Here for a good time A novel

War (I Did Something Bad) puts an action-adventure twist on the friends-to-lovers trope in this strained romantic comedy. Poe Myat Sabei's debut novel was a sensation, but now she's paralyzed by imposter syndrome and struggling to draft a follow-up. A two-week, all-inclusive trip to Sertulu, a tiny island "somewhere to the right" of the Philippines, with her best friend and roommate, Zwe, may be just what she needs to break free from her creative rut. On Sertulu, romantic tensions simmer between Poe and Zwe even as they flirt with resort employees Antonio and Leila, respectively. The White Lotus vibes of the opening abruptly dissipate when a band of armed women attack the resort and take everyone hostage. Poe, Zwe, Antonio, and Leila must work together to escape with their lives. As the danger intensifies, Poe realizes that her creative and romantic struggles stem from her insecurities and learns to be brave. Though War attempts to keep up the lighthearted humor and romance in the face of these life-or-death stakes, the tone becomes jarringly inconsistent. Poe and Zwe's chemistry starts strong but becomes difficult to believe when they've got so much else going on. Only diehard fans of the author need apply. (Aug.)

Poe Sabei has dreamed of being an author for as long as she can remember, and the only person who never doubted her is her childhood best friend, Zwe. Even her fiancé, Vik, wanted her to give up on her dreams and get what he considered a real job--then broke up with her when she didn't. Now Poe finally has an internationally bestselling first novel and a Netflix deal, with a large helping of writer's block on the side. To celebrate her success, and hopefully get a start on her next story, Poe books a luxury island vacation for her and Zwe. The island paradise seems like just the thing, until an armed group of women takes the resort staff prisoner and sends Poe and Zwe on the run. Now writer's block, Poe's romantic feelings for her best friend, and all her uncertainties about the future must take a back seat to survival. VERDICT The friends-to-lovers romance is secondary to the mystery of the armed invaders and the struggle to escape the island, but readers looking for a summer beach read should find the latest from War (I Did Something Bad) a fun and exciting diversion.--Meagan Day