4.5 stars

A rom-com with a murder-coverup? Go figure!

Khin is a journalist who has been given the biggest opportunity of her life! Two months covering Tyler Tun, the Myanmar native turned Hollywood superstar. He's come home to film a movie with his best friend, May Diamond. Get it right, and Khin's got a permanent gig with Vogue Singapore. Unfortunately, one night on set, a seemingly random stranger tries to assault Khin. In the ensuing struggle, which Tyler is a part of, the guy falls to his death. If Khin reports it, who's going to believe it was self-defense? Plus, it would shut down filming and cause all sorts of issues. So, she and Tyler decide to keep quiet. Somewhere along the way, they catch feelings. lol

I really liked the writer's style. There were good twists and turns. No real spice, but there was LOTS of tension. I'm ashamed to admit I had never even heard of Myanmar! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that through an American lens, I felt really uncomfortable with the coverup. Based on what I've since read about Myanmar, I can see that their government is not as transparent and that a woman killing a man, even by accident, would not be dealt with in the same way there as here.

I will definitely check out the author's catalog! Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC in return for an honest review.

I had trouble getting into this book. It really good premise and plot. Thank you net galley and St. Martin.

✅ Khin, journalist, doing a Vogue Singapore profile on Tyler Tun, Hollywood star
✅ Set in Yangon, Myanmar
✅ oops, accidental murder
✅ Khin and Tyler are trying to cover up the murder and also figure out if Khin was targeted, and why?
🌶️: no
So charming! If you like Katherine Center’s books you will like this too!

So good and entertaining. I was into this from the beginning. The writing was witty and fun. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a slow-burn masterpiece. With a hint of humor, this romantic thriller is a gut punch right in the feels.

Khin is a journalist who is tasked with interviewing and writing a cover story for Vogue about Tyler Tun, a Hollywood star. At first, this was her ticket to fame and fortune, and she would do anything to print his biggest secrets, but Tyler proved to be a difficult “job” in more ways than one. Khin quickly realizes that maybe her career isn’t as important as ruining Tyler’s career and demolishing his trust in her. Maybe other things are more important.

The banter between Khin and Tyler is laugh out loud funny. The writing dazzles and captures your heart. 5/5 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. This plot sounded really interesting to me, however I had a hard time getting into it. Other reads really enjoyed it though!

The electrifying mix of romance and suspense kept me hooked from the first page. Khin and Tyler’s journey is a perfect blend of heart-pounding excitement and deep emotional connection. As they navigate the perilous situation of covering up a murder, their chemistry and growing trust create a mesmerizing dynamic. The intricate plot, with its clever twists and moral dilemmas, adds layers of depth to their story. The way their relationship evolves amid the danger and secrecy is beautifully done, making every page a delight. I enjoyed reading and would definitely recommend it as well.

I had a hard time getting into this at the beginning, the whole murder plot point got a little ridiculously at some points.

Khin was a hard to like character, she’s trying to heal from a divorce that happen less than a year after they married, so she’s a bitter person.
I get that Khin was supposed to be a strong willed woman, but she could be really awful at some points. She was mean to Tyler in more than one occasion, while Tyler did nothing but support her and try to help her out with the whole murder situation. She was just an unlikable character which made reading a little difficult.
But you do see her go through a lot of growth through out the book and you find yourself rooting for her and Tyler.

I really liked their banter, Tyler is one of those characters that you can’t help but like, he’s a literal golden boy. His friendship with May was also really enjoyable.
All in all it was a good book, a little ridiculous at some points but sweet in others.


Thank to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book surprised me! I loved the development of the characters and their storyline. It was friends to lovers and forced proximity in the backdrop of the movie set and Vogue article. I loved all the pop culture pieces that were scattered throughout the plot and found myself wanting to be friends with Khin, the FMC. Despite her stubbornness, I was routing for her and Tyler to work things out and see the love they had for each other. This book blended romance and mystery so well making for a unique storyline that I will continue recommending.

I love a book that keeps me on my toes, and this book has everything! What I thought would be a run of the mill rom com turned out to be one of the best books I've read this year! There's mystery, murder, movie stars, strong female characters, and of course, romance. Content warning for attempted sexual assault. I can't recommend this one enough.

A very interesting premise, but unfortunately this was a bit bland in its execution. A boring insta-love story with surprisingly little tension given there's literally a murder! SUPER sudden tonal shifts made it difficult to take anything seriously. This very much read like a debut.

I also wasn't a fan of the way the murder plot wrapped up. It was very anticlimactic and felt too convenient. If it was going to be resolved so stupidly, then what was even the point? Also, I could not take the third act conflict seriously. She is a journalist, why is it such a big deal she was writing down notes about him?? I genuinely do not understand.

I read this book early through NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I really liked this book except for the murder portion. That seemed a little outrageous… If the author had left out that part, the book would have just been a really sweet romcom; she would still be writing the article, the whiteboard still would have happened, his sister’s story would still be apart of it, and it would have been a little more believable of a story.

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War is a fun read that kicks off as mystery but quickly dives into romance and relationships. Khin, the main character, is dealing with a broken heart from a failed marriage when she gets a chance to follow the dreamy movie star, Tyler Tun, on his new film set. She's all set to uncover his secret and hopefully land a full-time gig at Vogue.

But as Khin gets closer to Tyler and they end up hiding a secret together, things start to change. The mystery that brings them together is creative and sets the stage for their evolving relationship.

Khin's journey from skepticism to something more meaningful with Tyler is both entertaining and heartfelt. She's super relatable, and her growth throughout the story is pretty cool. Tyler, with all his layers, makes their interactions fun and touching.

This book is a quick read, perfect if you're looking for a mix of mystery and romance. It might not hit the mark if you're after a classic whodunit, but the relationship dynamics and character development make it totally worth it. The book hits on a few touchy topics as well to add to the depth of the story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book and think you will to.

This book is so much fun to read. It’s a debut novel that blends genres in a well-written, solid and engaging story. In short – it is a murder mystery rom-com with strong characters, entertaining scenes, witty dialog, and a culturally rich setting.

Khin is real and relatable – ambitious, stubborn, and an emotional mess. Tyler is sweet and loveable. Their interactions with each other – and with their friends and family (particularly Khin + her 2 besties) – are filled with humor and heart. There is great banter and chemistry. And their interactions are often challenged by trust issues and secrecy, which keeps their relationship from feeling a little too sweet and perfect. The plot is just the right amount of over-the-top balanced by reality and tension. And Yangon, Myanmar, with it’s rich cultural tapestry, provides a beautiful backdrop and adds much welcomed dimension to the story.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, for an advanced reader copy of this book [pub date is October 8, 2024]. It’s a quick read; a great choice if you love romance, are looking for a little escapist fun, or in need of a palate cleanser.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this preview of a dreamy rom com that I highly recommend. A new to me culture I found fascinating, a very dreamy love interest and an incredible female support system are just some of the highlights of this delightful story.
I do enjoy the celebrity falling for a normal person troupe and this is no exception. Coming out this fall, I highly suggest pre ordering this. Also, I did something bad is one of my favorite songs and I think it’s related to the title.

I loved the SVU references, the fast pace, and the banter in this one! I liked that there was a slow burn that wasn't painful, because there was another plot element keeping it moving the whole time. Overall it was a really fun read!

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC. These are my honest thoughts.

A truly FUN novel. When Khin is in the throes of healing from her failed marriage, the last thing she's expecting is getting the biggest offer of her career as a journalist: an opportunity to write a cover piece on the most successful movie star, Tyler Tun. The most nerve-wracking part? A full-time job offer at Vogue Singapore is on the line if she fails to impress. Tyler Tun is an incredibly private person, and Khin's job is to uncover the secret he's so obviously harboring. While Khin has her doubts, she's willing to try. After all, what more could a thirty-something divorcee want than a fresh start in a new country? However, on Khin's first day on the job, she and Tyler find themselves in a situation (read: accidental murder on set) where all they can do is give each other full trust. There's no way either of them could get caught up in an accidental murder without ruining their lives, so they must both promise each other complete confidence that they won't confess.

"I Did Something Bad" is an incredibly hilarious venture into what it means to trust and love someone fully. It had me full-on belly laughing and was equally as heartfelt and emotional as it was funny. Pyae Moe Thet War has given us one of the best debuts I have read in a long time, and I will be thinking about this for weeks. I mean, a journalist and a movie star accidentally murdering a man and covering it up together, only to begin to catch feelings for one another? I genuinely can't think of anything better.

This was such a fun read! A little murder, action, SVU references, movie stars, journalists and fun banter. Tyler and Khin both prove themselves to be wonderful friends with others and to eachother and I love the whole kind of slow burn we got while we waited to see what would go down. The author made it so easy to picture the setting with her imagery which I always truly appreciate so I can really escape into a book!

A captivating novel, "I Did Something Bad" by Pyae Moe Thet War treats readers to a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and cultural immersion. Whatever genre you're a fan of, this novel is a must-read that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Set against the backdrop of Myanmar, this smart and swoony adventure rom-com introduces us to two unlikely allies: Khin Hlaing, a determined journalist, and Tyler Tun, Hollywood's hottest movie star.

When Khin is assigned to get an explosive scoop on Tyler, she sees it as her ticket out of the city that has felt too small since her recent divorce. But Tyler guards his private life fiercely, and their initial interactions are anything but smooth. Yet fate intervenes when a strange man threatens Khin, and Tyler steps in to protect her. As they work together to hide their secret and unravel the mystery, their chemistry grows, and Tyler's walls begin to crumble.

The heart of the story lies not only in the will-they-won't-they tension between Khin and Tyler, but also in the ride-or-die friendships they share with others. Khin's bond with her two best friends and Tyler's connection with his costar add both depth and warmth to the narrative.

Pyae Moe Thet War’s prose is both evocative and accessible. She weaves vivid descriptions of landscapes, culture, and people, immersing readers in the setting. Her dialogue is natural and engaging, capturing the nuances of relationships and emotions. Additionally, she balances suspense with moments of humour and tenderness, creating a well-rounded reading experience.

Myanmar, with its rich cultural tapestry and hidden corners, becomes a character in itself. The bustling streets of Yangon, the serene temples of Bagan, and the lush landscapes along the Irrawaddy River provide an atmospheric backdrop for the intrigue. As Khin Hlaing delves deeper into the murder investigation, the juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern celebrity culture adds layers of complexity, making the mystery even more compelling.

Pyae Moe Thet War masterfully combines high-stakes drama with banter, chemistry, and social commentary. Readers will find themselves immersed in Myanmar's celebrity, family, and food culture, making “I Did Something Bad” a truly unique and enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.