Bad Words Book Bash with Ríoghnach Robinson

A sharp and deeply felt debut about art, ambition, and the connections that both inspire and undo us.
About this Event

Join Ríoghnach Robinson to celebrate in a conversation exploring the intersection of criticism, creativity, and connection.

Bad Words follows critic Selina Chan, whose blistering review turned Parker Navarro's debut novel into the flop of the decade. Four years later, his new book offers a chance at redemption, but her second takedown sparks a viral literary feud. As the publishing world feasts on their public rivalry, a quieter dialogue begins—one that challenges their ideas about success, sincerity, and each other. Incisive and tender, Bad Words lays bare the costs of creation, the tension between ambition and integrity, the vulnerability of being seen, and the unexpected closeness between critique and care.

In conversation with local Bookstagrammer Jess Lee, Ríoghnach will discuss writing romance born from rivalry, the culture of publishing and literary criticism, and the ways public narratives can shape private relationships.

Following the author talk, stick around for a meet and greet with the author. Ríoghnach will sign and personalize Bad Words as well as up to two titles brought from home.

EVENT DETAILS

• 6:30 PM: Doors Open – Settle in to your seat and work on a Bad Words themed activity sheet while you wait for the discussion to begin!
• 7:00 PM: Discussion Begins – Ríoghnach and Jess will dive into Bad Words.
• 7:45 PM: Q&A Session – Your chance to ask the author anything!
• 8:00 PM: Signatures, Snapping Pics, and Salutations – Meet the author, get your book signed, snap a photo, and feel free to shop the store for your next favorite read!
• 8:30 PM: Head to the register to make any final purchases.
• 9:00 PM: Event Wraps Up – Thanks for joining us!

Tickets are limited, so grab yours soon! If the event sells out, you can join the Eventbrite waitlist by selecting “Reserve a spot” followed by “Join Waitlist”. Should any spots open up, you’ll have 24 hours to register before we offer it to the next person.

ACCESSIBILITY

Check-in will take place at our front entrance on Brattle Street. If you have any accessibility needs, you're welcome to use our side entrance (located on the right side of the building), which is wheelchair accessible and has a ramp.

Guests who would benefit from priority seating or any additional assistance are encouraged to reach out in advance — just email us at [email protected]. We're more than happy to make arrangements to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.

We’re always learning and looking for ways to make our events more accessible. If you have suggestions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you!

BOOK PICKUP POLICY

If you purchased a book with your event ticket but can’t make it to the event—and don’t request a refund—we’ll happily hold your book for pickup for up to 30 days after the event date.

We’ll be in touch via the email you provided at checkout to help coordinate pickup. After 30 days, if we haven’t heard from you or made other arrangements, we’ll consider the book abandoned property and may donate it or return it to inventory so it can find a new home.

Thanks so much for your understanding and for supporting our events—we love doing this with you!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RÍOGHNACH (pronounced ree-uh-nock) 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 finalist Come Home to My Heart, are published under the pen name Riley Redgate. She has also written for WEBTOON and The Onion, America's Finest News Source. You can find her on Instagram at @rioghnachrobinson.

ABOUT BAD WORDS

The rare kind of book I can’t believe doesn’t already exist . . . [a] clear, clever voice and incisive social commentary elevate the book’s irresistible will-they-won’t-they romance to a once-in-a-lifetime read about truth, art, vulnerability, and all the sticky places they intersect. BAD WORDS LEFT ME BUZZING.” - EMILY HENRY, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Great Big Beautiful Life

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. 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.

When words can make or break us, how do you stay true to what matters most?

"A genre-redefining romance that sets a thrilling new standard… Easily one of my favourites of the year, if not the decade." - 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... I didn’t want it to end." - Stacey Yu, author of Kitten

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Jess Lee (she/her) has been reading since she was 5 and stealing romances from her mom since she was a teen. She brings her passion of reading to her social media platforms as , with a goal to celebrate, amplify, and hype marginalized authors and stories. Jess reads across genres but prioritizes romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. As a musical theatre kid at heart, Jess brings high energy, dedication, and passion to create engaging and high-quality content and moderation. When not reading, Jess is hiking, playing with her kids, near water, or talking soothingly to her tomato plants like any self-respecting millennial. 

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PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Your presence at the Lovestruck Books & Cafe event acknowledges that you have been informed of the potential to be documented as part of a video or photo release, and that you grant permission for your likeness to be included in publication of any footage.