A review by illstoptheworldandreadwithyou
I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

3.5

Khin Hlaing is in limbo. Recently divorced, living in an impersonal condo, and feeling claustrophobic in the same city as her ex, the freelance journalist needs a change. A high profile cover story on one of Hollywood’s hottest actors tied to an opportunity for a full-time staff position at Vogue Singapore could be her way out of this rut. 

 

Tyler Tun is known for keeping things private, but he has offered Khin two months of unfettered access while he is in Myanmar shooting a film and visiting family. 

 

Ever the dedicated reporter, Khin starts being able to read his tells early on. She may just find her chance to learn about the real Tyler Tun. After an incident occurs on set that binds the two of them together, they start to grow even closer. 

 

How and where should that line be drawn between Tyler and Khin’s professional and personal relationships? 

 

And what will happen to them with that shared dark secret looming over their heads? 

 

At a glance: 

- Single POV 

- Celebrity romance 

- Myanmar setting 

- Asian characters 

- Secrets, secrets, secrets 

- Freelance journalist who typically tackles heavier topics 

- Popular movie star poised to become the next James Bond 

- Supportive friends and family 

- Recent divorce 

- Slow burn 

- Kissing only on page 

 

I got engrossed in this one pretty quickly but struggled a bit trying to pinpoint the tone of the novel. I’m all for swoony romcoms, romdrams, or full-out dramas, but I had a tough time finding the balance in this one. In the end I wish there had either been more development in all of the areas or that some things had been trimmed back to let others shine. 

 

I had advance copies of both the ebook and the audiobook. I enjoyed the narration by Jacqui Bardelang. Bardelang tackles various accents in the audiobook and paces the narration well. 

 

I received an advance copy of the ebook from St. Martin’s Press and an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. Review opinions are my own. 

 

3.5⭐️