I’ll be honest—If I Told You didn’t just keep me up late, it made me grin at 3 a.m. This sapphic spy romance had my heart racing with every secret Yardley and KC shared. Check out these reading stats:
If you crave heart-pounding missions and swoony tension, this book is for you.
Key Takeaways
If I Told You mixes fun spy missions with a sweet sapphic romance. It keeps readers interested with quick action and real feelings.
The story has strong characters that are easy to relate to. Their trust and feelings grow through honest times and hard moments. This makes the romance feel real.
This book gives happy and true queer representation. It is great for readers who want exciting adventures and real relationships.
Verdict
Main Appeal
I have to admit, If I Told You hooked me from the first page. I found myself sneaking in chapters during lunch breaks and reading way past my bedtime. The main appeal? It’s the electric mix of romance and spy action. I felt the tension between Yardley and KC in every scene. Their chemistry made my heart race, and the secret missions kept me guessing.
Romance meets espionage: The book blends swoon-worthy moments with high-stakes spy rules. I loved how the story never let me relax—one minute I was grinning at a flirty line, the next I was holding my breath during a chase.
Queer representation: The sapphic romance felt real and refreshing. I saw myself in these characters, and that made the story hit even harder.
Fast-paced fun: The plot moves quickly. I never felt bored or lost. The author knows how to keep things moving without losing the emotional core.
Reader reviews back up my feelings. People love the balance of action and romance, and many mention how the book stands out for its honest, joyful queer representation. I noticed a mix of glowing and critical reviews, which actually made me trust the feedback more. Good reviews help books like this reach more readers, especially when they don’t have a huge marketing push.
To be fair, I wouldn’t call this book perfect. Some twists felt a bit predictable, and a few spy gadgets seemed more fun than realistic. Still, the emotional payoff made up for it.
Who Will Love It
If you’re wondering if this book is for you, let me break it down:
Fans of sapphic romance: If you crave stories where queer women get the spotlight, you’ll feel seen here.
Spy thriller lovers: If you like heart-pounding missions and clever twists, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Readers who want both: If you want a book that mixes action with real feelings, this one delivers.
Social media buzz and review feedback show that younger readers, especially women and LGBTQ+ folks, connect with this story. Analytics from places like Twitter and Facebook point to a strong following among readers aged 18-29.
I’ve seen people in book clubs and online groups talk about how much they relate to Yardley and KC. The book’s appeal goes beyond just one group, though. Anyone who loves a good second-chance romance or a twisty spy plot will probably get hooked.
Premise
Sapphic Spy Story
If I Told You grabbed me right away with its wild mix of secrets and romance. I love a good spy story, but this one stands out because it centers queer women. The book throws you into a world where being a superspy means following strict rules, hiding your feelings, and always watching your back. I felt the tension every time Yardley had to choose between her heart and her mission.
Bold, queer love: The story never shies away from showing two women falling for each other, even when the world tells them to hide.
Spy rules: The book lays out clever rules for spies, which made me laugh and worry at the same time.
Second chances: The romance isn’t new. Yardley and KC have a history, and that makes every scene between them feel loaded with old feelings and new risks.
Note: I found myself rooting for them, even when I knew things could go sideways at any moment.
Yardley and KC
Yardley and KC feel real to me. Yardley is sharp, stubborn, and always ready with a comeback. KC brings a softer side, but she’s just as tough when it counts. Their banter made me smile, and their arguments felt honest. I could see why they fell for each other, and why it hurt so much when things got complicated.
Yardley’s loyalty pulled me in. She wants to do the right thing, but her heart keeps getting in the way.
KC’s bravery shines, even when she’s scared. She never gives up on Yardley, and that made me care about both of them.
If I Told You mixes danger and romance in a way that left me wanting more. I kept turning pages, hoping these two would find a way to trust each other again.
If I Told You: Romance and Espionage
Chemistry and Tension
I have to admit, the chemistry in If I Told You had me hooked from the start. I felt every glance, every brush of hands, and every secret Yardley and KC tried to hide. Their connection reminded me of other great spy romances, where witty banter and real trust make the tension feel electric. I saw the same kind of spark here.
The way Yardley and KC talk, fight, and make up feels honest. They don’t just fall into each other’s arms. They argue, they laugh, and sometimes they hurt each other. That made their romance feel real to me.
The banter between them made me smile. I could almost hear their voices in my head.
Every time they shared a secret, I felt my heart beat faster.
The second-chance romance made every scene feel loaded with old feelings and new risks.
I found myself rooting for them, even when things got messy. Their trust issues felt real, not forced. I love when a book lets characters be smart and honest, instead of just throwing in drama for no reason.
The book’s rules for superspies add another layer. Yardley and KC have to hide their feelings to stay safe. That made every stolen moment feel even more special. I kept thinking, “Will they finally let their guard down?” That question kept me turning the pages.
Action and Secrets
If I Told You doesn’t just give you romance. The spy action had me on the edge of my seat. I could almost feel the rush during chase scenes and secret missions. The story mixes heart-pounding thrills with swoon-worthy moments, and I never felt bored.
The missions are fast and sometimes wild. I loved the gadgets, even if some felt a bit silly.
Every secret Yardley and KC keep adds to the tension. I wanted to yell at them to just talk, but I understood why they couldn’t.
The danger feels real. I worried about what would happen next, and that kept me reading late into the night.
Sometimes, I had to stop and catch my breath. The mix of action and romance left me gasping and grinning at the same time.
The balance between romance and espionage works because the stakes are high on both sides. Yardley and KC risk their hearts and their lives. The second-chance dynamic makes every mission feel personal. I cared about the outcome, not just for the mission, but for their relationship too.
If I Told You stands out because it never lets one side take over. The romance and the spy plot work together. I felt every twist, every kiss, and every secret. That’s what made this book so much fun for me.
Characters
Protagonists
Yardley and KC grabbed my attention right away. I saw pieces of myself in both of them, even though their lives look nothing like mine. Yardley’s stubborn streak and sharp wit made her feel real. She messes up, gets scared, and sometimes lets her feelings get the best of her.
KC, on the other hand, brings a softer energy but never backs down from a challenge. I loved how their flaws made them relatable. I didn’t need to be a spy to understand Yardley’s fear of letting people in or KC’s struggle to trust again.
I noticed that younger readers often connect with characters like Yardley and KC because they see who they might become, not just who they are now. The book shows their motivations and vulnerabilities, which made me root for them even harder.
Their emotional stakes felt high. Every choice mattered. I saw them grow, stumble, and pick themselves back up. That’s what kept me invested. I didn’t just want them to win the mission—I wanted them to find happiness, too.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast in If I Told You adds so much flavor. I met quirky teammates, strict mentors, and even a few rivals who kept things interesting. These characters didn’t just fill space. They pushed Yardley and KC to grow, challenged their choices, and sometimes offered comic relief when things got tense.
Supporting characters act as foils, showing off the main duo’s strengths and weaknesses.
They help move the plot forward by asking tough questions or making bold moves.
Their presence reveals more about Yardley and KC’s inner worlds.
Writers from shows like She-Ra say that a strong supporting cast makes the story richer and more fun. I felt that here. Every side character brought something new, making the story feel bigger and more real. I found myself caring about their fates, too—always a good sign in a spy romance!
Pacing and Plot
Flow
I flew through this book. The pacing felt smooth, like the story just pulled me along. I never got stuck or lost. The author uses short chapters and quick scenes, which made it easy to keep reading “just one more.” I noticed the story never dragged. Each event got just enough time to matter, but nothing lingered too long.
Good pacing keeps me hooked. If a book moves too slow, I start to skim. If it jumps around, I get confused. Here, the flow worked. The story fit the characters and the genre. I didn’t trip over awkward sentences or weird breaks.
Here’s what helped the flow:
Short chapters kept the energy up.
Natural dialogue made scenes feel real.
Clear action helped me follow what was happening.
No confusing jumps between scenes or timelines.
Writers say that smooth pacing means readers move through the story without interruption. Bad writing, repetition, or confusion can break the flow. I didn’t see much of that here. The author picked the right spots for breaks and kept the story moving.
Strengths and Weaknesses
I loved the fast pace. The story never let me get bored. The action scenes felt quick and exciting. The romance had just enough slow moments to let me breathe.
Still, I noticed a few weak spots:
Some twists felt a bit predictable.
A couple of scenes ended too quickly, leaving me wanting more detail.
The spy gadgets sometimes felt silly instead of cool.
But the strengths won out for me:
The plot kept me turning pages.
The stakes felt real for both the mission and the romance.
I cared about what happened next.
If you want a book that moves fast and keeps you guessing, this one delivers. I finished it in two nights and never once felt like putting it down.
Writing Style
Voice
The voice in this book feels like a friend whispering secrets in your ear. I noticed right away how the author’s style matches the story’s playful, secretive mood. The writing sounds honest and real, never stiff or fake.
I could hear Yardley’s sarcasm and KC’s softer tone in every chapter. This made the story feel close and personal, not distant or cold.
The author balances their own personality with what readers want. I never felt pushed away or confused.
The story uses simple words and short sentences. This keeps things moving and makes the book easy to follow.
I saw how the author’s choices—like using first-person and lots of dialogue—helped me connect with the characters.
The narrative voice blends the author’s style with the narrator’s unique sound. This mix shapes the mood and tone, making the story feel both fun and a little dangerous.
Dialogue
The dialogue in If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You stands out. Every conversation feels natural, like something I’d overhear in a coffee shop. The characters don’t just talk—they reveal secrets, tease each other, and sometimes say things they regret.
I loved how the dialogue showed who Yardley and KC really are, without the author spelling it out.
Dialogue moves the plot forward and shows what the characters want.
I picked up on hidden feelings and tension just from how they spoke.
The mix of jokes, arguments, and quiet moments made the story feel alive.
Good dialogue lets me see inside the characters’ heads. Here, it’s never just “talking heads”—body language and setting add extra meaning, making every scene pop.
Themes
Trust and Identity
Trust and identity shape every page of this story. I felt the weight of secrets pressing down on Yardley and KC. Their missions forced them to hide parts of themselves, even from each other. I saw how trust grew slowly, sometimes breaking, sometimes healing.
The book made me think about how hard it is to let someone see the real you, especially when you have so much to lose.
Trust builds through honest moments and tough choices. I watched Yardley and KC struggle to open up, knowing one wrong move could ruin everything.
Secrecy runs deep. The story uses private letters and hidden messages to show what the characters can’t say out loud.
Identity comes alive in the way each woman tells her story. Their voices feel raw and real, shaped by fear, hope, and love.
The story lets me see turning points—moments when trust is tested or a secret finally comes out. These scenes left me holding my breath.
I loved how the book didn’t make trust easy. It showed me that being honest can feel risky, but it’s the only way to build something real.
Queer Representation
This book stands out for its positive, honest queer representation. I saw myself in Yardley and KC, and I know many readers feel the same. The story doesn’t just mention LGBTQ+ themes—it celebrates them. I noticed how the author weaves in different aspects of identity, from gender expression to family support.
I noticed a lot of love for the book’s representation in reader reviews. People talk about how it normalizes queer relationships and shows real support from friends and family. The story doesn’t shy away from tough topics, but it also gives space for joy and hope. That balance made me smile and feel seen.
Strengths & Weaknesses
I have to admit, this book made me do that thing where I promise myself, “Just one more chapter,” and then suddenly it’s 3 a.m. That’s always a good sign. Still, I want to be fair and share both the highs and the lows, just like any honest review should.
What worked for me:
Characters felt alive. Yardley and KC jumped off the page. Their banter and struggles made me care about them.
Romance and action blended well. I loved how the story mixed heart-pounding missions with sweet, awkward moments.
Queer representation felt real. The book didn’t just check a box. It showed love, support, and real challenges.
Fast pace kept me hooked. Short chapters and quick scenes made it hard to put down.
What didn’t work as well:
Some twists felt a little predictable. I guessed a few reveals before they happened.
A couple of spy gadgets made me laugh, but not always in a good way. They felt a bit silly.
Sometimes, I wanted more detail. A few scenes ended too quickly, leaving me wanting more.
I’ve seen other readers say the same thing: strong characters and vivid moments, but a few bumps in pacing and believability. I think that’s fair. The book left me smiling, but I wouldn’t call it jaw-dropping. If you want a fun, queer spy romance, this one delivers, even if it’s not perfect.
Comparison
Similar Books
I always love finding books that give me the same rush as If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You. If you want more stories with sapphic romance and spy action, here are a few that popped into my mind:
The Spy with the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke: This one mixes magic, spies, and queer characters. I felt the same kind of excitement and tension.
Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee: It’s got secret identities, LGBTQ+ leads, and a fun, fast pace. I smiled a lot reading it.
Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy: Not exactly spies, but it has queer heroes, wild adventures, and a lot of heart.
If you like stories where girls get to save the day and fall in love, these books might hit the spot.
What Sets It Apart
I’ll be honest, If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You stands out for a few reasons:
The second-chance romance feels raw and real. I could feel the history between Yardley and KC in every scene.
The book’s spy rules add a playful twist. I laughed at some of them, but they made the story unique.
The queer representation isn’t just a side note. It’s front and center, and it feels joyful, not just dramatic.
The mix of action and romance kept me flipping pages. I never felt like one part took over.
I have to give props to Mae Marvel for making a story that feels both fun and honest. I finished the last page wishing I could read it again for the first time.
I stayed up way too late with If I Told You. The mix of spy action, sapphic romance, and real, lovable characters pulled me in.
If you want a story with heart and secrets, this one’s for you.
I’d rate it a solid 7/10.
I’d read it again just for the feels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book safe for younger teens?
I’d say yes. The romance feels sweet, not graphic. The action stays fun. I didn’t spot anything that would make me worry for younger readers.
Do I need to love spy stories to enjoy this?
Not at all! I love a good spy twist, but the romance and character growth pulled me in. If you like strong characters, you’ll have fun.
Will there be a sequel?
I haven’t seen any news about a sequel yet. I hope the author writes more, though. I’d read another adventure with Yardley and KC in a heartbeat.
