Thank you Dialogue Books, Renegade Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

I read the synopsis for this book and I was intrigued. The plot was exciting, thrilling and romantic.

I loved the two characters and their chemistry a lot.

Hello book lovers 📚

Book review: I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War.

“Tyler, we killed a man. A white man. We both know what happens to Brown people who kill white people. Anywhere in the world. Even in this country.”

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.*

Girl is put on an assignment in order to bag her dream job, girl falls head over heels with her assigned subject, they kill a man and both fall in love in the end. Relatable right?

Khin has been given an assignment that could land her a role at Vogue Singapore but learns along the way the importance of honesty, facing the challenges of life and what she actually needs as opposed to what she wants.

The importance of friendship was woven throughout the entirety of this novel and I think it’s something we often overlook or don’t hone in enough. The importance of having people around you who will pick you up when everything is falling apart, who will love on you platonically when needed and who will always have your corner.

I wished there was a bit more care around the aftermath of the murder of the man - it was made into what some may deem as distasteful.. “he wasn’t a good person anyway so [deserved it]…”

The culture of the Asian community is as described really well and I expected nothing less tbh. The family dynamics, the food, the need to show how well you’re doing.

Overall it was an easy going read. It’s now published so definitely read this if it sounds like a bit of you.

I didn’t know what to expect with this book, I was intrigued by the synopsis so I thought why not give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the writing style and felt at home with the characters, the suspense of whether Khin would get arrested made the book feel fast paced. I liked that the book wasn’t centred around the romance element of the book, but more about the character development. If you are looking for a cozy rom-com then this is for you. I’m looking forward to what the author writes next.

The story starts out quite simply, Khin is a journalist who is being hired by Vogue to write a story on Tyler Tun who is an actor of epic proportions, trailing him for six weeks. She goes to interview him in Myanmar and they initially just talk to get to know each other a little more and with Khin using her journalistic powers to pull out some private information which no one else knows so the magazine will have its scoop. Anyway they go on a shoot later that day and whilst there Khin gets attacked by some unknown stranger. Tyler intervenes in the assault and the stranger falls over the rails to his death.

I have to say, although Khin is a journalist, she really does ask a lot of questions and as I’m reading, silly ones at that. Anyway, following an incident in a dim sum restaurant that Tyler had invited her to, along with his entire family, she has again come to the attention of firstly her boss who feels that she is dating Tyler, or sleeping with him because of the compromising position they were filmed in. Then she has to deal with the police questioning her yet again, but this time they have explicit photos of her on the dead man’s phone because he had actually been stalking her for a considerable amount of time. So she decides to take Tylers’ suggestion and lawyers up, during the interview, which the police say has made things worse for herself.

The book does pick up once you reach over halfway through and now I am beginning to question what’s going to happen are the police going to catch her to pin the murder of this stranger, on her and Tyler? Or is there more to this book then has been revealed so far because of the question that keeps repeating itself ‘how did he know her name and that she’s a journalist and also where to find her’. This book is also a love story in the making more so than a thriller because of the murder that took place. So the real question is, do they get together in the end or is it a doomed relationship?

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War is a bold, unapologetic exploration of guilt, shame, and the complexities of morality. With raw honesty, the author delves into the messy contradictions of being human, where mistakes and questionable choices intersect with self-reflection and personal growth. War’s writing is sharp and fearless, challenging societal norms around behavior, particularly for women, and asking readers to reconsider conventional definitions of "good" and "bad." Through personal essays and candid storytelling, I Did Something Bad examines themes of identity, empowerment, and the cost of living authentically. It’s a compelling, thought-provoking read that offers a nuanced perspective on the intricacies of life’s moral gray areas, resonating with anyone who has ever grappled with their own imperfections.

This was an amazing 5 star read.

The characters, the dialogue, the mystery, romance just everything was done top notch. Khin is such a relatable main character, and Tyler is literally everybodie's type. It was a good representation of celebrities, but also everyday life, mistakes and maturing. I so loved the mystery it always kept me on my toes without it being too much or dragged out. Can't wait to get my hands on a physical book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book.

I loved this! Tyler Tun is the ultimate book boyfriend and he had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through. I was captivated from the first page by the writing and the author's ability to make me feel like I was in a scene. I thought the murder plot was weaved in nicely to the romance, it didn't feel like one overpowered the other. I can't wait for this to release!

Khin is a journalist given the opportunity of a lifetime - to spend 2 months with one of Hollywood's biggest stars for an interview. But things go wrong when she and her subject accidentally commit murder together ...

I liked the premise of this book, and overall it was interesting enough that I made it to the end. However, there were definitely long sections that I found kind of boring. I think I just didn't connect with the writing style? Would definitely tell others to give it a go though!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

“There I go, wrecking your plans again, huh?” I snake my fingers through his hair and give him a soft tug closer. “That’s my man,” I whisper into his mouth.

A romance novel with diverse characters and pop-culture know-how. I’m not normally one for popular culture in books but I have to say, I did Something Bad made it fun, there’s something comforting in the characters you read having the same habits you do - I am talking about repeating free trials here, not accidentally shoving people off things.

“Tyler, we killed a man. A white man. We both know what happens to Brown people who kill white people. Anywhere in the world. Even in this country.”

IDSB balanced what for me is the stereotypical famous actor secret softy trope and gave it a wonderful twist, Tyler Tun rejected toxic masculinity, it was so refreshing to have a main character who was open about his emotions and able to discuss them in a clear and adult way. Which was to the complete contracts of Khin, who frankly needed a crowbar to say what she actually felt.

I thought the storyline themes of *redacted* were explored in a nuanced way, shining light on what is still a major issue in several countries, the US now included. Also, IDSB is set in Myanmar and it’s not often that I get to read books set in Myanmar, let alone romance novels set there. I can’t say too much about the plot as it is a mystery romance but I think if you are a Swiftie, if you like Pop-Culture and very sweet MMC, you will love I Did Something Bad.

Thank you to Dialogue Books, Renegade Books, Pyae Moe Thet War and Netgally for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An entertaining mystery romance featuring a famous movie star and a journalist trying to cover up that they “murdered” her stalker, all set in Yangon, Myanmar. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and thought the romance between Khin and Tyler was so tender and caring.

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

First of all I have to say a big thank you to @netgalley and Dialogue Books for allowing me access to this digital ARC. I’m currently reading my way through every Taylor Swift lyric title I could find so this was the perfect addition!

I read this book in one sitting and really, really, enjoyed it.

I will say that I did find this story far fetched in multiple aspects. The initial conflict, the 3/4 conflict, and minor plot points throughout were a bit brow raising, but once I reminded myself that this was a piece of fiction and that I was really enjoying it, I managed to get completely drawn into Khin’s world.

I loved Tyler, I loved Khin and what she stood for, I could read her character all day. The sub characters were perfect additions to the novel- especially Tyler’s family and Khin’s friends!

I will say one sub character in particular did let me down, but this is due to me not really liking the conflict that takes place, so I wasn’t too fond of how the characters reacted to it, either… I got over it!

All in all I would recommend this book- it does contain some dark themes- and I would look up trigger warnings.

On the whole, it was a fun, actually quite tense, book. I was hooked waiting to find out what happens, and I’m really looking forward to reading more Pyae Moe Thet War in the future!

I Did Something Bad comes out on November 7th, 2024!