This book was such a cute read! I loved the characters, the plot and the overall vibes of the book. I loved that this was a location/country that I had not previously done much reading on - the small bits of history woven throughout was so interesting to me! This book did have a HEA, and to me, that makes it all worth it! Thanks to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for this ARC!

I didn’t love this and DNF’d at 54%. I found the chapters way too long, didn’t like the characters, and found myself not paying attention and not even wanting to pick it up to continue reading.

Who knew that the way to love was covering up a murder. A journalist has to write an article about a movie star... only they both end up working together to cover up a murder and now they are falling in love as well. Khin Haymar is a freelance journalist who has the opportunity to get a job at Vogue... but if she wants her story in there she'll have to get the scoop on Tyler Tun, Hollywood's hottest movie star. Tyler has returned home to shoot his newest project and Khin is determined to get the job. Yet when a man follows Khin off set and threatens her.... and Tyler steps in... things escalate and now Khin and Tyler have a dead body on their hands. They agree to keep it a secret and get the article done, but with a secret to share and more time bonding... romance begins to bloom. But can they get away with murder and can two people from completely different worlds be together? This was definitely an interesting romance premise and while it didn't really work for me I think its a fun enough book for others to give it a try. The story revolving around a murder cover up as well as a journalist x celebrity was a fun trope. The romance just didn't really fell all that there for me and I just didn't really care for Khin all that much. The couple didn't really feel like they have chemistry for me and I just felt myself not connecting all that much to the story the closer and closer I got to the end. While this one missed the mark for me I do think fans of a celebrity x non celebrity romance or a murder mystery romance, I do think you should give it a try!

Release Date: October 8,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed both the book and the audiobook. I thought this was a fun mystery romance novel. I would read more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

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Khin Haymar is a freelance writer with a stellar career and a wreck of a private life. So when she gets an offer to shadow and interview Tyler Tun, one of the world's biggest stars, for the possibility of a job at Vogue in another country, she jumps at the chance. Not only is Tyler a lot sweeter and nicer than such a big Hollywood star has the right to be, but tragedy hits on their first day on set and things are suddenly hot in more ways than one.

It's a delightful read that touches on some very good points about being a woman with a career and the choices that forces. Tyler truly is way too good to be believable. Still, the non-Hollywood setting, despite them shooting a movie, makes the suspension of disbelief on him and the other superstar character just going around the town a little easier to pull off. The event that pushes Khin and Tyler into working together is a good little mystery that adds extra tension and dimension to a story that would have otherwise been too similar to many others.

My one complaint is that the love story feels rushed because time passes super quickly and it's only recognized by a random mention of days having gone by between one scene and the other. It makes sense for Tyler and Khin to grow fond of each other after spending time together, but it also feels like they don't spend time together because you're not there to experience it fully.

In the end, it's a story about expectations, escape, and facing reality even when you're afraid of what that means.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the fun read!

Pyae Moe Thet War’s I Did Something Bad is a captivating rom-com that delivers both heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance. Set against the lush backdrop of Myanmar, the novel brings together Khin Hlaing, a determined freelance journalist, and Tyler Tun, a reclusive Hollywood star, in a thrilling tale of secrets, danger, and unexpected love.

Khin’s character is instantly relatable. Recently divorced and yearning for a fresh start, she’s desperate to land a permanent job at Vogue Singapore. The opportunity to interview Tyler, Myanmar’s hottest export to Hollywood, seems like the perfect ticket. Khin’s mix of vulnerability, ambition, and wit make her a strong and engaging protagonist. Tyler, on the other hand, is the quintessential brooding celebrity, protective of his private life but irresistibly charming once his walls begin to come down.

The plot takes a sharp turn when an unexpected altercation with a mysterious man thrusts Khin and Tyler into a life-or-death cover-up. The murder is the thrilling centerpiece of the story, creating an intense, page-turning mystery that keeps the stakes high throughout. As the two work together to hide their involvement, their chemistry grows, making for a delightful slow-burn romance. The mix of suspense and romantic tension is perfectly balanced, keeping readers invested in both the mystery and the burgeoning relationship.

What sets this book apart from a typical rom-com is its clever exploration of morality. Khin’s internal struggle as she juggles her career ambitions, Tyler’s trust, and the guilt over their shared secret adds depth to the story. Her dilemma—whether to pursue the scoop of her career or protect the man she’s falling for—feels authentic and drives much of the novel’s emotional weight.

While the murder plot is thrilling, there are moments when the pace slows, particularly in the middle, as Khin and Tyler circle around their feelings and the investigation. Some of the twists are predictable, but the strong character development and the witty banter between Khin and Tyler more than make up for it. The vivid setting of Myanmar adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the story feel fresh and unique.

Overall, I Did Something Bad is an entertaining and smart adventure romance that blends humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Pyae Moe Thet War has crafted a compelling story that’s perfect for fans of rom-coms with a twist. It’s a fun, swoony ride that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.

I Did Something Bad was such a fantastic read! The chemistry between Khin and Tyler is electric. Tyler works hard to keep his private life just that—private—so the back-and-forth between him and Khin, as she tries to learn his secrets, creates amazing tension! Tyler is such a great guy and a walking green flag. In a world full of books with 'morally grey' men (which I love to read, don’t get me wrong), Tyler is a breath of fresh air.

I love Khin so much. She’s trying to 'win' a divorce, show no weakness, and land a huge job. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders, and she won’t let anyone help her. Khin is such a realistic and relatable character. I loved the discussion surrounding Khin’s viral article and that we got to see the positive impact it had on so many.

Pyae Moe Thet War is an auto-buy author for me after this book. I highly encourage everyone to check it out!

The description of this one hooked me and it didn't disappoint. It's a thriller with a romantic aspect thrown in as well. The main characters were great as were their friends. Overall a good read!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

I had such high hopes for this book based on the description but it just fell flat. The chemistry between the two main characters was just ok and nothing that kept me wanting to read. The “crime” itself wasn’t that well done and I just wanted the book to be done. Thank you to the publishers and to Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

This was a good read, and it kept me well entertained. I found the storyline intriguing and I liked the characters. Their banter was extremely sharp and clever.

I unfortunately DNF'd this around 45%. I could not for the life of me get past the nonchalance of the murder. The tone was so off and came across like, "Hehe oops I murdered someone! Worst day of my life!" Then next day Khin casually just starts falling for/lusting for Tyler?

Nothing brings you closer like the cover up of a murder, I guess? Too far fetched for me.

Title:  I Did Something Bad  
Author:   Pyae Moe Thet War      
Genre:  Romance       
Rating: 4 out of 5

When freelance journalist Khin Hlaing is assigned by Vogue to get a scoop on Tyler Tun, Hollywood’s hottest movie star who has returned home to Myanmar to shoot a film, she's determined to succeed. If Khin’s able to get an explosive exclusive, there may well be a permanent position waiting for her at Vogue Singapore, and a ticket out of the city that's felt too small since her recent divorce.

Tyler has done his very best to keep his private life private, and he doesn’t show any sign of letting down his walls for Khin. But then one night on set, a strange man follows Khin into the surrounding park grounds. When he threatens her, Tyler steps in and things escalate fast. Khin knows they can’t go to the police, even if it was self defense. And when she learns that this man seems to have targeted her specifically, she needs to do everything she can to find out why.

As Khin and Tyler work together to hide their secret and find out more about her attacker, they grow closer and Tyler finally starts opening up. The job at Vogue suddenly looks more promising, but Khin can’t help feel a twang of uncomfortable morality-related guilt. Before long, everything hangs in the balance. Will they get away with murder? Can Khin get the exposé she needs for her dream job? And is she willing to risk Tyler’s trust in the process?

This book was a lot of fun! The chemistry between Khin and Tyler was great, and I enjoyed all of their interactions and growing friendship and relationship. The friendship between Khin and her two best friends was wonderful to read, and this was just a fun read.

Pyae Moe Thet War lives in Myanmar. I Did Something Bad is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

I enjoyed this story. The main character is a journalist who is covering a celebrity in hopes her article will
Land her a coveted job. There are sparks between Kinh and Tyler immediately. An intense situation brings them even closer. The interactions between these two characters were interesting and well written. This is more romantic suspense than rom-com, but maybe something in-between..

I’m not much of a murder mystery person but I was immediately sucked in. As soon as Khin was talking about Tyler, I was interested. When Khin met Tyler I was a goner completely invested in the unfolding of their relationship and the suspense of the murder made it even better.

This book had everything from murder, to suspense, to swoonworthy moments, to laugh out loud funny moments, and true heartbreak (I heard it breaking), but thankfully it was put back together before the end!

I Did Something Bad is a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and cultural immersion. The novel follows Khin Hlaing, a freelance journalist in Yangon, Myanmar, who gets tangled up in a murder cover-up with Hollywood heartthrob Tyler Tun.

The chemistry between Khin and Tyler is undeniable, and their banter is witty and charming. The author's portrayal of Myanmar's culture and customs adds depth and authenticity to the story.

While the plot may seem a bit far-fetched at times, it's ultimately a fun and enjoyable ride.

Fans of rom-coms with a touch of mystery will appreciate I Did Something Bad. It's a lighthearted and entertaining read that will leave you wanting more.

Thank you so much to the publisher for my ARC!

When Khin is asked by Vogue to write a cover story of a huge movie star, with the potential to turn her freelance career into a stable job, of course she agrees. She must spend the next several weeks with Tyler to try to get the inside scoop about the future of his career. However, one night on set of his latest film, a strange man follows Khin into the park and threatens her, Tyler gets involved, and things escalate quickly. They can't go to the police, but they work together to cover up what happened. As they spend time together, they learn more about each other. How far will Khin go to to get her story?

This story was so interesting but also swoony! Kind of a cozy mystery with some romance. I really enjoyed it.

I liked I Did Something Bad for the most part. I think that it didn’t really successfully be both a murder mystery and a romance. The romance kinda fell flat with everything else going on. That being said, I still enjoying reading the book even though I don’t think it worked very well in the end?

This was so good. Romance and thriller together? Sign me up! It kept me hooked from the 1st page. Definitely recommend!

This book feels like Finlay Donovan meets Crazy Rich Asians. It took me a minute to get into the story. I loved the strength of Khin and her ambition. The romance side told a sweet story. The secret/mystery had good tension that built.

Thank you to SMP Romance for the advance reader copy and to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Khin receives the opportunity of a lifetime. If she does well writing a profile on move star Tyler Tun, she will get a full time job at Vogue Singapore. She wants to get a scoop and plans to shadow him for two months. But on the first day on set, a man dies when she tries to defend herself. And Tyler helps her.

This book is very much an example of the cover up is worse than the crime. I think the author needed to do more work early on explaining why Khin could not go to the police. In the beginning parts of the book, it all took a lot of suspension of disbelief. But as we learned more about her past and her previous targeting by the police, her actions made much more sense. I think the pacing would have worked better if those parts were explained earlier. The mystery could then have solely focused on who the man was.

And such a different choice would have left more room for the romance. I really wanted to believe in Tyler and Khin. But often, their romance played second fiddle to the mystery plot.

I loved the Myanmar representation in this book, and I hope to read more from this author. But I wanted a bit more here.