Pyae Moe Thet War's Here for a Good Time somehow manages to transform a remote life-and-death kidnapping into an epic rom-com, complete with well-placed cameos by the lovestruck protagonists from her first novel, I Did Something Bad.
Mired with crushing writer's block--particularly exacerbated by her ex's voice insisting she's "good, just not good enough"--Poe hasn't been much of a friend to Zwe, her roommate and absolute bff since age 10. As a roundabout apology, she spends some of her recent wealth--her first book sold at auction, hit international bestseller lists, and is under celluloid development by Netflix!--on a two-week, all-inclusive dream vacation to a faraway luxury island. Aside from the best drinks, best views, best time they're supposed to have, there's the small problem with middle-of-the-night gunshots that, 48 hours later, lead to Poe and Zwe trapped in a room that's just been set ablaze. Even more scorching is the realization (finally) that the two have been madly in love each other for decades. They'll need to hurry up and take this possible last chance to reveal their truths.
Myanmar-born, U.K.-based Moe Thet War is a dynamic, propulsive writer with seemingly boundless energy. Her storytelling moves forward without pause, her characters seamlessly bouncing between 2 a.m. conversations, sharing finger sandwiches at airport lounges, arguing over snorkeling, discussing loss of home and habitat to billionaire developers, and, of course, valiantly trying to save the other's life at all costs. Pop that corn, grab that plush bathrobe, settle into that comfy couch--Moe Thet War's wacky romance is undeniably audience ready. --Terry Hong