A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers.
Rioghnach (REE-uh-nock) Robinson is the author of BAD WORDS, coming to shelves Oct. 6, 2026 from St. Martin’s Press (US) and HarperFiction (UK). She grew up in North Carolina, studied economics at Kenyon College, and recently moved to Brooklyn after many years in Chicago. She has also written for WEBTOON and The Onion, America’s Finest News Source. Her novels for young readers are published under the pen name Riley Redgate.
After reading the first few chapters, I couldn’t put this down. There were so many things that worked for me including the stunning prose, dual POV, literary references and industry terms, and the enemies to lovers trope. I do not read a lot of romance so this was a nice change. Selena and Parker were so fully fleshed out, and I could sympathize with their reasons for hating one another in the beginning. Their back and forth commentary felt so tense but it also didn’t change how I felt about them. Both were likable in their unique ways. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed over the course of the book. The pace was definitely on the slow-burn side but it made the payoff that more special. I can’t wait to see what the author publishes next!
Synopsis:
Parker Navarro’s debut novel was meant to define his career – until critic Selina Chan’s blistering review made it the flop of the decade. Four years later, his new book is his shot at redemption; for Selina, reviewing him again is a professional risk she can’t refuse. When her second takedown ignites a viral feud, both their fortunes shift overnight. But as the literary world feeds on their public sparring, a quieter dialogue begins – one that challenges everything they thought they knew about success, sincerity, and each other.
Both incisive and tender, Bad Words lays bare the costs of creation – the pull between ambition and integrity, the vulnerability of being seen, and the unexpected closeness that can grow in the space between critique and care.
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