Bad Words: A Novel

Author: Rioghnach Robinson

Synopsis:
A sharp and deeply felt debut about art, ambition, and the connections that both inspire and undo us. Parker Navarro’s debut novel was meant to define his career - until critic Selina Chan’s blistering review made it the flop of the decade. Four years later, his new book is his shot at redemption; for Selina, reviewing him again is a professional risk she can’t refuse. As a viral feud drives their fortunes to unexpected heights, a quieter dialogue begins—challenging 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.

Praise:

“A genre-redefining romance that sets a thrilling new standard…” – Carley Fortune, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Our Perfect Storm
“Full of blistering barbs, incisive takedowns and searing gazes, Bad Words is smart and propulsive.” – Mary H.K. Choi, New York Times bestselling author of Pool House
“Full of wit, warmth, and deliciously sharp observations on books and the people who love them...” – Stacey Yu, author of Kitten

Reading Update: May

I read 15 Books in May:

1. Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtis
   • Fantastic coming of middle age story about Abe, who returns to the Rez to consult a healer about his debilitating autoimmune disease.
2. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
   • Entertaining but with a disappointing ending.
3. Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
   • A dark academia gothic, mostly about vibes rather than plot.
4. Lethal Kiss by Taylor Grothe
   • Sapphic horror romance.
5. Heartbeat Braves by Pamela Sanderson
   • Indigenous romance in a meaningful cultural setting.
6. Native Love Jams by Tashia Hart
   • Short and sweet Indigenous romance focused on food.
7. When Stars Have Teeth by Dani Trujilio
   • Steamy Indigenous romance with a character who unexpectedly finds love.
8. The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez
   • Atmospheric fantasy reimagining the golem story.
9. Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson
   • A romance entangled with creativity and the challenges of the literary world.
10. We Are All Guilty Here (North Falls #1) by Karin Slaughter
    • Thriller with twisty plot.
11. Girl, Forgotten (Andrea Oliver #2) by Karin Slaughter
    • A sequel where all friends are suspects in a prom night murder.
12. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
    • Second chance romance.
13. Meet Me At The Lake by Carley Fortune
    • Story about a couple that should have resonated more.
14. The Lemon Twist by Élan Les Vies
    • 80s mystery featuring an ice skater with memory loss.
15. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
    • Summer romance between best friend’s brother.

Overall Impression of Bad Words:
Bad Words combines romance and literary critique into an entertaining and emotional narrative, emphasizing the importance of authentic self-expression in the face of social media scrutiny and public opinion. The evolving relationship between Parker and Selina explores themes of achievability in aspirations and the desire to be truly seen.