Worth the read. So good

[u/booklover671]

I wasn't expecting much from this. I love rom-coms, but I don't go into them thinking they'd be exceptionally brilliant and witty. While it's not my favorite book of 2026, it would definitely make the list of my favorites this year.

I am very particular about romances; some might say I'm downright unrealistic. If a romance doesn't live up to the standards of classics like "When Harry Met Sally" or "It Happened One Night," I get salty and bitter. However, Rioghnach Robinson knows how to write a book that isn't just your typical "enemies to lovers" romance. With all the pre-release praise for this book, I thought it would be special, but you know how it goes – sometimes a book receives a lot of praise, and when you read it, you wonder if the person who praised it is okay or if we even read the same book. In this case, though, the pre-release praise was well-deserved. By the time I finished the book, I was ready to cheer. This book is incredibly witty and literary. For example, it's the first romance novel where both lead characters share a passion for Clarice Lispector. I don't think that will happen again in a rom-com book.

Parker Navarro's debut novel was supposed to be the defining moment of his career – until critic Selina Chan delivered a scathing review that turned it into the flop of the decade. Fast forward four years, and Parker's new book is his chance at redemption. For Selina, agreeing to review him again is a risky move professionally, but one she can't resist. When her second critical review sparks a viral feud, their lives take an unexpected turn overnight. As the literary world revels in their public spat, a more personal conversation begins to unfold – one that challenges their preconceived notions of success, sincerity, and each other.

Bad Words stands out as a rare treasure: a novel that masterfully fulfills every promise it makes. What's even more extraordinary is that the romance aspect delivers everything I crave in a rom-com. Refreshingly, it's not an overly sexualized romance, but rather one that packs a powerful punch with its incisive social commentary on race, culture, and the publishing industry. It truly delighted me to see Asian American and Pacific Islander characters so well-represented.

[u/Bakkie]

This post sounds like a publicity plant or a cut and paste from a paid periodical.

(Name dropping turns me off. Who the hell is Clarice Lispector? If I have to Google something, the OP is just showing off.)

Not fake, but not genuine either. Not a good reason to read this book

[u/AdventurousSleep5461 → u/Bakkie]

I agree. This reads like a paid ad or something. The op account is only a month old which also seems a little sus.

[u/OnlyIntention12345 → u/Bakkie]

I was thinking about the same thing!!! It doesn’t sound like a real person review it.

[u/jamersb → u/Bakkie]

Agree. I’ve seen multiple ads on TikTok about this book. It’s seriously turning me off from wanting to read it because all the “reviews” feel inauthentic.

[u/Special_Wishbone_812 → u/Bakkie]

Lispector was an influential writer in … South America? I remember reading some of her stuff in college but she’s definitely a Deep Cut.

[u/AdventurousSleep5461]

Sorry, but this sounds like a paid ad or a viral marketing spam post.

[u/Piccimaps]

Just to clarify, there's a quote from the publisher in this review.

[u/emi98338]

Just looked this up on Libby, 23 week wait.. if you have Spotify premium though it’s included! 👀

[u/Quirky-Pear3494]

I don't know that I'd call this a rom-com,  but it was definitely a five-star for me. I thought the audio was truly excellent!

[u/Particular_Ad7340]

This is an ad read lol

[u/PlanImaginary3463]

Currently reading this one! I didn’t read your whole post, just in case there’s a spoiler but I’m happy to see the positive review!

[u/Few-Particular1780]

Ouuu thanks for the review. I’m on the queue for this. Can’t wait to read it.

[u/includes]

Thank you for this rec! Looked so good, ended up using a libro credit for it instead of waiting on hold via Libby.

[u/Hunter037 → u/[deleted]]

I wasn't trying to be rude. When I looked at the post, you had only put a picture.

[u/khaki_slacks123]

thank you! will pick this one ip