Bad Words - an author and his harshest critic transition from feuding to mutual understanding and beyond.

Four years ago, Parker Navarro's debut novel, with a huge advance, had so much promise. But after Selina Chan, literary critic for City Magazine published her negative review, the book had no chance. Parker persevered, and his second book, High and Dry, is about to be released. Unfortunately for Parker, Selina's review is once again harsh. This time, Parker confronts Selina at a party, and doesn't hold back on his feelings, unaware that someone is recording it all. The video goes viral, and the public, as well as the media, get swept up in the drama. Is Selina a critic who always goes for the jugular, or does Parker's book deserve the scathing critique? The situation generates lots of interest in both High and Dry and City Magazine. Behind the scenes, Parker and Selina begin to communicate and discover not only mutual respect but also an attraction to each other. 

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson is an elevated "enemies-to-lovers" romance that focuses on two complex and flawed characters who form an intellectual rapport and truly get to know one another. Their banter was both entertaining and believable. The expected romance was worth the wait. The novel effectively highlights the dangers of social media and its unfiltered mob mentality. I also appreciated the Asian American representation, which included Selina's feelings about her traditional Chinese parents and Parker's interaction with his Filipino family. The author, who has written six YA novels published under the pen name Riley Redgate, has smoothly transitioned to adult fiction. I'm looking forward to seeing what Robinson writes next.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Fiction | Romance.

Publication Date: October 6, 2026.

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