I loved the concept of the Ms. and Ms. Smith in this book! This was a mix of romance and spy thriller type plot, which got a little messy for me. It felt like the book focused too much on the job aspect and left of a lot of potential romance development between the characters. I think this would've been a better book if the author picked one lane to stick too. The book hooked me in the beginning but fell flat through the middle, which impacted my overall ranking.

Sapphic spies? Hell yeah. Dramatic pining and relationship drama? Absolutely! I cannot get enough of this!

Rating: 3.75 ⭐️

A story about spies? Sign me up! We have Yardley and KC. KC was recruited at 14 has a hacker into the government. Yardley is a field agent. Funny thing is they live together... but guess what? They don't know that one another is a spy.

A little bit of much needed humor along with some spies, nice. I quite enjoyed the thoughts of the MCs. The thing that made this rating go down was the writing style, it wasn't something that I was vibing with.

This book is advertised as Ms. and Ms. Smith meets The Pairing and I would say it delivers on that promise. Our two main characters are both spies who happen to be dating each other under the guise of their covers. Their breakup coincides with having to team up on a mission where they realize that the lies and deceptions necessary for work were only part of their issue as a couple.

I was sold on the action and the pacing in this book but slightly less sold on the romance. However, it's so much fun that I didn't really mind. The international setting is compelling and the colorful cast of characters makes the story feel well rounded. It's a great romantic suspense story with high stakes and a comfortable safety net.

Just to bgein - This was so different & fun!! Thank you St. Martins Press and Netgalley for this spy-fi queer romance!!

Yardley Whitmer & KC have two things in common. 1) They both work for the CIA "The Agency" - Yardley "The Unicorn" as the hands on super slueth & master of disguise & KC "Tobasco" as the behind the scenes master of tech that is often in Yardleys ear, guiding her throughout her missions. 2) They both just broke up with their partner due to the struggle of maintaining a relationship without being able to fully disclose any personal information about themselves due to the confinement of their CIA jobs. The catch? They were dating EACH OTHER, & their team has kept them in the dark about each others identity.

They are both deployed on a very high classified mission to retrieve a device that could alter the tech world permanently. They are the best in their fields and are both working as best as they can while navigating through their heartbreak. When the start of the mission goes south & Yardley's cover is blown - KC realizes they have been each others counterpart this entire time.

The book navigates them working together, instead of apart, for the first time in their relationship. Both in their misison to save the device from entering the wrong hands with the agency & their mission to get to know each others true selves and salvage their relationship.

This was such a fun new concept for me! Very much giving spy kids meets incredibles meets mr & mrs smith with a queer spin on it. I feel like there is not alot of romance with a similar plot line to this! Which made it new and exciting.

I loved these characters! I found KC and Yardley so loveable and it was so understanable why they had to keep so much from each other. But once you realize they can save the relationship, I was rooting for them the whole book. My favourite scene was when they were connecting & uncovering their true selves to each other, playing "If I told you, I'd have to kiss you" - I felt this is when I truly fell in love with them and their relaitonship.

The one downside of this book for me, was keeping up with the spy talk & the plot at times LOL! I will say I got a LITTLE confused in between chapters. I found it hard to keep track of who was who ans what characters were friends vs foes. I do not watch alot of spy movies or engage in spy content often ... So that had me slightly confused. But I managed to keep up and still enjoy!!

Thank you so much for this eARC!

I didn't know I was into spy books until I read this! I really enjoyed it. It did take me awhile to read it as the middle kinda drug. I'd definitely recommend to a friend!

Thank you so much for this ARC! I did enjoy this read, but felt like the CIA and spy jargon was a little much for me. It had me skimming some of the pages and not super invested which broke my heart because I loved the concept of this story so much! The romance was also top tier, I just don’t think I really vibed with the writing style and that’s okay!

I loved this so much! It was so fun, and the suspense and adventure aspect was really great! The main characters had a ton of chemistry, and I also really liked the journey through Europe. I greatly enjoyed this, and I’m grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC.

Such a cool book! At first I thought it was going to be a parody but it definitely wasn’t! Great spy storyline with amazing characters and lots of twists and turns. Spicy too! I definitely recommend putting this on your tbr list!! Looking forward to more books by Mae!

HOT and ANGSTY! Yes, please!

This was such a fun read. Immediately ordered from this author.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

"If I Told You, I'd Have to Kiss You" is a sapphic version of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". The two characters - KC and Yardley - are in the process of breaking up from their long-term relationship. They both work for the CIA, but the twist is that even though they have been living together, neither of them knows that the other is also a spy. This all changes when a mission goes wrong, and KC needs to step in and help an agent in the field - shockingly the agent is Yardley! Once they discover the truth about their identities, they need to continue working together to make sure the mission is successfully completed.

-----

Overall I liked the premise of the book, but unfortunately I had a difficult time with the writing style. Some of the sentences sounded quite awkward and unnatural, for example: "Never mind that she was a lesbian, an orientation that had barred her from the ostentatious nuptials of her dreams until the Supreme Court finally came to its senses in her early twenties.". Ostentatious Nuptials? Keep in mind that the book and its editing is *NOT FINAL* so some of the phrasing may change. I did notice that the phrasing got better as the book went on (or maybe I got used to it?) but it was definitely off-putting initially.

I also felt that a lot of the "conflict" in their relationship was due to miscommunication or, rather, lack of communication. If they had just talked about their feelings after they both realized they worked for the CIA, then everything could have been avoided. I also found their flirtations in the middle of missions a bit annoying and off-putting as well.

Oohhh this was fun! A super spy novel with 2 women in a relationship, and they just found out that they are both in the CIA! There were a couple of moments that I got a little lost in the story and had to go back to re-read a section, but I really had a fun time with this. I always love the gueer representation and that women were being bad ass super spies in the story was a major plus! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

Mae Marvel knows how to draw you in from the beginning with her writing style. Not only is this a sapphic romance/mystery novel, its a novel about two spies who don't know that each other are in the CIA. Although I did enjoy Mae's first novel, this one I didn't enjoy as much. I was confused through the first part when I was trying to piece both the "Unicorn" and "Tabasco" together by deciphering who each of them were. Because from the start, it wasn't that clear.

As I kept reading, the story line was clear and it made me want to finish the book to see how both of them together ended and finished the case, knowing who each other were.

I wouldn't necessarily tell you this was my favorite novel, but it was a good read if you like some mystery, CIA action and romance all in one.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to. It's a difficult time to be reading a book about American spies playing World Cop, even when those spies are lesbians and the book is set in an alternate America where the president is a Black woman. In the current political context, it was just a really rough read, and I almost didn't finish it. Although the authors are clearly trying to make a case for inclusivity in all levels of society, there's just no significant grappling with the grossness of the power being wielded here. I applied for the ARC because I have historically loved action films and spy stories, but it's been a while since I read one, and I don't think I accounted for how my reaction would really change as a result of what's happening in the world and in the development of my own political views.

If I try to remove my distaste for the glorification of American military and intelligence work at a time when the US is freefalling into fascism, I still didn't love the book. The pacing felt off, and all of the moments of intimacy felt awkwardly semi-public (especially the last two... did they really do that while wearing all of their surveillance gear?) There wasn't really any build up of tension, and it didn't really draw me into the moments between them when it seemed like every time they looked at each other they were suddenly super turned on immediately. SOME lead up is nice! And it just wasn't present - the whole book seemed to happen in the same over the top register. There also didn't seem to be any significant change in their feelings for each other or reactions to each other, aside from them finally being honest with each other.

My favourite thing about the book was the side characters. Kris and nan were great.

(I do also want to add that I know publishing timelines are long! The authors would have had no way of knowing how terrible things would get, and how this book would land in the current political moment with some readers. As a non-binary reader, I really appreciated Atlas's inclusion and the way the book was so lovingly queernormative! I know this is a harsh review, and I don't mean to be mean. I see the care and love that the authors put into this, and I can see why they would want to create a book that injects diversity into a genre that has historically been dominated by cishet white men. I do understand that! And that's part of what drew me to the book in the first place. I just think that it lands really badly right now, and I think there were some issues with the pacing that could have been resolved by having some shifts in tone across the book, rather than having it at the same fever pitch throughout. Even though, again, I do understand that as a spy genre convention. It just added to the way this book didn't quite land for me.)

🚨💋 Book Hangover Alert! 💋🚨

I just finished If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae Marvel, and I am absolutely OBSESSED. You know that feeling when a book is so good you just sit there, grinning like an idiot, wishing you could read it again for the first time? Yeah, that’s me right now.

This book is the perfect blend of romance, secrets, and sizzling tension, wrapped up in a plot so addictive I lost track of time (and possibly reality). The banter? Top-tier. The chemistry? Off the charts. And the slow-burn romance? A masterpiece of longing and stolen glances. I was clutching the book, kicking my feet, and gasping at all the delicious twists.

Mae Marvel knows how to deliver characters with depth, emotions that hit right in the heart, and just the right amount of angst to keep you teetering on the edge. It’s the kind of story that owns you—the kind that makes you want to text your book bestie at 2 AM screaming, “YOU NEED TO READ THIS.”

So, if you love flirty tension, swoon-worthy romance, and a story that refuses to let you go, do yourself a favor—grab this book immediately. Just be warned: you won’t be able to put it down. 💋🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5—HIGHLY RECOMMEND!)

Have you read it yet?? Let’s scream about it together! 😍📖💬

I was so excited to read this book. A spin on Mr & Mrs smith sounded like a good time. However, this book was not for me.
Rarely dues POV choice bother me but in this book, it did. I needed first person to connect to one of these women. They felt very immature and less intelligent than a spy would need to be to survive.

It will definitely work for a lot less f people but I am not in that group.

Not what I expected! This was a great plot. I enjoyed the intrigue, spies and steam!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the early copy of this book!!!

Who isn’t intrigued by a book about two spies? Especially two FEMALE spies???
I was so excited to read this book but it fell a bit flat for me. I struggled to stay engaged with the book. The second chance aspect of this story was cool but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between Yardley or KC so it was hard for me to root for them. I also got a little bored. I did laugh out loud throughout the book but I think the POV of this story just didn’t workout for me.


Pick this book up if you like sapphic romances and the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae Marvel is a splendidly crafted romcom that effectively intertwines action, humor, and emotional depth into the storytelling. Set against a backdrop of international espionage, high-stakes intrigue, and comedic misadventures, Marvel’s novel operates at the intersection of character and plot-driven storytelling, delivering both thrills and heartfelt romance.

At the heart of the narrative are Yardley Whitmer, a seasoned superspy, and KC Nolan, a brilliant hacker—two protagonists whose contrasting yet complementary personalities generate an electric romantic tension. Their dynamic exemplifies the classic interplay between opposites, where friction fuels both conflict and attraction. The novel’s setting, spanning from adrenaline-pumping cross country chases to covert rendezvous in shadowy, tight spaces, serves as a backdrop for their relationship, underscoring the delicate balance between risk and reward, both in espionage and in love.

The romantic tension between Yardley and KC is palpable, crackling with unresolved feelings, sharp repartee, and a magnetic push-and-pull dynamic. Their ability to challenge, support, and ultimately transform one another speaks to the novel’s solid character-driven storytelling. Their chemistry transcends mere attraction; it is rooted in mutual admiration, shared history, and the kind of emotional depth that makes for an unforgettable romance.

Structurally, the novel employs the beloved second-chance romance trope, a device that not only enhances emotional stakes but also allows for a nuanced exploration of regret, redemption, and rekindled passion. Yardley and KC’s shared past—marked by heartbreak and unresolved longing—imbues their interactions with an inherent tension. The revelation that they have been unknowingly working for the same intelligence agency functions as a narrative pivot, adding complexity to their dynamic while reinforcing the story’s thematic exploration of fated love. Their reconciliation, when it finally arrives, is all the more satisfying due to the emotional groundwork laid throughout the novel.

While spy thrillers have traditionally been dominated by hypermasculine protagonists, Marvel challenges these conventions. Her creativity changes the landscape in exciting ways. She centers two highly competent, multidimensional women whose expertise—Yardley’s fieldwork precision and KC’s technological mastery—positions them as formidable leads. Their agency within the narrative is never secondary to their romance; rather, their professional and personal identities are intricately woven together, reinforcing the novel’s thematic meditation on self-discovery and trust. This approach not only enriches character development but also challenges the limitations often imposed on female protagonists in action-oriented genres.

Understanding that romantic comedies thrive on moments of levity, Marvel convincingly integrates humor into If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You’s espionage-infused narrative. She employs a combination of situational comedy, verbal sparring, and dramatic irony to generate comedic momentum. From hiding in an ambassador’s linen closet to narrowly escaping undercover catastrophes, the novel embraces the inherent absurdity of spy life while allowing Yardley and KC’s wit and charisma to shine. Their sharp banter and ability to find humor even in perilous circumstances serve as a testament to their chemistry, making their romance feel both organic and deeply engaging.

At its core, If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You embodies all the elements of escapist fiction—offering readers a whirlwind of exotic locales, high-stakes espionage, and steamy romance. Yet it is not without emotional depth, as Yardley and KC’s journey forces them to confront their vulnerabilities and redefine what it means to trust, both in themselves and in each other. This delicate balance between action-packed adventure and heartfelt introspection is what distinguishes truly exceptional romantic comedies.

Final Thoughts…

With its compelling protagonists, razor-sharp dialogue, and expertly paced narrative, If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You delivers everything readers seek in a fast-paced sapphic romance. By melding pulse-pounding espionage with a deeply resonant second-chance love story, Mae Marvel crafts a novel that is as exhilarating as it is emotionally satisfying. She delves into universally resonant themes: the precarious balance between personal and professional obligations, the necessity of vulnerability in relationships, and the emotional commitment required to reconcile past mistakes. Yardley and KC’s arcs reflect these struggles with authenticity, making their love story quite compelling. If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You is a thumbs up for me, as it redefines the spy genre and gives readers something a little unexpected.

Strengths…

Entertainment and fun
Fast-paced
Romantic
Steamy
Full of adventure and surprise
Engaging lead characters

3.5 stars

For a book about spies I wasn’t expecting to be quite so… bored. Unfortunately i just didn’t really feel any chemistry or connection between the characters and found them both to be a little bit flat. I felt like by the end of the book we still didn’t really know them that well and there was nothing making me root for them.
The spy plot was okay but I felt like it kind of dragged at times and didn’t do a lot to keep me invested. Overall I just kept losing focus and was just ready to be done with this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the ARC!