Bad Words

'Bad Words is truly a masterpiece of a novel … [a] thought-provoking, vulnerable and incredibly entertaining love story’ Stylist This rivalry is setting the literary world on fire – but who will survive the flames?

When Selina Chan, New York’s fiercest literary critic, slams Parker Navarro’s latest novel, he is pushed to breaking point.

Once was painful enough. But this time, it’s personal.

What begins as a private feud quickly erupts into a viral online spectacle, captivating an audience of book lovers who are eager to fan the flames.

But away from the spotlight, each unexpected encounter has them second-guessing everything they thought they knew about each other.

And, in the end, it’s the words left unsaid that could change everything…

*** Everyone is talking about Bad Words ***

‘A once-in-a-lifetime read’ Emily Henry

'One of the best love stories I have ever read' Beth O'Leary

'Full of wit, warmth, and deliciously sharp observations' Stacey Yu

'Easily one of my favourites of the year. If not the decade' Carley Fortune

'Smart, deep, and heartfelt' Gillian McAllister

'Full of blistering barbs, incisive takedowns and searing gazes' Mary H.K. Choi

© 2026 HarperCollins (Audiobook): 9780008801786

Release date

Audiobook: 8 October 2026