I absolutely loved this story!
A love story with a murder in the mix!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC copy of this book.

I can go on and on about what this story was about, but you can read a synopsis for that. Let me explained how I felt throughout the story.
I loved that the FMC, Khin, was someone that was putting her life back together after a failed marriage. This character story gives her depth. She is someone who has experienced love and loss and is a damn good journalist. The MMC, Tyler, is a down to earth, but very successful actor who everyone wants to get the scoop on. The characters are Myanmar that understand the complexity of interracial marriage, and racism from own family members. This story mentions the controversial subject of abortion and the judgment that follows. Yes, throw in a murder mystery and I couldn’t put this book down. I was at the edge of my seat, finding any downtime during my day so I can have an excuse to pick up my kindle.
I cried at the end and loved every minute of it.
Pyae Moe Thet War, you did an amazing job with this story, I can’t wait to read your other books.

The beginning of this book held some premise for me, however it just didn’t work out for me. I did enjoy the slow burn element but the murder felt disjointed and the ending was not my favorite. This book took me longer than it should have to read because I was just not into it. I’m not sure whether this was a case of it’s me not you, or it’s you and not me.

This book was such a wild ride.

I thought Khin and Tyler had great banter and chemistry but I just cannot get over the main plot point. Like "lol murder"....felt so aloof and strange. The lies and manipulation to cover that up...just set up their entire relationship on such a rocky road. I don't know....I did not vibe with this one as much as I was hoping to...

This book was just ok for me. It was a genre mash up of romance/contemporary women’s fiction/mystery/thriller but lacked in all these genres. I was especially disappointed on how weak the mystery/thriller aspect was. There was a few things I enjoyed though; the strong female friendships, the romance 70%+in, and the ethic Myanmar representation. I have a full review post on my Bookstagram that I have linked down below.

This story was not at all what I thought I was going to get, but in all the best of ways. Once I was able to recognize that this impossible situation made perfect sense in the life that Khin had experienced, my heart and mind decided we were all in with this book. Tyler also played a major role in me getting invested in this story. He’s so close to being the perfect book boyfriend, that there was no way I could resist falling in love with him. I enjoyed watching this pair getting to know one another and failing to fight their growing feelings. I thought the solution to her potential murder charge was the tiniest smidge too coincidental, but also not outside the realm of possibility. All in all, this book was a wonderful experience. It showed me a part of the world that I had very little knowledge of and introduced me to some truly delightful characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

I thought this was just okay. I liked both Khin and Tyler separately but had a bit of a hard time getting into them as a couple. The romance felt a bit instalove. Especially because for a lot of the book Khin doesn't trust Tyler.

Khin is a journalist, and Tyler is a celebrity actor. She is shadowing him for a piece in Vogue. While she is on the set of the movie Tyler is filming she attacked and the man ends up dead. Tyler witnesses what happened but Khin doesn't want to go to the police, which didn't make much sense to me even with the excuses she was giving. Later on, we get a semblance of one that makes a bit of sense and goes along with something from Khin's past.

I thought the story was unique, and while I didn't love it as a whole, I did enjoy a lot of bits and pieces. So I think I would definitely read what this author puts out next if it sounds like something I would enjoy

Khin Hlaing is a freelance journalist having a bad year. Her marriage dissolved within a year, and she’s had to start over and recover from her disappointment quickly. But maybe things are turning around, because an editor at Vogue called her up to offer her the chance of a lifetime. Tyler Tun is an A-list actor, one being considered for the role of James Bond. He’s going to be on an upcoming cover of the magazine, and they need a cover story to go with it. Khin would spend 2 months with Tyler, as he films his latest movie in Myanmar. And if things go well with the cover story, there may be a full-time job with Vogue Singapore in Khin’s future.

As Khin starts to spend time with Tyler, she understands why he is the Hollywood heartthrob. He is smart and confident, good looking, and kind as well. He can tell when those around him notice who he is, but he tries to stay as incognito as he can, especially when he is out with his family. He works hard and reaches out to help others. But he’s also hard to get to know, and Khin needs to get past his armor if she wants to get a story worthy of a Vogue cover.

But when Khin gets to spend the day on set watching Tyler film his latest romantic comedy, she doesn’t know that someone followed her on to the set. It’s a public park, and when Khin wanders off towards a lake, the man who snuck onto the set comes to talk to her. He gets aggressive, and since she thought the park was closed, she didn’t bring her phone. He keeps coming closer to her, and she has nowhere to run. He gets her trapped on the bridge, and the only thing she can think to do is to do is stab him in the ear with her pen. Tyler sees what’s going on and runs over to help her. The man ends up going over the bridge, falling into the lake. And when he doesn’t resurface, Khin panics.

Tyler tries to calm Khin, saying that it had been self-defense. She is torn. Part of her wants to go to the police and tell them what happened, but if she does that, then there is no Vogue cover story or job. And the movie may get shut down, which would be a problem for Tyler’s shooting schedule. But this is a big secret to carry, and just as Tyler and Khin were developing feelings for each other.

As the weeks go by with the filming, the police show up to investigate the death in the park. They focus on Khin in their questioning, but she refuses to say anything incriminating. She decides her best way to try to find answers she can live with is to investigate the man herself. She is a journalist, after all. But that distracts her from her story on Tyler. As Khin tries to balance the life she wants with the decisions she’s been making lately, she finds herself more confused than ever. Will she ever be able to write her story, or maybe find love with Tyler, or will she end up spending the rest of her life in prison?

I Did Something Bad is part rom com, part mystery, and a fun ride for a debut novel. Author Pyae Moe Thet War brings together adventure, romance, and celebrity culture to a story filled with secrets, lies, and big life decisions. I listened to the audio book for this one, and narrator Jacqui Bardelang brought Khin’s voice to life so beautifully. I thought she was an excellent choice for this story, and I truly enjoyed her narration.

I love the cover for I Did Something Bad, and I was looking for a story with a strong hero (or maybe an anti-hero, based on the title). I did think Khin was a strong character, and I loved the setting in Myanmar. But I did find the story got a little muddled between romance and mystery. I enjoyed it, and I think others will as well, but I did think it could be a little stronger if the story was a little more focused. Mostly, I just liked these characters, and I was rooting for them to find the answers they needed to come back together in the end. That was enough for me to keep reading to the end, and I’m really glad I did.

Egalleys for I Did Something Bad were provided by St. Martin’s Griffin and a copy of the audiobook was provided by Macmillan Audio, both through NetGalley, with many thanks.

I was captivated by the thrilling blend of romance and suspense from the very first page. The journey of Khin and Tyler is the ideal fusion of intense emotional connection and heart-pounding excitement. Their chemistry and developing trust create a captivating dynamic as they negotiate the dangerous situation of covering up a murder. Their story gains depth from the complex plot's deft turns and moral quandaries. Every page is delightful because of the exquisite way their relationship develops amidst the peril and secrecy. It was enjoyable to read, and I would highly recommend it.

3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I loved that this book took place in Myanmar and the main characters are Myanma people yet it's just part of the story not a device. It was a fun, light and easy read but the story felt quite implausible and used many tropes of the rom-com novel. We meet Khin who's a freelance journalist trying to make it bit and her next piece on the Hollywood heart throb, Tyler Tun, may get her a job at Vogue. Yet, she accosted by an angry man and, in her efforts to defend herself, he kills him with her pen (or possibly it was the fall). Tyler is there to witness it and they're now bound by trying to keep this a secret as both would have lots to lose, Khin more than Tyler. At times the story is quite silly but love the representation of a Myanmar story.

Such a fun cozy cute read!

I really enjoyed this one and will definitely be on the look out for other titles from this author.

Thank you so much to St Martin's and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

📚: I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War
⭐️: 4/5

The gist: A freelance Vogue journalist (Khin Hlaing) walks into a dim sum restaurant to start her cover story with a swoony Hollywood leading man (Tyler Tun). Somehow, over the span of weeks they find themselves entangled in both a murder cover up and *ahem* complicated *ahem* feelings about each other.

The good: A super impressive debut rom-com read that's wildly fun and bingable. I loved Khin and Tyler's characters, along with a plot that unfolded well with more than a handful of laugh-out-loud moments. This is a light read, and the murder cover-up is very much a light mystery (don't come here for any thriller vibes). Bonus points for solid Taylor Swift references -- possibly right down to the book's title -- I, for one, will never listen to Treacherous the same way again.

The eh: As always, I don't love a third act breakup. And the one here (a spoiler but not a spoiler?) drove me a littttttttle bonkers. (Literally, Khin was just doing her job as a journalist.)

Big thanks to @stmartinspress via @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I Did Something Bad is out now!

I Did Something Bad has a little something for everyone. Part romance, part adventure, part true crime, part celebrity drama — there are so many components that make up this uniquely captivating story.

Khin Haymar is given the opportunity of a lifetime when she is assigned to write a piece for Vogue all about Hollywood heartthrob Tyler Tun. Determined to write the best profile possible, and hopefully get a scoop on Tyler’s next project, Khin joins Tyler on his film set in Myanmar. One night during the shoot, Khin wanders off in the park and is approached by a sketchy man who threatens her. What follows is a series of events that draw Khin and Tyler closer together as they attempt to hide what really happened in the park that night.

I’ve read many celebrity romance books but I Did Something Bad is so unlike anything I’ve yet to consume. The true crime aspect was a great way of organically bringing Khin and Tyler’s characters closer together, and because of that, the romance that blossomed between them was able to flourish. These two had no choice but to trust each other and with that came their willingness to open up and get into the emotional nitty gritty. I loved Tyler’s character. He was the kind of believable heartthrob you’d expect to see posters of plastered on walls of teenagers across the globe. His unwavering loyalty and stellar communication skills made him a perfect love interest to root for. He exuded the type of maturity that was able to balance Khin’s frenzied, nervous energy and I loved the quiet moments where they were able to dive into their fears and insecurities together.

I tore through this book, enthralled, as I tried to piece together clues alongside the characters. It was also very interesting to read a story set in Myanmar. I was able to learn so much about the country and culture which elevated the reading experience completely.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I am loving this genre mashup that many authors are finding success in. This has romance, mystery and suspense and really can’t be labled as a specific genre. There are some heavier topics discussed which I think added some great social commentary. The murder plot was a little far fetched but I think it worked as this book didn’t seem to take itself so seriously. The audiobook was well narrated so I would highly recommend that format.

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!