Fun, Thrilling. Just a great suspense read. I love the audio book. This one is a great listen to get your through a road trip or in my case lots of housework.

“Every smart woman has a starter husband, darling. Better to get it out of the way when you’re young.”

✨ Genre: Romance/Thriller
✨ Steamy rating: Mild
✨ Profanity: Moderate

Kin is a journalist assigned to follow Tyler Tun, a famous movie star, as he works on a film in Myanmar. The two quickly form a connection, with undeniable chemistry between them. However, when tragedy strikes, they must work together to cover up a murder.

This romantic comedy has a lot of heart and depth. Kin’s most famous journalistic piece is about a secret abortion clinic in her conservative country, which sparks backlash and hate. I particularly enjoyed how the story showcases Asian culture and the warmth of Tyler’s endearing family members. I’d never heard of Myanmar before reading this, and I learned that it was formerly known as Burma.

While the story was engaging, I felt the plot fell flat. It was very character and relationship driven without much adventure. Plus, the relationship between the two main characters didn’t seem authentic.

Triggers: Abortion, anti-abortion, racism. misogyny, attempted sexual assault, death, and attempted murder

Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy. It was darling.

#macaudio2024

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I feel like I'd seen mixed reviews, but I ended up really liking this! It had a unique mystery, likable characters and a building love story. Tyler was just absolutely adorable and I found myself loving anytime he was on page. The narration was great for this one and I thought the narrator did a great job handling all the different accents and characters. I would definitely recommend this for people who are looking for a lighter thriller with a good splash of romance thrown in.

3.5/5 stars

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

This was a super fun part romance, part mystery/suspense story, and great on audio. I really liked both main characters, Khin and Tyler, and their chemistry was palpable. The book was a little bit predictable overall, but I still enjoyed every step of the way! Myanmar was a unique setting for a book and it was cool to hear about the varying Asian cultures featured in this one. I will say that, while I enjoyed this one, I doubt it will stand out in my mind for more than a few weeks!

I love a celebrity - regular person storyline, so I was excited for I Did Something Bad. I think this book had the bones for a great story (mystery + murder + romance) but I found a bit of the writing disconnected. I struggled to know if this book was a playful rom-com, with the celebrity/regular person trying to cover up a murder, or a more serious exploration of deeper topics, which made some of the jokes feel awkward. Overall, I enjoyed this and thought Jacqui Bardelang really brought it alive with her narration.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This book was hard for me to get into/enjoy. The writing was kinda choppy and I wasn’t grasped by the pot.

This was a cute story. A writer gets a chance to follow an actor for two months to write a piece on him and things get out of hand quick. There’s love and murder and betrayal and redemption all the greats. I liked the story and it came together well but at some points I was like “that was a little too easy”. The characters were likable but not very deep. The narrator did a great job.

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!

I thought the story was fantastic. There were hints of romance, drama, mystery, and excitement. The conclusion was satisfying, and the characters were likeable and showed strong chemistry with one another.

3.5
Cute and, I suppose, entertaining enough, but comes with an overwhelming amount of "but why would anyone do that?"

An enthusiastic round of applause for this genre-blending adventure rom-com, offering a delightful yet cheesy cozy mystery with a dash of a slow-burn romance! The combination of humor and romantic suspense created a lighthearted yet exciting read!

I appreciated the cultural elements and the distinctive Myanmar setting! I truly valued the fact that both the plot and characters were uniquely original and equally captivating.

While it occasionally requires a bit of suspended disbelief, it’s still a fun debut!

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads

Did I request this book because I can’t stop blowing for Reputation Taylor’s Version? Yes. Did this bring me out of my book slump? Also yes! Such a fun read and the narration made it all the better. I can’t wait for the author’s next novel.

I Did Something Bad is an adventure rom com that is sure to keep you entertained. I was definitely super intrigued and curious about this genre so I decided to give it a shot. For me the two didn't blend as well as i would've liked in this novel. I thought the fact that there's a murder was a jokey/funny matter and for me that threw me off entirely.

The characters' love story felt a little awkward. There was a missing spark, in my eyes it didn't feel believable. The romance just fell flat when it was supposed to be a big part of the book, also way too insta love for me. Both MC for me were not relatable so it was hard for me to root for them or be fully invested.

Although this one didn't work for me as I was expecting something entirely different from the blending of both genres, it might work for you !

✨️Thank you to @netgalley & @macmillanaudio for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review

*I Did Something Bad* by Pyae Moe Thet War is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of morality, guilt, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Myanmar, the story follows a compelling protagonist grappling with the consequences of their actions and the weight of societal expectations.

The author’s prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the cultural landscape while exploring deep emotional currents. War skillfully weaves together personal and societal narratives, allowing readers to engage with the struggles of the characters on multiple levels. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, providing ample space for introspection and the unfolding of the protagonist's journey.

Central to the narrative is the theme of personal responsibility and the often murky waters of right and wrong. The character's internal conflict is relatable and well-developed, forcing readers to confront their own beliefs about morality and the choices we make. The exploration of guilt and the quest for redemption is particularly powerful, resonating with anyone who has ever faced difficult decisions.

The supporting cast is equally rich, each character adding depth to the narrative and reflecting various facets of Myanmar’s society. Through their interactions, the author examines themes of family, community, and the pressure to conform, all of which enrich the story.

Overall, *I Did Something Bad* is a profound exploration of the human experience, masterfully blending introspection with cultural commentary. Pyae Moe Thet War offers readers a gripping tale that lingers long after the final page is turned, prompting reflection on one's own choices and the complexities of life. This novel is a must-read for those seeking a compelling narrative that combines emotional depth with social insight.

It was funny, sweet, has a celebrity/regular person trope as well as a setting of Myanmar (which I had to look up on a map).

This was entertaining enough for a rom-com. Nothing great, nothing bad, just fun. I enjoyed the character development, and I could definitely see this being made into a movie. I enjoyed this title overall. I read and listened both.

I wasn't sure about this one at first but was quickly won over. Khin is assigned a story and if she gets the scoop she will get her dream job. Her assignment is Tyler Tun who has come home to make a movie and while he is protective of his privacy she gets to see the inside. After a day of filming she takes a walk and is assaulted by a man who shouldn't be on set and when she strikes back Tyler is there to help her and together they survive and the man go over the bridge. They decide to hide what happened and when the police start questioning they back each other. That starts this story that brings these two close while they try to figure out who this man is. At the same time they are developing something special until, of course, a misunderstanding. There are twists and turns and this one kept me listening.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and St Martin’s Press for advanced listener and reader copies of I Did Something Bad in exchange for my honest opinion. I listened to this while following along in my ebook copy. I’m glad I had both because I appreciated hearing some word pronunciations at the same time as I read them, since I’m not familiar with the language or culture of Myanmar. The book was a terrific introduction for me, and I’m intrigued to learn more.
I liked that this book had a mix of romance, murder, secrets, and celebrities. Because of that mix, I think many people would enjoy this read. It starts off like a cozy mystery, but with more romance and some darker themes. It’s not all light and fluffy as I expected, but I enjoyed the serious and dark parts and thought it was well balanced. I haven’t seen much press about it, so I’m hoping to help others find out about this one!
Sidenote, can you read this title without thinking of TSwift? I’m not much of a Swiftie, but that’s still where my brain goes!

Wow! Just wow! How many different types of laughter are there? Whatever number that is, divide it by two for each main character and you have the number of times author Pyle Moe Thet War and narrator Jacqui Bardelang found or placed the characters in compromising positions. The number is a lot. Now my simple formula seems to be grounded in Nutsville, but the reality is that slapstick comedy ensues in this satisfying but predictable palette cleanser where Bardelang breathes life into I Did Something Bad, This rom com is quite formulaic, but in the middle of the book you’re not thinking about that. You’re wondering if only one survives this grueling experience. But also you are yelling at the book for Khin and Tyler to kiss already. With the bad guys in hot pursuit, Khin and Tyler must work together if they want to get out of the jungle alive.

I received an advanced audiobook from Macmillan Audio, NetGalley in lieu of my honest review.

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the ALC.

The very first line of the book blurb for I DID SOMETHING BAD is, “In this smart and swoony adventure rom-com, a journalist and a movie star find themselves teaming up to cover up a murder…” and while it started super cute and fun, by 23%, it became not the book the for me. I think it was because the book went from this playful and rom-com tone to suddenly moody and dark tone. I don’t know if it changed back, but it wasn’t what I hoped for in the book or was looking for. And my tbr is too long for books that bum me out.

Also, I was not a fan of the narrator, Jacqui Bardelang. The voice for the FMC was good, but every other voice lacked spark.

Content Warnings: (from what I read) attempted sexual assault, murder