I enjoyed the celebrity romance plot but also felt like the characters could have been more fleshed out and that there was more obvious chemistry or a gradual build up of tension. One of the most famous movie stars on the planet seems to immediately fall in love with the journalist sent to write a Vogue cover story about him. So much so that he is willing to implicate himself in a murder. Khin, said journalist, is determined to have professional boundaries but also easily accepts invitations from Tyler that go beyond what is necessary for writing the story. I had some issues with the overall tone - the murder plot is quite dark so the lighter, romantic elements and joking banter didn’t always land. Still, I am glad I read this, for the novelty of the plot and setting alone, and think that readers who like insta-love, celebrity romance, romance/thriller hybrid plots will enjoy. 2.5 stars.

If you love a female lead, murder mystery, AND romance, this is the book for you. I loved the setting and reading about celebrity lifestyles and culture outside of the typical Hollywood scene. This novel was the perfect balance of thrill and romance. I adored both characters and enjoyed reading them get to know each other while also trying to solve the mystery. I am definitely recommending this to my other rom-com/mystery-loving friends.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

**SPOILERS BELOW**

I'm sad to say it, but this debut just didn't work for me. I had requested the ARC because I really enjoy reading romances with a side of adventure. In order to explain my issues with this book, I am going to have to get a bit spoilery. You have been warned.

This book follows Khin Hlaing, a journalist who has been tasked with interviewing Tyler Tun, an A-list actor. who has come to Myanmar to shoot his newest movie. Tyler is notoriously private, but he has allowed Khin to interview him for the entire duration of the month-long shoot. What makes this different from a standard romance is that Khin is harassed by a strange man on the film set, she defends herself, and he ends up dying, at which point, Tyler and Khin decide to cover up the crime.

Okay.

My biggest problem with this book was definitely the tone, which did not mesh AT ALL with the serious nature of the story. It had a very jokey and jaunty tone to it, and there were quite a few jokes made about the guy's murder that didn't land well in my opinion. For example, Tyler tells Khin something about his private life and Khin responds with something like, "well at least you didn't kill someone." The jokey vibe the book had did not fit with the seriousness of the situation the characters were in.

This book reminds me of those songs that have a fast, peppy and catchy beat, but if you listen to the lyrics, they're actually really depressing (such as "Last Kiss" (quite possibly the saddest song ever) by J Frank Wilson or "It Ain't Me" by Selena Gomez). I found all the jokes and the lighthearted tone very off-putting when Khin literally thinks she killed someone.

I also had trouble suspending my disbelief in regards to the romance. Tyler was pretty unrealistic and while the book does explain why he feels so close to Khin, he's still a celebrity and she's a journalist reporting on him. His offense at the end when he comes across her whiteboard with notes about the interview seemed ridiculous.

I really didn't like the ending at all. How convenient! OF COURSE the guy wasn't actually murdered; he had a heart attack! And he wasn't a good person anyway, so who cares that he was killed??? And the ex girlfriend took credit for the pen attack, so Khin was off the hook for that too! Ugh.

I was excited for this one; unfortunately, it didn't work for me.

Before I begin, I would like to thank Pyae Moe Thet War for allowing me to read her upcoming book, I Did Something Bad, which will be available on October 8th, 2024.

Freelance journalist Khin Haymar gets a job from Vogue to get exclusive information from Tyler Tun, one of the most popular Hollywood movie stars right now. If she succeeds in getting information while he is at Myanmar to film, then she could have a permanent job offer at Vogue Singapore. Tyler seems like he doesn’t want to open up to Khin until she is threatened by a man in the park and things happen so fast. Both Tyler and Khin decide to hide what happened that night and learn more about that man, and in the process, Tyler starts being more open. Now Khin has to decide whether covering up a murder and getting a job at Vogue Singapore is worth it, especially when those things could jeopardize something wonderful right in front of her.

This book was great. You have Khin, who is a very talented journalist that is trying to expand her horizons and take on a job for Vogue. You have Tyler, a sweet young man that is very protective of his humans and is a wonderful actor. May is iconic and so are Khin’s best friends. I loved Khin and Tyler’s banter, especially how they relied on each other during a very stressful situation. This story discusses the effects that racism, class structures (economic and political), and gender have on people’s success and ability to get the help that they need when issues arise. Reading this book was full of tension and suspense (I was so worried for the main characters), but it also talked about important topics, and featured great humor and vulnerability. Overall, if you like humor, suspense, complex characters, and romance with some spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: I Did Something Bad: A Novel - Kindle edition by War, Pyae Moe Thet. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Freelance journalist Khin is given an assignment to interview Tyler Thun-a big movie star who's moved back to Myanmar to shoot a movie. Tyler is the biggest star around and notoriously private. Khin will be shadowing Tyler for months while the movie is shooting. Khin's in a personal crisis-her marriage is over, she's living alone and not sure what she wants to do professionally. If she hands in a good article, she might have a job at Vogue Singapore.
Khin and Tyler have a good rapport which comes to a head quickly when Khin is attacked by a strange man. She and Tyler fight off the attacker who then dies. They decide to cover it up since they are both Asian and the attacker is white. This was probably the strangest turn that a romantic comedy-ish book ever took for me. There was a lot of lighthearted banter after this which felt a little off all things considered. That is my only knock on this story as otherwise, it was entertaining. I'd never read anything set in Myanmar before. I loved the main characters and also the secondary characters. Both Tyler and Khin had great close friends.
I was given an ARC of this story in return for my honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

I didn't know if the author would be able to pull this off, but it works, it flows, it's sweet and hot and full of friendship and people helping each other...

Khin is a freelance writer who gets a once in a lifetime opportunity to interview a very famous celebrity Tyler. This book has elements of comedy and suspense. It has some dark moments with some murder that didn't really fit the rom com vibe but the whole thing was enjoyable and worth the read.

This was my favorite book that I read over my vacation. I was expecting a little more action based on the description, but I was totally happy with where this one went, delving into the insecurities and growth of the main characters. Khin and Tyler are relatable (surprising, since Tyler is a movie star) and I also appreciated that the romance was low-spice since I like to read all kinds of romance but that heat level doesn't seem to get represented as often.

Yes, something bad was done…kept waiting for action, not so much… romance, not really. The book started well and then did not hold my interest. Ok read.

It’s the kind of story that makes you cancel all your plans, just so you can stay in and read one more chapter. The tale of Khin Hlaing, a journalist on the brink of a career breakthrough, and Tyler Tun, a movie star with walls around his heart, is as thrilling as it is heartwarming.

As someone who’s always been fascinated by the allure of Hollywood and the secrets it hides, this book felt like a backstage pass to the stars. The chemistry between Khin and Tyler is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy—a recipe for a romance that’s impossible to put down. Their journey from accidental accomplices to lovers had me rooting for them every step of the way.

Pyae Moe Thet War has crafted a narrative that’s not just about finding love, but about the choices we make and the secrets we keep. It’s a reminder that sometimes, doing something bad can lead to something wonderfully right. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of a love that’s as adventurous as it is genuine, “I Did Something Bad” is your next must-read. It’s a book that proves love can be found in the most unexpected—and sometimes scandalous—places.

I loved this one! I could not put it down, and stayed up until 3am reading it. The characters sort of became like my own friends. Love the authors voice and how she writes dialogue. Seems very realistic to today’s society. And of course the Taylor Swift references. My favorite genres are romance and thriller so combining the two was a home run. 5/5 ⭐️. Can’t wait to read more by this author! Thank you Netgalley, Pyae Moe Thet War, and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Personally, I liked but did not love it because it contains too many rom-com clichés that I have grown tired of as a veteran of the genre. But I can absolutely see how many others would like this book. I think it has wide appeal, and so will be recommending it to the library. I also liked the combination of romance and mystery and the modern feel of the story.

I love the glamorous murder mystery style plot. The characters needed a bit more idk fleshing out but I just loved this plot. I truly don’t have anything else to say I loved it the cover is amazing and the book title reminded me of Taylor swift which I loved as well

I loved this book! I read it in one day -- I couldn't put it down!

I Did Something Bad is a rom-com with a side of murder. It is funny, swoony, & emotional. It also deals with some hard topics (death, divorce, abortion) but it is mostly a fun and uplifting book.

This was my first book by Pyae Moe Thet War and it won't be my last!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, St. Martin's Press.

I love murder mystery romance. This was definitely a must read- i find myself wanting to read more each chapter.

I will say that while I liked the book, it was a little cheesy. I suppose like any rom com but it wasn't bad. I know it should be a given but I just had to say it cause you never know. The book and characters reminded me of a Hallmark movie which was cute

I loved this adventure and relationship between characters. the cover was really nice too and I want more

Romantic suspense, Myanmar setting, family drama, divorce, celebrity romance
Murder mystery/romantic comedy featuring Tyler (a movie star) and Khin, a freelance writer whose assignment is his biography. She joins him on the set of his movie filming in Yangon, Myanmar where a murder occurs.
The pacing was a bit off for me, I was interested at times and bored others. The mystery is what kept me going, not the romance. I picked this up because of the Myanmar setting which I hoped we saw more of in the book.

What a surprising read! The main characters are not what I usually look for in my books, but the writing captivated me and I ended up really loving these characters. I felt transported into Khin’s life. I could see her struggles, her stubbornness and I genuinely liked her character. Tyler was the definition of a golden boy. Not my usual type in a hero but I loved him even more for it. I enjoyed this unique storyline and I’m happy I gave this a try.

Had an absolute ball reading this book. I was pulled into an unfamiliar world full of suspense and romance.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.