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!

Thank you Netgalley for this opportunity!

Although I was initially excited about reading this book, my excitement dwindled slightly. As interesting and unique the premise is, the main characters weren’t really likeable to me. I didn’t personally connect with them, which was upsetting as a queer person. However, like I said the premise makes up for that. I liked how messy things got between KC and Yardley. More spy rom-coms with sapphics please!

Spies and lies is the name of the game with the CIA. Yardley, known as “Unicorn” out in the field, and KC, the high level tech expert, known as “Tabasco” present a Ms. & Ms. Smith thriller-spy type of story! Crazy about one another, will Yardley and KC’s already tested relationship survive the demands of their under cover jobs, and their most recent, high-stakes secret mission? Will their love survive the ultimate test?

Nothing is ever as it seems with the CIA. Secrets, strategy, and suspense await at every turn! I’m absolutely inspired by this story and the incredible warrior women who are taking charge!

The storyline is incredibly intriguing and the characters are well-developed. However, it does get a tad repetitive in the middle, but don’t let that stop you. The romance and action-packed twists & turns will keep you hooked until the very end!

This exciting story took us all over the globe, with the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and a side of cheeky humor! It’s an exciting ride you do not want to miss! I enjoyed this thrilling, suspenseful sapphic love story, and I look forward to reading more Mae Marvel stories!

4.25⭐️

↪️Thank you to @netgalley @stmartinspress and the author, Mae Marvel for the opportunity to read and review this e-arc! This book will be released on 🔹June 10, 2025!

This is one of my favorite books I have read this year! The cover and title drew me in and I 1000% stayed for Yardley and KC. I loved how realistic the chemistry and relationship was. I love when characters can exhibit the things that we as people strive for. The communication in this book was top tier! Needless to say, I enjoyed this story so so much and I can’t wait to reread it! New comfort book unlocked!

A fun rom com that takes the workplace comedy to the next level. There is no shortage of witty writing and suspense in this story.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!!

This was fun!! I loved the pacing and the action and the adventure!!! Yardley and KCs love story was perfect! The yearning and angst are perfect! I had such a great time with all of the espionage and spying! I read a review where someone said they couldn’t believe they didn’t know about each other. I’ve had my fair share of working in the intelligence community and I can say that if they don’t want you to know then you aren’t going to know. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!

If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5 stars
If a Mr and Mrs Smith spy trope meets sapphic romance- plus plot- is your thing this is the book to read!

While I’ll admit the first third of the book was choppy and there was a bit of technical jargon- things heat up. The fast paced action and romantic tension was tantalizing.

I really enjoyed the overall plot of KC and Yardley finding each other again- I just wish some of the dialogue and pacing were more polished.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Sapphic stories are things I need more of in my life. I got Ashley Herring Blake vibes in writing and banter style and I had a great time!

The premise drew me in: A sapphic Mr and Mrs. Smith, hello?! The book wasn’t a let down, but it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting either. It dragged on in some parts. The characters were likable. Overall, it was a nice read.

I loved the dynamic between KC and Yardley during this whole story.

They broke up because of lies, then finding out both work for the CIA they had to work together and kept loving each other and finally got back together in the end.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc

You know how sometimes, on a rare blood moon, you find a book that feels like some kind of witch has been messing around inside your dreams and has weaved together a story out of your heart's deepest desires? Maaaan, that is Mae Marvel's latest novel for me.

I loved their first book, Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous. It was one of my favorite reads of 2024 and is one of my favorite queer romances ever. I was actually kind of nervous to read their sophomore outing because of how much the first one meant to me. But! But! It turns out, If I Told You, I'd Have to Kiss You pierced my heart with even more glorious angst and forever gay love. Swoony and sexy and silly and perfect, perfect, perfect. The writing is absolutely everything I loved about the first book. It's snap-crackle-poppy, fresh as a summer storm. And this time, it's Southern! Born in North Carolina and set in Virginia. These characters talk just like me! I mean, their phrases pack more punches of personality and a thumps of humor, but there's an authentic twang here that had me kicking my feet in delight.

I totally understand why the publisher compares it to Mr. and Mrs. Smith + The Pairing, but that's actually not doing it justice. It's more like the collision of Ocean's 8 + DEBS + Fried Green Tomatoes + that 2004 rom-com with Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode called Chasing Liberty. Yardley Whitmer is a southern belle who grew up wanting to be a CIA agent like her granddaddy. KC Nolan is a former teen hacker-turned CIA analyst. They live together and they work together, but they don't know that second thing. In fact, they're breaking up when we meet them. But boy howdy do these two freakin love each other, and it only takes a couple of accidental near-deaths to figure out a way back together. The spy stuff is goofy on purpose, and very queer/matriarchy in this fictional world. The love stuff made me shout out loud and throw the book at the wall.

When I finished reading it, I blasted Indigo Girls' Southland in the Springtime and danced my wife around our New York City home. I can't say enough good things about it, to be honest.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.

I don't read a lot of romance, but when I do they either contain spies or are unapologetically queer. In this case, this book hit both things I look for all at once. This book was a delightful, thrilling adventure, from start to finish. This book was filled with witty dialogue, steamy chemistry, and a lot of heart! Oh and some fun, high stakes international sleuthing!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Looooved the concept of this story, but had to DNF because I wasn't into the actual "spy" elements—which overpowered the romance.

I went into this book with high expectations, and honestly, I was a bit disappointed. It’s not a bad book—like my friend and I like to say, it has good bones—but it just fell flat for me.

The title and cover had me hooked the second I saw them, and I was so excited to finally sit down and read. It took me a few days to really process my thoughts because it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.

There were a lot of things that could have worked better for me, but my biggest issue was the third-person POV. I think this book would have been so much stronger if each chapter was told in first-person from the two main characters’ perspectives.

I wanted tension. I wanted yearning. I wanted a spy romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. But in the end, it just didn’t deliver the way I hoped it would.

ARC review | ⭐️⭐️ | Adult Sapphic Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh how I desperately wanted to love this book. The premise of a sapphic Mr. and Mrs. Smith felt so fun. Unfortunately between the incredibly patriotic Yardley and the seemingly underdeveloped KC it fell flat. There was a big spy plot line of how do we save the world from technological terrorism while we also try to flesh out an entire second chance romance and neither got the attention it deserved. I never ended up connecting with either of the MCs emotionally which made the stakes of the whole thing low.

Content Warnings:
- Alcohol
- Swearing
- Dementia
- Guns/gun violence
- Kidnapping
- Pregnancy
- Sexual content
- Violence

Before I get into my review of “If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You”, I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

This book has been on my radar for a while and I was so excited to receive an early copy. This book was definitely an interesting read and was nothing like what I was expecting.

I loved KC and Yardley as characters but the plot did get lost at some points. The two characters work for the CIA as spies and have never had to work together before?

This book was a fun read however I don’t think it’s a fast cozy read. If you miss/skip a singular page of this book you’ll have no clue what‘s going on.

If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae Marvel is a quirky and heartfelt novel that puts a unique twist on the typical spy trope. As a long time spy novel fan (hello Gallagher Girls), this book was really appealing to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed the topics that this book tackled. We saw Yardley struggle as an operative just because she was a woman, whereas her male counterparts were afforded different luxuries. I liked how KC as a whole was so strong, mentally and physically. I especially loved the genuine emotional connection that KC and Yardley had, and there were some beautifully romantic one liners in there.

That being said, I had a very difficult time getting into this book. It was hard for me to root for KC and Yardley at times, because while it was undoubtable they had chemistry, they both had severe communication issues. This is something that is addressed later in the book, but it made parts in the beginning hard to get through. Especially when both of them kept saying “if only it weren’t hopeless,” and you as the reader are screaming at them why. I think the long chapters also contributed to how slow I read this book, as I generally prefer shorter ones to help keep my attention and not get confused. Sometimes I genuinely was lost and I’m not sure if it was because of the long syntax or a me problem.

Overall, I think this book was a 3.5 stars for me. I really adored the premise, but some aspects of the writing fell flat. I would recommend this if you love spy romances or great queer representation.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!