishes October 6.
You can preorder Bad Words from Bookshop.org and help an indie bookstore while you're at it.
if you enjoyed this review, you might be interested in my review of The Odds of You by Kate Dramis.
About the Author
Rioghnach Robinson grew up in North Carolina, studied economics at Kenyon College, and now lives in New York City. Her books for young readers, including Lambda Award winner Come Home to My Heart, are published under the pen name Riley Redgate. Bad Words is her first adult novel. Follow Rioghnach on Instagram and visit her website for more news and information about her books.
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