“Bad Words ”by Ríoghnach Robinson Is GMA Book Club’s October 2026 Pick (Exclusive)

**Ríoghnach Robinson Makes Adult Fiction Debut With ‘Bad Words’**

Ríoghnach Robinson is stepping into the realm of adult fiction with her first novel, ‘Bad Words’, which has been selected as the next book club pick by Good Morning America for October 2026. This compelling tale revolves around the tumultuous relationship between a book critic and an author, capturing both the complexities of their rivalry and the unexpected romance that unfolds between them.

The narrative centres on Selina Chan, a well-known book critic, and Parker Navarro, a novelist facing the repercussions of a harsh review by Selina. Following the publication of her scathing critique of Parker’s debut novel, his career has been on a gradual decline, leading to an animosity that has lingered over the years. As Parker prepares to release his second book, he encounters Selina at a social gathering, where a heated argument erupts, igniting a public dispute that quickly gains traction online.

Robinson, who previously authored young adult novels under the pseudonym Riley Redgate, has described her transition to adult fiction as a unique challenge. She has embraced the complexities of writing about the New York literary scene, where the narrative plays out. In an exclusive video shared with PEOPLE, she expressed her pleasure in exploring “all of the different voices” present in the literary world, from book reviews to social media commentary.

In crafting the story’s core conflict, Robinson faced the intricate task of establishing a feud that appears reasonable from both viewpoints yet also irrational when seen from different angles. “Probably the most challenging thing was finding the right dynamics of a feud,” she noted, emphasising the need to infuse depth into the characters’ rivalry to add intrigue to the story.

The anticipated arrival of ‘Bad Words’ has begun to gather momentum, thanks in part to early endorsements from notable authors such as Emily Henry and Carley Fortune. Both have praised the novel, contributing to an eagerness among readers looking for their next compelling read. Robinson frames ‘Bad Words’ as an “unlikely love story,” inviting potential readers to join her on this unpredictable journey.

As the release date approaches, Robinson is optimistic about her debut novel’s reception. She shared her hopes that readers will find enjoyment and connection within the narrative, a testament to her dedication to creating relatable characters that resonate with the audience.

‘Bad Words’ is set to be available from St. Martin’s Press, ensuring that it reaches bookstores nationwide. This launch marks an important milestone in Robinson’s career and signals her transition into a new, more sophisticated audience.

For those keen on exploring the intersections of love, rivalry, and the literary world, ‘Bad Words’ promises to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking experience. It’s a story that not only navigates the challenges of critique and artistic expression but also examines the possibility of reconciliation and love where it is least expected.

As the excitement builds around its release, it is clear that Ríoghnach Robinson has created a narrative ripe for exploration—a tale that will undoubtedly spark conversations and connections among readers far and wide.