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A review by rachaelarsenault
If I Told You, I'd Have to Kiss You by Mae Marvel
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a solid, enjoyable book. My favourite aspect was definitely the plot surrounding the black op and dangerous tech - I think it was really well-executed, with good foreshadowing, twists, and tension. I also really appreciated how many of the spies were female and/or queer in a line of work that is usually male-dominated. And, in general, the spy-ness of it all was very engaging and fun and believably written.
The part that was more lacking was, sadly, the romance. There wasn't even necessarily anything wrong with the romance - Yardley and KC were well-realized characters on their own, and I completely understood the conflict that arose in their relationship, and I thought the story did a good job of showing how they grew as individuals before they were able to grow back together as a couple. But the problem is that I really only saw them as a couple in crisis trying to mend things. I know this is probably a personal preference thing - some people live for second-chance romances and established couples in stories - but I found it hard to connect with a relationship that I mostly only saw on its bad days. I think maybe a handful of flashbacks could have remedied this. The narration alludes to happy moments together earlier in their relationship, but readers never actually get to sit in and experience those moments.
I also think the book is mismarketed slightly. The title, cover art style, and description all gave me the impression that this would be a bit of a comedy. It is very much not. This book leans very serious and tense, with much more emphasis on action and romance than levity.
Overall, this was a good book. I would definitely consider reading from these authors again.
This was a solid, enjoyable book. My favourite aspect was definitely the plot surrounding the black op and dangerous tech - I think it was really well-executed, with good foreshadowing, twists, and tension. I also really appreciated how many of the spies were female and/or queer in a line of work that is usually male-dominated. And, in general, the spy-ness of it all was very engaging and fun and believably written.
The part that was more lacking was, sadly, the romance. There wasn't even necessarily anything wrong with the romance - Yardley and KC were well-realized characters on their own, and I completely understood the conflict that arose in their relationship, and I thought the story did a good job of showing how they grew as individuals before they were able to grow back together as a couple. But the problem is that I really only saw them as a couple in crisis trying to mend things. I know this is probably a personal preference thing - some people live for second-chance romances and established couples in stories - but I found it hard to connect with a relationship that I mostly only saw on its bad days. I think maybe a handful of flashbacks could have remedied this. The narration alludes to happy moments together earlier in their relationship, but readers never actually get to sit in and experience those moments.
I also think the book is mismarketed slightly. The title, cover art style, and description all gave me the impression that this would be a bit of a comedy. It is very much not. This book leans very serious and tense, with much more emphasis on action and romance than levity.
Overall, this was a good book. I would definitely consider reading from these authors again.