There’s something undeniably appealing about a book that promises sunshine, cocktails, and a little romantic chaos. Here for a Good Time by Pyae Moe Thet War delivers all of that and then some. Set on a fictional tropical island and featuring a friends-to-lovers arc with a twist of action-thriller energy, this novel is a breezy, escapist read that blends genres with confidence. And yet, while I appreciated its charm and cleverness, I have to admit: this one wasn’t quite for me.
Let’s start with the premise, which is undeniably fun. Poe Myat Sabei, a bestselling author struggling with second-book syndrome, jets off to the exclusive island of Sertulu with her best friend and roommate, Zwe. The goal? Shake off the writer’s block, soak up some sun, and maybe find a little inspiration. What begins as a light-hearted resort romp quickly takes a sharp turn when armed women storm the island and take the guests hostage. Suddenly, Poe and Zwe are thrust into a high-stakes survival scenario, where secrets are revealed, feelings bubble to the surface, and escape plans are hatched.
It’s a bold setup, and War deserves credit for taking risks. The novel is part rom-com, part action-adventure, and part introspective character study. The early chapters are filled with witty banter, flirtatious glances, and the kind of observational humour that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a very entertaining holiday. Poe’s voice is sharp and self-aware, and her internal monologue, especially around her imposter syndrome and creative anxiety feels authentic and relatable.
But once the bullets start flying, the tone shifts dramatically. The resort transforms from a playground of indulgence to a pressure cooker of tension and fear. This tonal pivot is ambitious, and while it adds urgency and stakes to the story, it also creates a bit of a wobble. The emotional beats particularly the slow-burn romance between Poe and Zwe sometimes get lost in the chaos of the action sequences. I found myself wishing for more quiet moments between the characters, more space for their relationship to breathe.
That said, the friendship at the heart of the novel is lovely. Poe and Zwe have a lived-in dynamic that feels real, full of shared history and unspoken understanding. Their transition from best friends to something more is gentle and sweet, even if it follows a fairly predictable path. And that’s perhaps where my main reservation lies: the story, for all its genre-blending and dramatic turns, felt oddly familiar. I knew where it was going before it got there. The twists weren’t particularly twisty, and the emotional arcs, while satisfying, didn’t surprise me.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s comfort in predictability, especially in romance. Readers who enjoy knowing that everything will work out in the end, who find joy in the journey rather than the destination, will likely find Here for a Good Time a delightful read. It’s the kind of book you can devour in a weekend, preferably with a drink in hand and your phone on silent.
Stylistically, War’s writing is engaging and often funny. She has a knack for capturing the absurdity of modern life, and her descriptions of the resort, the influencers, the curated experiences, the performative luxury are spot-on. There’s a satirical edge to the setting that adds depth to what could have been a straightforward romantic backdrop. And while the action scenes occasionally felt over-the-top, they were undeniably cinematic. You can easily imagine this story playing out on screen, complete with a sun-drenched aesthetic and a killer soundtrack.
So, would I recommend Here for a Good Time? That depends. If you’re looking for a light, fast-paced read with a bit of everything—romance, suspense, humour, and heart it might be just the ticket. It’s a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and there’s something refreshing about that. But if you’re after a story that lingers, that surprises you or challenges you emotionally, this might not be the one.
For me, it was a pleasant enough ride, but not one I’m rushing to tell everyone about. It’s like a holiday fling: fun while it lasts, but not something I’ll be thinking about weeks later. Still, I’m glad I read it. Sometimes, being here for a good time is enough.
One More Chapter 