If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You

Marvel, the pen name for authors Annie Mare and Ruthie Knox (who previously collaborated on Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous), delivers an enthralling combination of thrilling action and sweet, sexy romance. It was love at first sight when Yardley and KC met three years ago, but now their relationship is foundering, burdened with the weight of lies on both sides. What neither woman realizes is that they’re keeping the same secret: they’re both spies working for the same agency under whimsical code names (“the Unicorn” and “Tabasco,” respectively). When a mission goes sideways and the truth comes out, KC and Yardley try to put their drama aside and work toward the greater good—but there’s no denying the complicated feelings they still have for one another. The authors do a good job balancing internal and external conflict as the unabashedly queer Mr. and Mrs. Smith-esque plot picks up. The international intrigue and well-plotted action sequences evoke James Bond, but the story keeps a sense of cozy sweetness at its core and wears its politics on its sleeve, extolling the virtues of diversity, public service, and queer love. It’s a delightful diversion. Agents: (for Mare) Tara Gelsomino, One Track Literary; (for Knox) Pamela Harty, Knight Agency. (June)