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

3.75

“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.