Book Review: I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

 

From the publisher:

A WASHINGTON POST BEST ROMANCE NOVEL OF THE YEAR

In this smart and swoony adventure rom-com, a journalist and a movie star find themselves teaming up to cover up a murder...and falling for each other in the process.

When freelance journalist Khin Haymar is assigned by Vogue to get a scoop on Tyler Tun, Hollywood’s hottest movie, she's determined to succeed. Tyler has returned home to Myanmar to shoot his latest film, and if Khin’s able to get an exclusive, there may well be a permanent position waiting for her at Vogue Singapore.

Tyler has a very private life and doesn’t show any sign of letting down his walls for Khin. But then one night on set, a man follows Khin into the park. When he threatens her, Tyler steps in and things escalate fast. Khin knows they can’t go to the police, even if this was self defense, and even if this stranger seems to have targeted her specifically.

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. But now the idea of writing the article gives Khin an 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?

My thoughts: Romance? check. Khin and Tyler definitely have a romance going on. Circumstances draw them ever closer together. He's nicer and a little more down-to-earth than you would expect from some big movie star. Maybe that can be attributed to the fact that he is still very close to his family and best friend. Khin, is a journalist, but not as hard nosed as she thought. The romance is slow burn, but makes sense considering what's going on.

Comedy? Some yes, but not as much as I expected from a rom-com. Still, there are some very humorous moments.

Adventure? Definitely. As they investigate the murder victim themselves to see why he may have targeted Khin, there are adventurous scenes. As much as Khin tries to do things all on her own, Tyler usually becomes involved. That the scenes involve both of them as much as possible makes them better.

Plot wise, it's interesting. This was my first specifically rom-com/mystery book. I would definitely read another by the same author. Pacing is well done. And it is pretty much a clean romance. Kissing yes, but that's about it. Anything else is either only suggested or fade to black.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's pretty good. I would recommend it to people who like their romance with a touch of mystery and the occasional humorous scene. I'm getting ready to read another book by the same author that just came out, Here for a Good Time. It features a writer as the main female character instead of a journalist. Should be interesting. Review to come on that one.

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War came out October 8th, 2024 from St. Martin's Press. I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.