I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about a romcom with murder tbh. The premise felt a little silly to me, but this book actually worked really well and I tore through it way faster than I've typically been reading lately!

I should've known I'd like this book because I love rom-coms about celebrities. They're so much fun and you can get away with a lot that wouldn't be believable otherwise. So this book is about a journalist who gets assigned to do a profile on a huge actor and shadow him for two months but the two of them get wrapped up in a murder. There are some dark themes in this book, especially around themes of feeling unsafe as a woman, as well as access to abortion. This book takes place in Myanmar where abortion is illegal and the main character wrote an article about underground abortions so that's talked about quite a bit.

The only thing that kinda annoyed me with this book was that the conflict near the end didn't really make sense. Like he knew the whole time she was a journalist writing a story about him, that's literally why they met, but then all of a sudden he was angry and betrayed because she wrote notes on a whiteboard? I don't get it. But other than that I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!

The tension in the novel is palpable as Khin and Tyler navigate the dangerous situation they find themselves in. The dynamic between Khin and Tyler evolves naturally, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship. Khin's internal conflict between professional ambition and personal ethics is portrayed with nuance, making her a compelling and multi-dimensional character. Overall, this novel is a captivating read that combines elements of mystery, romance, and drama. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging. Loved the vivid setting of Myanmar
as well. It was a solid read - rating a 3 because it was pretty predictable but overall a fun one!

This is a great romantic comedy. It would make a heartwarming movie. The exotic setting makes a great backdrop for the events that unfold. Khin is a reporter who is at a crossroads in her life. Tyler is a famous actor who is looking to make changes in his life. The story looks at cultural perceptions in Hollywood and how natives can be minimized even in their home country. It is a sweet love story between an unlikely couple that share a secret. Readers will be glued to the pages as they watch their story unfold.

I received a free ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!)

This is the story of Khin, an already accomplished journalist who is selected for an exclusive profile of a very popular actor, Tyler. Khin will have access to Tyler for 2 months while filming in his home of Myanmar and is expected to uncover a scoop for her editor - with the promise of front page and a regular position with Vogue Singapore versus the freelance work she’s been doing. Khin is great at her job, so she knows she’s going to crush this opportunity! Except….

Pretty much anything that could go wrong does! Khin accidentally murders a stalker when her safety is in danger and the investigation takes over filming and Khin’s interview time with Tyler. And then… with all the extra time together trying to get away with the accidental murder: feelings between Khin & Tyler start to go. Tyler is protective of Khin. But surely a journalist can separate business and personal relationships and stick to the code of ethics, right? And gosh Tyler is just so hot and such a quality human being. How is Khin going to get the scoop of a lifetime without hurting Tyler or his career?

I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars! I really enjoyed the story - and it was truly unlike any romance book I’ve read before. The mystery and running from the law was thrilling and a unique take on a romcom, but almost felt like it didn’t make sense with the romance part of the plot. The characters were very lovable and almost too good to be true, but in an “I’m rooting for them!” way. I was a journalism concentration in college so this book was right up my alley! The barriers of the murder investigation and the interviewer/interviewee dynamic made for chaos in the storyline that was interesting to work through.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to friends!

Khin has not been living her best life lately. She is recently divorced after less than a year of marriage. When she is offered the job of doing a cover story for Tyler Tun, an actor who will be in his hometown of Myanmar shooting part of his next movie, she is ready to turn her life around. They will spend two months together and there's a job at Vogue in Singapore being dangled in front of her if she can get the scoop on Tyler. Tyler is known for keeping his private life private and it's odd that he's even agreed to this in depth cover story. He's definitely hiding something and Khin is ready to figure it out. Their first night on set, Khin goes for a walk during a shooting break and is followed by a white man. When he becomes violent, Tyler steps in to help her. With the man dead, Khin knows they can't go to the police - even with it being self-defense, there's no proof. During police questioning, she finds out that the man had been following her and taking photos so she and Tyler make an effort to find out more about him while trying to keep the police in the dark. As they get to know each other better, Tyler starts being more honest about what's going on with him as they are obviously falling for each other.

First, let me say that I was SHOCKED when I read the acknowledgements and discovered this is the author's debut novel. It is so well written and interesting that I would recommend clearing your calendar before starting it so you can just devour it with no interruptions. As it was, I sacrificed sleep but it was worth it. This book gave me all the feels. The author's masterful blend of mystery, comedy, and romance was perfection. The characters were incredibly well written. Not only did you have the romance brewing between Khin and Tyler, they each had their best friends in the story and they were keeping some pretty big secrets from them. I am really looking forward to what this author has in store for us next (did I immediately sign up for her mailing list - of course)!

From the start I just had a hard time connecting to the characters which is my top criteria for liking books. I really wanted to like the story more, but I just didn't. I had such high hopes due to the synopsis but unfortunately I just couldn't get into it.

My first mistake was not realizing that this book was a romance - because that part threw me when I picked it up wanting a fast-paced thriller. Once I got past that though, I never really got invested in these characters. Right away I had an impression of Khin as a hard working, rule following and determined writer who is in a quite tumultuous point in her life. However, the first thing she does was something that felt so against this character that was described. And really, I couldn’t get past that. Add in my least favorite trope of insta love and I’m out. Tyler as the love interest was also contradictory in how private he was yet so willing to open up to Khin, the JOURNALIST, and the 3rd act drama was just ridiculous. Sorry to say this one did not work for me, though I have seen others that enjoyed- so if you are looking for a romance with a side of mystery, then you may want to pick this one up.

2.75 ⭐️

Hmm, I’ve got some mixed feelings on this one. The blurb about the book drew me in and made me WANT to read this but…. it just wasn’t it for me. I didn’t connect with Khin or Tyler and the story moved too fast or too slow. Also I just feel like the miscommunication trope was too strong and it left me frustrated when reading.

Thanks NetGalley and SMP for an ARC!

Full Disclosure: I received a copy of I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.

Those who know me know I don't read much in the romance genre. Nothing against romance (I used to read it voraciously). I'm just in a different Era of my life now, and it hits different now. But, I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War grabbed my attention for two reasons: 1) The book title is also a Taylor Swift song, and 2) it was billed as a mystery thriller with romance. I was ...ready for it! The title could have been a coincidence. After reading the book, I don't think it was. I have reasons. It definitely was a mystery thriller with romance. That's the kind of romance I can read. I also seem to have a thing for books about a journalist writing a piece on a celebrity, so there's that. I almost forgot I was reading a romance, and that is some of the highest praise I can give.

Now here is the other reason you should read this book. It takes place in Myanmar! Pyae Moe Thet War is from Myanmar. This is not someone pretending they know what Myanmar is like. For me, it was fun to be taken somewhere new and given insight into a different culture.

This book is so much fun!! And so, so good!! The plot was original and different. I enjoyed the premise, the surprises, the characters and their relationships too! I can’t wait to read Pyae’s next book “Here for a Good Time” out in August 2025!

Khin is a freelance journalist whose next big assignment is following movie star Tyler Tun. When a man unexpectedly attacks Khin, Tyler is there to save the day. Now they must trust each other, or use their new found friendship to further themselves .

I found I Did Something Bad an absolutely hilarious and adorable rom-com. I love a little dark humor, and this delivered on that. Was it far fetched? Absolutely! But I think that is part of the charm. This isn’t a super spicy book if you are looking for that, but the tension between Khin and Tyler was perfection. I loved their friendship and their growth throughout. Khin learning to trust again was so relatable. I definitely recommend this one and it’s out October 8th, 2024

Thank you @netgalley and St Martins Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this story, what follows is wholly my objective opinion. Our main couple is Khin, a freelance journalist who has a chance to work for Vogue Singapore provided she gets an insider story on Tyler, a movie star. The story follows what happens after Khin and Tyler accidentally contribute to an on-set killing, and as they grow closer together and learn to trust one another. Going in we know already there's a major incident, thankfully it happens early in the story but there's still quite a bit of tension before and after it happens. There are multiple layers of tension in this story: the self-defense death (and how they deal with its aftermath) is the main one, but also the pressure on Khin to write Tyler's story and secure a stellar job, the mystery of what the enigmatic Tyler might be hiding, as well as the romantic tension that develops between Khin and Tyler. Also there's considerable political and cultural tension from a past story Khin wrote, which we see impact many facets of her life as the book unfolds. It's all well-written and it's easy to become invested in all the story lines, but this is not the kind of story that you can relax into. Single POV from Khin's perspective, I typically would have preferred to also have Tyler's POV but it works here just to have Khin's as it helps us follow the gradual building of trust in Tyler (and helps the reader to identify with her as we also wonder just how much we should trust him). I definitely enjoyed their developing relationship, both as friends and as romantic partners.

This story is described as a rom-com, both in the book description and by the author in her acknowledgements. I respectfully disagree, with no offense meant to the author who certainly knows what she wrote. It's possible that I don't have a strong understanding of what a rom-com is, but I always picture a rom-com as a lighter and fun story that's written with a lot of literal laugh-out-loud moments with the romance as the primary focus of the book. This was not that. While there's certainly romance and some humor in this well-written story, the main focus is more on the murder that happens early on and its fallout rather than the romance. And this is not a humorous story overall, as it touches on deeper subjects of assault and racism. I feel that calling it a rom-com does a disservice to the deeper themes present in this book, and sets the reader up with false expectations. This is a well-written book by a new-to-me author that I enjoyed, and I would read her again, but do not expect a humorous caper when you pick up this book. Publishes October 8, 2024.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored this! From the incredible characters, to the plot, to falling in love with everything so quickly- I couldn’t put this down. I highly recommend this! It really just sucks you in and makes you never want to leave. In my opinion, those are the best books and I couldn't get enough.

While the premise seemed promising, the actual execution left much to be desired. The characters felt a little two-dimensional and underdeveloped, leaving their relationship underdeveloped as well (which, for a slow burn, is especially exhausting). The story relies too much on miscommunication. Ideal for fans of the Finlay Donovan series.

Suspense Thriller
Slow Burn Romance
Journalist/Movie Star
Miscommunication
Debut

It was okay. I did not like the dialogue between characters and everything felt choppy. I was intrigued at the beginning but lost interest as the book went on.

Khin Haymar had been commissioned by Vogue Singapore to write an exclusive on international movie star, and fellow Myanmar, Tyler Tun. She gets two months to shadow him while he films on location in Yangon. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime that could lead to a permanent position with the prestigious publication!

Khin juggles post-divorce self-doubt, professional pressure, and celebrity jitters as she navigates her new assignment. Surprisingly, Tyler is incredibly down to earth and easy to get along with. Things seem to be going quite well until they hit a bump in the road. One night, during a break in filming, Khin is attacked by a stranger and she and Tyler end up doing “something bad.” But it was all in self-defense!! Deciding to keep the night’s event a secret leads to a whole bookload of drama and suspense. It also leads to a love story, but arguably Khin and Tyler were headed there anyway.

It took me longer than usual to finish this book. I found it slow in the first half and wasn’t connecting with the characters due to some differences in personality and reasoning. Yet some of those points were key to the plot of the book. It’s ironic that while it took me awhile to empathize with Khin’s insistence on secrecy, I was frustrated that her ultimate decision to sacrifice her future to protect Tyler and his best friend May was never openly addressed. Her dilemma was resolved with what seemed like a miracle, but then relief evaporated into sadness. It was discordant that after being profoundly certain that Khin was worthy of his trust regarding the “something bad”, Tyler turned on her for being the journalist she expected herself to be 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, while overlooking the fact that she had just made a grand gesture that should have cancelled out any prior selfish intentions.

Nevertheless, this is a story that highlights the preciousness of friendships and the value of learning what you truly want in this life. It definitely has its fun and clever moments. I’m grateful to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this via the NetGalley community.

Myanmar journalist Kinh is given an assignment that could catapult her into a senior position at Vogue Singapore. She doesn't usually do celeb profiles, but the subject is the hottest actor going now—Myanmar native Tyler Tun. Kinh has two months to shadow him and get some kind of scoop that will set this cover story on fire. Before she can start digging, she's involved in something she can't control alone. Can she trust Tyler with this huge secret?

I liked this novel—it was entertaining, the characters were likable but fallible, and the dialogue was witty and moving. However, the reader will have to suspend some belief to really enjoy this one. There are some interactions that would be unlikely to play out in real life, but they're needed to keep the plot moving. That being said, this was a twisty, entertaining story that offers some forbidden romance vibes.

I Did Something Bad is a gripping and intense thriller that delves into the darker side of fame, morality, and the true cost of ambition.
The story follows Khin Hlaing, a determined freelance journalist, as she's assigned to get a scoop on Hollywood's hottest movie star, Tyler Tun, who's filming in Myanmar. Khin's drive for success is intense, and her desire to escape her past and secure a permanent position at Vogue Singapore is relatable. However, her life drastically turns when she's attacked on set, and Tyler steps in to save her.
As Khin and Tyler work together to uncover the truth behind the attack, they grow closer, and the lines between their professional and personal relationships become blurred. Tension builds as they navigate the complex web of secrets, lies, and murder. The author masterfully crafts a sense of unease, keeping the reader on edge and wondering what will happen next.
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Khin's determination and vulnerability making her a compelling protagonist. Tyler's enigmatic nature and gradual opening up to Khin add depth to the story.
The writing is engaging, with a fast-paced narrative that propels the reader through the twists and turns. The author's use of language is evocative, painting a vivid picture of the settings and characters.

1.5 stars rounded up

Well, I finally finished it. I’m waffling between one and two stars because some of it I liked, but not very much of it, and the things I did like almost always had a caveat to it. Frankly, much of the book felt very…strange, I guess. As it started out, it was okay. The character development was okay, though flat at times. It felt more like telling instead of showing, which never makes the characters feel real to me. Because of that, I didn’t care about the characters overly much, making this more of a chore to get through than an enjoyable read.

The marketing of this book made this out to be sort of a romantic comedy mystery vibe. The concept of the main character covering up a murder with her romantic love interest is something I had not seen before, and I was interested to see it play out. However, the combination of romance, comedy, and mystery felt out of balance and frequently landed distastefully.

The romance aspect was sweet, but I found it to be as poorly developed as the character development. It’s a lot of shy glances and double meetings that ask the question does he/doesn’t he like me? That's all well and good, but it was once again developed insufficiently. I also found the way the romantic conflict was resolved to be very immature (her article and also I think the gentleman doth protest too much) and underwhelming.

There were two redeeming qualities I found about this book. The first was how the author showed the inherent bias and systemic racism by sharing a little about Asian actors in the age of representation and in the justice system as we see through Khin’s experience. The second was the friendship between Khin and her two girlfriends. Once again, however, I would’ve liked to have seen more development with their friendship for it to really hit home that theme.

Ultimately, this one missed the mark for me.

This was fun mix between romance and mystery genres and is quite enjoyable. I'd suggest it mainly to romance lovers though, as I personally felt it focuses on it a bit more. The characters share incredible chemistry and their dynamic was a joy to read. It was mostly fast-paced and very quick read. Devoured it within two sittings. (Rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars).