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Love and Other Conspiracies
The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.
Hallie Barrett's life has imploded after she's dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.
Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition.
As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again.
Hallie Barrett's life has imploded after she's dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.
Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition.
As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 20, 2024
647 people are currently reading
38256 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Marlowe
3 books913 followersMallory Marlowe is the USA Today Bestselling author of Love and Other Conspiracies, Love at First Sighting, and Entities to Lovers. Seriously right-brained since childhood, her love of telling stories began with highly elaborate plots for her Barbie dolls and taking elementary school writing projects too seriously. She studied Writing for Film and TV at Emerson College. When she isn’t writing, she’s likely reading, stuck in L.A. traffic, or fallen down a weird internet rabbit hole. She lives in Los Angeles, CA and writes video games by day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,501 reviews
November 7, 2024
This was a bit cringe, but the MMC was super sweet and cute. I wish this involved more monster hunting and less cringe. Full review to come.
╰⪼ 👻Insta Love/Lust
╰⪼ 🧟♀️Cryptids/Ghosts/Unexplained Weirdness
╰⪼ 💚Opposites Attract
╰⪼ 👽One Bed
╰⪼ 👻Forced Proximity
╰⪼ 🧟♀️Cinnamon Roll MMC
╰⪼ 💚Workplace Romance
╰⪼ 👽No Third Act
╰⪼ 👻Monster Hunting/Conspiracy Theories
╰⪼ 🧟♀️Geeky Weirdness
╰⪼ 💚He Falls First
╰⪼ 👽Tattooed/Glasses Wearing MMC
╰⪼ 👻Insta Love/Lust
╰⪼ 🧟♀️Cryptids/Ghosts/Unexplained Weirdness
╰⪼ 💚Opposites Attract
╰⪼ 👽One Bed
╰⪼ 👻Forced Proximity
╰⪼ 🧟♀️Cinnamon Roll MMC
╰⪼ 💚Workplace Romance
╰⪼ 👽No Third Act
╰⪼ 👻Monster Hunting/Conspiracy Theories
╰⪼ 🧟♀️Geeky Weirdness
╰⪼ 💚He Falls First
╰⪼ 👽Tattooed/Glasses Wearing MMC
April 8, 2024
✨ARC Review 3.5 Stars ✨
Publishing Date: August 20,2024
“Sometimes the truth is the real story. It’s all a matter of what you believe. Some people trust what they’re told, some of us don’t”
Brief Summary-
A fun and quirky debut rom com you follow two very different main characters. You have Hallie who is down bad and looking for promising new storyline for her job so she stumbles upon Hayden a big cinnamon roll conspiracy theorist. She sets up a meeting with Hayden to see if they would work together in a show based around finding, Bigfoot, aliens and all sorts if cryptids. Hayden agree only if Hallie will be his co-host.
What To Expect
👽Aliens
👽Spooky & Cryptid Hunting
👽Cinnamon Roll Love Interest
👽YouTube Web Series Co- Host
👽One Bed
👽Forced Proximity
👽Work Environment Romance
My Thoughts:
I like to wear a tin foil hat to some degree. So to read a romance novel centered around the MMC being a conspiracy theorist was interesting. The plot was so entertaining and paced really well. It was fun to read about aliens and Bigfoot etc. This was a somewhat lighthearted read and certainly goofy. But the subplot held some heavy weight. With that being said I really enjoyed this book.
Hayden & Hallie were such fun and likable characters. The banter between these two will have you blushing and kicking your feet in the air. I loved witnessing Hallie’s growth throughout the book 🥹
This story is told from Hallie’s POV and I really wish it was told in a Dual POV.
I definitely recommend this read, if you want a quick, quirky and some spice this book is for you.
Playlist-
👻You’re On Your Own Kid- Taylor Swift
👻Just A Girl- No Doubt
👻Basket Case- Green Day
👻What’s My Age Again- Blink 182
👻American Idiot- Green Day
👻Semi Charmed Life- Third Eye Blind
👻My Own Worst Enemy- Lit
👻The Middle- Jimmy Eat World
👻Drive- Incubus
👻Champange Problems- Taylor Swift
👻You’ve Got The Love- Florence and The Machine
👻Too Sweet- Hozier
👻Sweet Creature- Harry Style
👻Slow Burn- Kacey Musgraves
👻Work Song- Hozier
👻Iris- The Goo Goo Dolls
✨ Thanks to NetGalley, Mallory Marlowe, and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨
Publishing Date: August 20,2024
“Sometimes the truth is the real story. It’s all a matter of what you believe. Some people trust what they’re told, some of us don’t”
Brief Summary-
A fun and quirky debut rom com you follow two very different main characters. You have Hallie who is down bad and looking for promising new storyline for her job so she stumbles upon Hayden a big cinnamon roll conspiracy theorist. She sets up a meeting with Hayden to see if they would work together in a show based around finding, Bigfoot, aliens and all sorts if cryptids. Hayden agree only if Hallie will be his co-host.
What To Expect
👽Aliens
👽Spooky & Cryptid Hunting
👽Cinnamon Roll Love Interest
👽YouTube Web Series Co- Host
👽One Bed
👽Forced Proximity
👽Work Environment Romance
My Thoughts:
I like to wear a tin foil hat to some degree. So to read a romance novel centered around the MMC being a conspiracy theorist was interesting. The plot was so entertaining and paced really well. It was fun to read about aliens and Bigfoot etc. This was a somewhat lighthearted read and certainly goofy. But the subplot held some heavy weight. With that being said I really enjoyed this book.
Hayden & Hallie were such fun and likable characters. The banter between these two will have you blushing and kicking your feet in the air. I loved witnessing Hallie’s growth throughout the book 🥹
This story is told from Hallie’s POV and I really wish it was told in a Dual POV.
I definitely recommend this read, if you want a quick, quirky and some spice this book is for you.
Playlist-
👻You’re On Your Own Kid- Taylor Swift
👻Just A Girl- No Doubt
👻Basket Case- Green Day
👻What’s My Age Again- Blink 182
👻American Idiot- Green Day
👻Semi Charmed Life- Third Eye Blind
👻My Own Worst Enemy- Lit
👻The Middle- Jimmy Eat World
👻Drive- Incubus
👻Champange Problems- Taylor Swift
👻You’ve Got The Love- Florence and The Machine
👻Too Sweet- Hozier
👻Sweet Creature- Harry Style
👻Slow Burn- Kacey Musgraves
👻Work Song- Hozier
👻Iris- The Goo Goo Dolls
✨ Thanks to NetGalley, Mallory Marlowe, and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨
October 13, 2024
A fun fall romance treat with X-Files vibes. Right up my alley :)
April 2, 2024
I finished this after being in a major slump, and it ended up being absolutely so cute!! Any time you have two people absolutely nerding out on their passions and lifting each other up in what makes them happy - you can root for the character's romance.
(But also, as a Kentuckian, I'm pretty sure we're obligated to think anything with Big Foot on the cover is adorable. It's all over our state parks, etc., and it's hilarious. Legends, myths, and tall tales abound in our mountainous regions!)
**Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
↑↑ Update - After Re-Starting & Finally Finishing 4-2-2024 ↑↑
I'm putting this down for now and coming back to it in a couple of weeks. I just couldn't get into it because I felt completely disconnected from the characters. BUT I THINK IT'S ME!! Maybe I'm in a slump? More accurately, I'm just really distracted. Usually, when this happens, I'm at the point where I need something to listen to while I'm busy working through other things, right? Get busy, need something digital to take with me?
That just wasn't the case here. I've tried to read it for about 9 days, and I just can't make myself pick it back up.
A few positives: I actually really liked the idea of both characters? Both seemed fun and interesting. I like interesting people and interesting careers/passionate people ya know?
- A fun story line. I just wanted it to have more depth.
↑↑↑ Update March 19th, 2024 ↑↑↑
--
⬇⬇ Started March 6th, 2024: ⬇⬇
Y'all - I was WAY too excited for this ARC. lol - I'm diving in today, and I'm sure I'll love it so please wait with baited breath for the review of this rom-com!
(But also, as a Kentuckian, I'm pretty sure we're obligated to think anything with Big Foot on the cover is adorable. It's all over our state parks, etc., and it's hilarious. Legends, myths, and tall tales abound in our mountainous regions!)
**Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
↑↑ Update - After Re-Starting & Finally Finishing 4-2-2024 ↑↑
I'm putting this down for now and coming back to it in a couple of weeks. I just couldn't get into it because I felt completely disconnected from the characters. BUT I THINK IT'S ME!! Maybe I'm in a slump? More accurately, I'm just really distracted. Usually, when this happens, I'm at the point where I need something to listen to while I'm busy working through other things, right? Get busy, need something digital to take with me?
That just wasn't the case here. I've tried to read it for about 9 days, and I just can't make myself pick it back up.
A few positives: I actually really liked the idea of both characters? Both seemed fun and interesting. I like interesting people and interesting careers/passionate people ya know?
- A fun story line. I just wanted it to have more depth.
↑↑↑ Update March 19th, 2024 ↑↑↑
--
⬇⬇ Started March 6th, 2024: ⬇⬇
Y'all - I was WAY too excited for this ARC. lol - I'm diving in today, and I'm sure I'll love it so please wait with baited breath for the review of this rom-com!
August 18, 2024
ok.. so, i actually did like the idea of a paranormal romance focused around uncovering different conspiracy theories.. too bad there was barely any of that in the actual book. i honestly couldn’t stand the fmc Hallie, i get that she’s insecure but she’s also the type to never stop complaining and whining about everything while jumping to conclusions every chance she got, which made her very unlikable. Hayden is a nice enough guy who isn’t afraid to show emotion but nothing about him stands out— the fact that they have zero chemistry didn’t help either. i just couldn’t care less about anything going on in this book with the family drama, romance or podcast episodes. i wouldn’t say this is a bad book necessarily, it was just a complete miss for me personally.
➣ many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc, all opinions are my own.
➣ many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc, all opinions are my own.
February 26, 2025
This quirky, entertaining, and humorous take on the X-Files, coupled with higher chemistry and wittier banter, offers everything you need from a promising debut romance featuring opposites attracting and love in the workplace themes! While I'm not sure if the truth is out there, I'm a hundred percent convinced that love is in the air when I dive into Hallie and Hayden's paranormal adventures. It's the kind of concept that makes me wish there was a real TV show like this to watch.
Let's take a closer look at the plot: Hallie Barrett, creative, smart, and aspiring producer, knows how to craft a great show concept and execute it from scratch. However, her self-esteem takes a hit after her emotional ex, Cade, who was also her co-worker, steals her project and spreads rumors that she's difficult to work with. With her job on the line, Hallie has to come up with a new show project and pitch it to her boss in a few days to prove her worth at the studio.
As she searches through various media platforms, including podcasts, her hopes begin to wane until she stumbles upon reruns of a late-night docu-series about Bigfoot. It's not the concept that catches her interest but the charisma and quirky sweetness of the showrunner, Hayden Hargrove. Hayden, a successful cryptid expert on his podcast, has a large following and captures the attention of viewers effortlessly. Despite being a nonbeliever,
Hallie decides to reach out to Hayden. However, their initial meeting results in a disastrous Hollywood ghost tour, yet their undeniable attraction is palpable. Hallie manages to convince her bosses to greenlight the project, but there's one major problem: Hayden gets nervous in the spotlight, and Hallie finds herself questioning him and his conspiracy theories during filming. Little does she know, their banter attracts even more attention, turning her into the co-host of the show—the Skylar to his Mulder: one believer, one skeptic. Together, they set out to create a kickass show that includes ghost hunting, contacting aliens, and searching for traces of cryptids like Bigfoot, Mothman, El Chupacabra, the Yeti, Loch Ness Monster, and the Jersey Devil.
For the show to be successful, Hallie must focus on two things: not falling in love with her very attractive, goofy host, and ignoring the hurtful comments from her ex, who likely won't make her climb up the success ladder easy. However, that's easier said than done, especially when she spends most of her time with Hayden and their attraction threatens to set their entire show ablaze!
Overall, this is an easy-to-read, highly enjoyable debut romance with lovable, uniquely charming characters that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with this digital reviewer copy for my honest thoughts.
If you’re interested in reading my extended book reviews, movie critiques, and hilarious astrology articles, be sure to check out my Medium account using the link below:
medium.com
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Let's take a closer look at the plot: Hallie Barrett, creative, smart, and aspiring producer, knows how to craft a great show concept and execute it from scratch. However, her self-esteem takes a hit after her emotional ex, Cade, who was also her co-worker, steals her project and spreads rumors that she's difficult to work with. With her job on the line, Hallie has to come up with a new show project and pitch it to her boss in a few days to prove her worth at the studio.
As she searches through various media platforms, including podcasts, her hopes begin to wane until she stumbles upon reruns of a late-night docu-series about Bigfoot. It's not the concept that catches her interest but the charisma and quirky sweetness of the showrunner, Hayden Hargrove. Hayden, a successful cryptid expert on his podcast, has a large following and captures the attention of viewers effortlessly. Despite being a nonbeliever,
Hallie decides to reach out to Hayden. However, their initial meeting results in a disastrous Hollywood ghost tour, yet their undeniable attraction is palpable. Hallie manages to convince her bosses to greenlight the project, but there's one major problem: Hayden gets nervous in the spotlight, and Hallie finds herself questioning him and his conspiracy theories during filming. Little does she know, their banter attracts even more attention, turning her into the co-host of the show—the Skylar to his Mulder: one believer, one skeptic. Together, they set out to create a kickass show that includes ghost hunting, contacting aliens, and searching for traces of cryptids like Bigfoot, Mothman, El Chupacabra, the Yeti, Loch Ness Monster, and the Jersey Devil.
For the show to be successful, Hallie must focus on two things: not falling in love with her very attractive, goofy host, and ignoring the hurtful comments from her ex, who likely won't make her climb up the success ladder easy. However, that's easier said than done, especially when she spends most of her time with Hayden and their attraction threatens to set their entire show ablaze!
Overall, this is an easy-to-read, highly enjoyable debut romance with lovable, uniquely charming characters that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with this digital reviewer copy for my honest thoughts.
If you’re interested in reading my extended book reviews, movie critiques, and hilarious astrology articles, be sure to check out my Medium account using the link below:
medium.com
July 14, 2025
Hallie Barrett made the classic mistake of dating a co-worker. The guy was also a mega-jerk and after their split, it actually had a huge impact on Hallie's position at her job.
She's been pulled from the online series she was producing and needs to come up with something new to present the execs, and quickly. Inspiration strikes after watching a late-night docuseries where she sees the most handsome man discussing Bigfoot theories.
Hayden Hargrove has made a name for himself with his podcast. He's an expert on cryptids and was a guest on the show that caught Hallie's attention.
She reaches out to him and pitches her ideas. He can't help but be intrigued by the captivating blue-haired producer who has offered him a great opportunity. To her surprise, he accepts her offer to work with her on her new show.
Unfortunately, Hayden is used to podcasting and his solo on-screen performance isn't great. Trying to make him more comfortable, Hallie jumps on camera too and it's then when the magic happens.
Their chemistry is great and Hayden seems much more capable of making his points with someone there to banter off from. Thus, their on-screen relationship is born, but what's gonna happen when the camera stops rolling?
This was really cute. I definitely got invested in Hallie, Hayden and their relationship. I loved the initial set-up for how they came into each other's orbits, and appreciated that the author didn't rely too heavily on miscommunication to keep the story progressing.
In fact, there really wasn't any miscommunication between the love interests, which IMO was SOOOO refreshing to see.
A lot of the drama really stemmed from Hallie's job and ex, trying to pick up the pieces and get her life back on track. Hayden also had some personal issues, mostly related to his parents. I thought the author did a great job introducing all these topics and seeing them through to their conclusions.
Overall, Love and Other Conspiracies was sort of nerdy, hella sweet and succeeded in keeping me fully engaged throughout. I loved the banter between Hallie and Hayden, but also the more serious moments, how supportive they were of one another.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was such a solid Romance debut. I can't wait for more from this author!
She's been pulled from the online series she was producing and needs to come up with something new to present the execs, and quickly. Inspiration strikes after watching a late-night docuseries where she sees the most handsome man discussing Bigfoot theories.
Hayden Hargrove has made a name for himself with his podcast. He's an expert on cryptids and was a guest on the show that caught Hallie's attention.
She reaches out to him and pitches her ideas. He can't help but be intrigued by the captivating blue-haired producer who has offered him a great opportunity. To her surprise, he accepts her offer to work with her on her new show.
Unfortunately, Hayden is used to podcasting and his solo on-screen performance isn't great. Trying to make him more comfortable, Hallie jumps on camera too and it's then when the magic happens.
Their chemistry is great and Hayden seems much more capable of making his points with someone there to banter off from. Thus, their on-screen relationship is born, but what's gonna happen when the camera stops rolling?
This was really cute. I definitely got invested in Hallie, Hayden and their relationship. I loved the initial set-up for how they came into each other's orbits, and appreciated that the author didn't rely too heavily on miscommunication to keep the story progressing.
In fact, there really wasn't any miscommunication between the love interests, which IMO was SOOOO refreshing to see.
A lot of the drama really stemmed from Hallie's job and ex, trying to pick up the pieces and get her life back on track. Hayden also had some personal issues, mostly related to his parents. I thought the author did a great job introducing all these topics and seeing them through to their conclusions.
Overall, Love and Other Conspiracies was sort of nerdy, hella sweet and succeeded in keeping me fully engaged throughout. I loved the banter between Hallie and Hayden, but also the more serious moments, how supportive they were of one another.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was such a solid Romance debut. I can't wait for more from this author!
November 14, 2024
✩ 4.25 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ Workplace Romance
➼ Cinnamon Roll MMC
➼ Only One Bed (On a Haunted Boat 👻)
➼ Web Series
➼ Chasing Legendary Creatures 👻🛸👽👣✨🧜🏼♀️
➼ Skeptic x True Believer
➼ He Takes Care of Her When She’s Sick 🥹
➼ First Person POV
This was so adorably wholesome and sweet. The Dark Romance girlies can keep Haunting Adeline, I want a man who takes care of me when I’m sick and takes me to the playground to cheer me up when I’m sad. 😁 Goals. 🙌🏻 Honestly this entire plot sounds like an ideal life to me! Pick me to play the skeptic and travel the world looking for ghosts and monsters and legendary creatures! Where do I sign up?!
Hayden & Hallie were such a sweet pairing. ♥️ I loved their banter and how respectful they were to each other despite their differing views. I also loved that the author included deeper themes of grief, feelings of inadequacy, and emotional abuse. The characters supported each other so well and provided such a beautiful depiction of a healthy relationship. 👏🏻👏🏻 This is what I want to see in a rom-com!
I would have liked to see a little more evidence of monsters and paranormal activity, but the author does throw her readers a bone at the end. 👀
This was such a fun read and would make an excellent palate cleanser! 👻👣👽🛸✨
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read:
This premise is so cute! I’m seeing mixed reviews but I have a good feeling about this one! 👣✨
What to Expect:
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ Workplace Romance
➼ Cinnamon Roll MMC
➼ Only One Bed (On a Haunted Boat 👻)
➼ Web Series
➼ Chasing Legendary Creatures 👻🛸👽👣✨🧜🏼♀️
➼ Skeptic x True Believer
➼ He Takes Care of Her When She’s Sick 🥹
➼ First Person POV
This was so adorably wholesome and sweet. The Dark Romance girlies can keep Haunting Adeline, I want a man who takes care of me when I’m sick and takes me to the playground to cheer me up when I’m sad. 😁 Goals. 🙌🏻 Honestly this entire plot sounds like an ideal life to me! Pick me to play the skeptic and travel the world looking for ghosts and monsters and legendary creatures! Where do I sign up?!
Hayden & Hallie were such a sweet pairing. ♥️ I loved their banter and how respectful they were to each other despite their differing views. I also loved that the author included deeper themes of grief, feelings of inadequacy, and emotional abuse. The characters supported each other so well and provided such a beautiful depiction of a healthy relationship. 👏🏻👏🏻 This is what I want to see in a rom-com!
I would have liked to see a little more evidence of monsters and paranormal activity, but the author does throw her readers a bone at the end. 👀
This was such a fun read and would make an excellent palate cleanser! 👻👣👽🛸✨
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read:
This premise is so cute! I’m seeing mixed reviews but I have a good feeling about this one! 👣✨
Read
February 12, 2026Debut romcom in which Hallie needs to come up wih a web series urgently and turns to conspiracy theorist podcaster Hayden to create a show. (Can I say here, I don't know why arts companies in romcoms never have basic planning schedules that allow for things to be moved around a bit, rather than constantly demanding entire massive projects be pulled out of someone's bum at the last minute. BUT HERE WE ARE it's a trope.)
Anyway. Web series, Hayden is a true believer, Hallie is a sceptic, it becomes apparent he needs her to spar with him on camera for best results, and off we go into an entertaining tour of US creepy sites and peculiar theories along with a very sweet slow burn romance.
I enjoyed a lot about this. Hallie's dreadful, abusive ex is a slightly obvious villain but I liked how the plotline was dealt with (and also that the real monster, in true Scooby-Doo style, is a man masking his villainy at work). Hayden is rather lovely: very gentle, seriously short-sighted (myopia, not metaphorical), very good at compromise and support. Hallie is sparky and has some excellent lines.
The problem is, and I don't think it's the book's fault so much as the world's, I found it really hard to treat the conspiracy theories as a fun hobby. The book argues that it's harmless entertainment, people wanting magic in their lives, and in the case of cryptid hunting, maybe it is. And Hayden specifically doesn't believe in racist conspiracy theories and doesn't cover them on his show. But the thing is...even harmless conspiracy theories *lead* to racism, and especially antisemitism. Flat earth > there is a global conspiracy against the people led by a shadowy group, guess who. The government is hiding Area 51 > the government uses vaccines for mind control. And so on. Conspiracy theories in our Age of Algorithmic Gullibility do real world harm, and I just couldn't quite let that go enough to take full enjoyment of the story on its own clearly stated terms.
Sigh. This is why we can't have nice things.
Anyway. Web series, Hayden is a true believer, Hallie is a sceptic, it becomes apparent he needs her to spar with him on camera for best results, and off we go into an entertaining tour of US creepy sites and peculiar theories along with a very sweet slow burn romance.
I enjoyed a lot about this. Hallie's dreadful, abusive ex is a slightly obvious villain but I liked how the plotline was dealt with (and also that the real monster, in true Scooby-Doo style, is a man masking his villainy at work). Hayden is rather lovely: very gentle, seriously short-sighted (myopia, not metaphorical), very good at compromise and support. Hallie is sparky and has some excellent lines.
The problem is, and I don't think it's the book's fault so much as the world's, I found it really hard to treat the conspiracy theories as a fun hobby. The book argues that it's harmless entertainment, people wanting magic in their lives, and in the case of cryptid hunting, maybe it is. And Hayden specifically doesn't believe in racist conspiracy theories and doesn't cover them on his show. But the thing is...even harmless conspiracy theories *lead* to racism, and especially antisemitism. Flat earth > there is a global conspiracy against the people led by a shadowy group, guess who. The government is hiding Area 51 > the government uses vaccines for mind control. And so on. Conspiracy theories in our Age of Algorithmic Gullibility do real world harm, and I just couldn't quite let that go enough to take full enjoyment of the story on its own clearly stated terms.
Sigh. This is why we can't have nice things.
August 14, 2024
Love and Other Conspiracies is an adorably refreshing friends-to-lovers workplace romance! The story was so fun and sweet, I loved how Hallie and Hayden were so unabashedly charmed by each other despite their opposing views. The way their relationship unraveled as the two got to know one another and become best friends was so sweet. Hayden was a major green flag in every way, the man deserves a medal for his healthy communication and vulnerability. Beyond the romance and characters, the story went by so fast with conspiracies and monster hunting as the perfect breakup to the central workplace setting and drama. I will absolutely be on the lookout for more from Mallory Marlowe, I cannot wait to read her next book!
Read if you like:
🛸Hurt and Comfort🛸
🛸Forced Proximity🛸
🛸Bigfoot, Mothman, and More🛸
🛸Friends to Lovers🛸
🛸Only One Bed🛸
🛸 A Tattooed and Bearded MC🛸
🛸Mutual Pining🛸
🛸Open Door Steam🛸
~Many thanks to Berkley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
Read if you like:
🛸Hurt and Comfort🛸
🛸Forced Proximity🛸
🛸Bigfoot, Mothman, and More🛸
🛸Friends to Lovers🛸
🛸Only One Bed🛸
🛸 A Tattooed and Bearded MC🛸
🛸Mutual Pining🛸
🛸Open Door Steam🛸
~Many thanks to Berkley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
August 22, 2024
Love and Other Conspiracies
by Mallory Marlowe follows Hallie, a spirited web series producer with one week to save her job by pitching a show idea. She discovers the conspiracy theories podcast "The Out There" hosted by the hot monster hunter Hayden Hargrove. Hallie sees potential, but cryptid expert Hayden is used to working off camera; however, this changes when they become cohosts.
As they team up to investigate conspiracies, ranging from government secrets to Bigfoot sightings, their contrasting personalities clash and complement each other. Along the way, a romance blossoms, but complications arise as they both start to believe in love again.
I am disappointed with this book after having had such high hopes for some conspiracy and getting more on Bigfoot. I started to have a hard time around the 40% mark. At 70% it was like sifting through quicksand. Soooooo slowwwww!!!
The premise of conspiracy theories with Scully and Mulder vibes interested me until it took a turn for therapizing between the main characters - their connection felt forced.
I enjoyed some of the banter and puns. Furthermore, I liked Hayden for his maturity and care.
Tropes:
One-Bed
Forced Proximity
Witty Banter
X-files
Conspiracies
Big Foot
Grateful to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Berkley…you’re making me blush! ☺️ THANK YOUUUU 💕
As they team up to investigate conspiracies, ranging from government secrets to Bigfoot sightings, their contrasting personalities clash and complement each other. Along the way, a romance blossoms, but complications arise as they both start to believe in love again.
I am disappointed with this book after having had such high hopes for some conspiracy and getting more on Bigfoot. I started to have a hard time around the 40% mark. At 70% it was like sifting through quicksand. Soooooo slowwwww!!!
The premise of conspiracy theories with Scully and Mulder vibes interested me until it took a turn for therapizing between the main characters - their connection felt forced.
I enjoyed some of the banter and puns. Furthermore, I liked Hayden for his maturity and care.
Tropes:
One-Bed
Forced Proximity
Witty Banter
X-files
Conspiracies
Big Foot
Grateful to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Berkley…you’re making me blush! ☺️ THANK YOUUUU 💕
August 20, 2024
✨Close Encounters of the Tattooed and Shirtless Kind✨
I really really loved this book. The concept was just so clever and fun??? I did find myself wishing that they encountered some real ghosts and cryptids and aliens, oh my! But there was a bit at the end there that gave me hope (👀)!! I definitely feel like I’m missing out by not being a conspiracy theorist!! I’m also very much missing my own super hot cryptidly tattooed conspiracy podcast host, but that goes without saying.
I really enjoyed reading about the different conspiracy theories and desperately wish The Out There was a real show. I flew through half of the book in a night and woke up eager to finish it—something I haven’t felt in a while! The entire book felt like *romance reasons* disguised as monster hunting which was thoroughly entertaining. If you like a tropey-to-the-point-of-campy kind of romance, this one’s definitely for you:
✨Banter as foreplay
✨Only one (haunted) bed
✨Ooposites attract
✨”So sick you act drunk” scene
✨Post shower collision (with his damp, shirtless body)
✨He gives her a niche nickname
✨Forced proximity
✨They defend each other
✨Mutual Pining
The book is first person (present tense), single POV from Hallie’s perspective, so she’s definitely the main character with the most to lose/gain. But even then, we learned a good amount about Hayden, with just the right amount of mystery surrounding his feelings—until they fell into bed, obviously. I really enjoyed the scene at his mother’s house, as we got to see a bit of his depth as well.
While this was pretty close to a five-star read for me, I did have just a few things that tripped me up. The first thing was her horrible and toxic co-worker/ex, Cade. He was very unsettling and I could’ve done without him in my cute cryptid romcom!! He didn’t add much to the plot besides stress. Like, I know what he ~technically added to the story, but if I’m being real, I just didn’t want to deal with him and the third act ruckus I KNEW he’d cause. For my health, I skipped over like every section where he was spewing vitriol, but I WAS seated for Hayden threatening him at every turn.
Further, I loved their dynamic, but I wanted a bit more depth or tension within the relationship. It was instant attraction for them both and they fit together almost a little too well. Or maybe I just needed Hayden to really crack from the sexual tension, you know? Like go kinda feral. He was maybe a ~bit too respectful? And since the third act was caused by Cade and not a conflict between the couple, the romance took a back seat at the end, which is the opposite of how I want to feel. The end was a bit anticlimactic in the romance department, but I did enjoy Cade’s breakdown.
Overall, the third act was rather annoying and the romance didn’t drive me to complete distraction, but I still had a LOT of fun. I can’t wait to reread this one via audio, as I really adore the narrator, Alex Finke, and it read like a book meant to be listened to. (I do wish they got a guy to narrate some of the episode transcripts, but I’ll definitely survive.) The teaser we got for book two kinda threw me, but I’m actually kind of obsessed?? We didn’t even meet the love interest, but I’m sold.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️*/5
*A couple of open-door scenes with low-to-medium level of detail. I could’ve used a bit more in this department, but the writing felt natural and fun with good chemistry.
Content notes from the author: Overcoming a past toxic relationship, workplace harassment by an ex-partner, past death of a parent from a terminal illness, mentions of caretaking for an ill family member, discussions of depression, recreational alcohol and marijuana usage, sexual content, and language.
I received and eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
I really really loved this book. The concept was just so clever and fun??? I did find myself wishing that they encountered some real ghosts and cryptids and aliens, oh my! But there was a bit at the end there that gave me hope (👀)!! I definitely feel like I’m missing out by not being a conspiracy theorist!! I’m also very much missing my own super hot cryptidly tattooed conspiracy podcast host, but that goes without saying.
I really enjoyed reading about the different conspiracy theories and desperately wish The Out There was a real show. I flew through half of the book in a night and woke up eager to finish it—something I haven’t felt in a while! The entire book felt like *romance reasons* disguised as monster hunting which was thoroughly entertaining. If you like a tropey-to-the-point-of-campy kind of romance, this one’s definitely for you:
✨Banter as foreplay
✨Only one (haunted) bed
✨Ooposites attract
✨”So sick you act drunk” scene
✨Post shower collision (with his damp, shirtless body)
✨He gives her a niche nickname
✨Forced proximity
✨They defend each other
✨Mutual Pining
The book is first person (present tense), single POV from Hallie’s perspective, so she’s definitely the main character with the most to lose/gain. But even then, we learned a good amount about Hayden, with just the right amount of mystery surrounding his feelings—until they fell into bed, obviously. I really enjoyed the scene at his mother’s house, as we got to see a bit of his depth as well.
While this was pretty close to a five-star read for me, I did have just a few things that tripped me up. The first thing was her horrible and toxic co-worker/ex, Cade. He was very unsettling and I could’ve done without him in my cute cryptid romcom!! He didn’t add much to the plot besides stress. Like, I know what he ~technically added to the story, but if I’m being real, I just didn’t want to deal with him and the third act ruckus I KNEW he’d cause. For my health, I skipped over like every section where he was spewing vitriol, but I WAS seated for Hayden threatening him at every turn.
Further, I loved their dynamic, but I wanted a bit more depth or tension within the relationship. It was instant attraction for them both and they fit together almost a little too well. Or maybe I just needed Hayden to really crack from the sexual tension, you know? Like go kinda feral. He was maybe a ~bit too respectful? And since the third act was caused by Cade and not a conflict between the couple, the romance took a back seat at the end, which is the opposite of how I want to feel. The end was a bit anticlimactic in the romance department, but I did enjoy Cade’s breakdown.
Overall, the third act was rather annoying and the romance didn’t drive me to complete distraction, but I still had a LOT of fun. I can’t wait to reread this one via audio, as I really adore the narrator, Alex Finke, and it read like a book meant to be listened to. (I do wish they got a guy to narrate some of the episode transcripts, but I’ll definitely survive.) The teaser we got for book two kinda threw me, but I’m actually kind of obsessed?? We didn’t even meet the love interest, but I’m sold.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️*/5
*A couple of open-door scenes with low-to-medium level of detail. I could’ve used a bit more in this department, but the writing felt natural and fun with good chemistry.
Content notes from the author: Overcoming a past toxic relationship, workplace harassment by an ex-partner, past death of a parent from a terminal illness, mentions of caretaking for an ill family member, discussions of depression, recreational alcohol and marijuana usage, sexual content, and language.
I received and eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
September 16, 2024
this was such a pleasant surprise, like i love this book sm
November 4, 2024
I need more geeky romances like this one, Dungeons and Drama and The Road to Roswell, PLEASE I'M BEGGING!! I will literally throw money at anyone who comes up with more of these, insta-preorder, all that jazz, JUST GIVE. ME. MORE.
Obviously, this was right up my alley, with conspiracy theories and creatures that absolutely do exist somewhere out there and you can't convince me otherwise.
The premise sounded so cool and it delivered, I loved every single thing about this, the story, the setting, the characters, the romance, the humour and so on and so forth. The audiobook was amazing and only made my reading experience better.
I literally cannot wait until next year when Mallory Marlowe releases another book with X Files vibes, because I know it was written with me in mind ok!! New auto-buy author acquired.
P. S. Did they actually find Bigfoot? You'll have to read and see.
Obviously, this was right up my alley, with conspiracy theories and creatures that absolutely do exist somewhere out there and you can't convince me otherwise.
The premise sounded so cool and it delivered, I loved every single thing about this, the story, the setting, the characters, the romance, the humour and so on and so forth. The audiobook was amazing and only made my reading experience better.
I literally cannot wait until next year when Mallory Marlowe releases another book with X Files vibes, because I know it was written with me in mind ok!! New auto-buy author acquired.
P. S. Did they actually find Bigfoot? You'll have to read and see.
October 13, 2024
This is my second narrated Alex Finke book and she is just incredible. I had so much fun and I was ignoring some things until the 80% mark. Then the fmc made me really mad, but she got me back at like 90%. I generally enjoyed it with how ridiculous it was.
- I didn't love the fmc 'golden ticket' thing
- I didn't love she ignored the mmc when the thing happened
- I didn't like the oh yeah by the way here's a tiny LGBT+ rep (I feel like if you are putting that in, you should have given it more than legit 2 lines out of nowhere)
- TW for gaslighting
---------------------------
If I read this on the 31st of August does it still count as my first book of the spooky season?
- I didn't love the fmc 'golden ticket' thing
- I didn't love she ignored the mmc when the thing happened
- I didn't like the oh yeah by the way here's a tiny LGBT+ rep (I feel like if you are putting that in, you should have given it more than legit 2 lines out of nowhere)
- TW for gaslighting
---------------------------
If I read this on the 31st of August does it still count as my first book of the spooky season?
Want to read
February 9, 2024it's giving buzzfeed unsolved
August 24, 2024
I was really excited about the concept of a paranormal romance focused on uncovering conspiracy theories—I mean, who wouldn't be intrigued by Bigfoot and aliens, right? But, unfortunately, this book just didn’t work for me. I found it really hard to connect with the characters, and, to be honest, I wasn’t invested in their journey at all. While Hayden and Hallie were likable enough on paper, I just didn’t feel any chemistry between them, which made it difficult to care about their relationship. 😕
✧ Workplace Romance 👔
✧ Opposites Attract 💕
✧ Forced Proximity 💼
✧ One Bed 💖
✧ Cinnamon Roll Hero ✨
✧ Lighthearted Romance 💘
For me, the biggest issue was that the story felt kind of boring and lacked depth. I wanted to be swept away by their paranormal adventures and feel the sparks fly, but instead, I found myself just turning the pages without much excitement. The characters didn't have that extra layer of complexity that makes you want to root for them, and their connection felt more like something that was told rather than shown.
That said, I can see how this book might be enjoyable for someone else, especially if you’re into light-hearted reads with a quirky premise. The banter and the idea of a web series about cryptids could definitely appeal to some readers. But for me, it just didn’t hit the mark. Maybe I was expecting more conspiracy theories and deeper character development, but it just wasn't there.
Content Warnings:
- Overcoming a past toxic relationship
- Workplace harassment by an ex-partner
- Death of a parent from a terminal illness
- Mentions of caretaking for an ill family member
- Discussions of depression
- Recreational alcohol and marijuana usage
- Sexual content
- Language
✧ Workplace Romance 👔
✧ Opposites Attract 💕
✧ Forced Proximity 💼
✧ One Bed 💖
✧ Cinnamon Roll Hero ✨
✧ Lighthearted Romance 💘
For me, the biggest issue was that the story felt kind of boring and lacked depth. I wanted to be swept away by their paranormal adventures and feel the sparks fly, but instead, I found myself just turning the pages without much excitement. The characters didn't have that extra layer of complexity that makes you want to root for them, and their connection felt more like something that was told rather than shown.
That said, I can see how this book might be enjoyable for someone else, especially if you’re into light-hearted reads with a quirky premise. The banter and the idea of a web series about cryptids could definitely appeal to some readers. But for me, it just didn’t hit the mark. Maybe I was expecting more conspiracy theories and deeper character development, but it just wasn't there.
Content Warnings:
- Overcoming a past toxic relationship
- Workplace harassment by an ex-partner
- Death of a parent from a terminal illness
- Mentions of caretaking for an ill family member
- Discussions of depression
- Recreational alcohol and marijuana usage
- Sexual content
- Language
October 16, 2024
The cutest!!!
August 26, 2024
5 ⭐️ || TikTok ||
This was absolutely adorable! I love a good friends to lovers and this did not disappoint!
What I loved…
- Quirky, perfectly nerdy, glasses wearing, tattooed MMC
- flawed characters, with pasts, trauma, and depth!
- 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Great communication and understanding what the other needs
- love built on more than sexual attraction
- This is inexperienced done right. She admits things, they talk about it, they agree to explore together.
I am absolutely floored that this is a debut novel, Mallory Marlowe knocks it out of the park! I can’t wait to read more from her!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
----
Also I didn't read via audio but knowing Alex Finke narrates (and that she killed it narrating Ready or Not) makes me want to go back and re-read this via audio!
This was absolutely adorable! I love a good friends to lovers and this did not disappoint!
What I loved…
- Quirky, perfectly nerdy, glasses wearing, tattooed MMC
- flawed characters, with pasts, trauma, and depth!
- 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Great communication and understanding what the other needs
- love built on more than sexual attraction
- This is inexperienced done right. She admits things, they talk about it, they agree to explore together.
I am absolutely floored that this is a debut novel, Mallory Marlowe knocks it out of the park! I can’t wait to read more from her!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
----
Also I didn't read via audio but knowing Alex Finke narrates (and that she killed it narrating Ready or Not) makes me want to go back and re-read this via audio!
February 10, 2024
New cryptid uncovered: a book I wrote! :)
Just to protect my readers that I value so dearly, please see the CWs below and take care of yourselves when reading:
Love and Other Conspiracies is a romantic comedy with humor, hijinks, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. However, it does also contain the following themes and content: overcoming a past toxic relationship, workplace harassment by an ex-partner, past death of a parent from a terminal illness, mentions of caretaking for an ill family member, discussions of depression, recreational alcohol and marijuana usage, sexual content, and language. For anyone who may be sensitive to these topics, please read with care.
Just to protect my readers that I value so dearly, please see the CWs below and take care of yourselves when reading:
Love and Other Conspiracies is a romantic comedy with humor, hijinks, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. However, it does also contain the following themes and content: overcoming a past toxic relationship, workplace harassment by an ex-partner, past death of a parent from a terminal illness, mentions of caretaking for an ill family member, discussions of depression, recreational alcohol and marijuana usage, sexual content, and language. For anyone who may be sensitive to these topics, please read with care.
August 23, 2024
If you are a fan of the Ghoul Boys (a.k.a Shane and Ryan from Buzzfeed Unsolved) but wished there was a little more romance ... then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
I love a good conspiracy theory, cryptid tale and your general spooky ghost stories so when I saw that this was all that mixed with some romance I knew I had to pick this one up.
Hallie needed a new show for Skroll (think of it as Buzzfeed) before she got fired - so after getting incredibly high and turning on late night TV she found the perfect (and incredibly hot) male lead who loves a good conspiracy. Somehow she ends up being not only the producer but his co-host as well and well you know how the one bed trope goes....
I absolutely ADORED Hallie and Hayden together. It's a bit of a slow burn and with only Hallie's POV we truly don't know how he feels. (Usually I prefer dual POV - but in this instance the suspense was KILLING ME). The progression of their working relationship to friendship to more was compelling to read about and I finished this book rather quickly.
The paranormal element just added to the entire book and I was equally enthralled to see if they were actually going to find some evidence. I loved the banter between the two MCs (Hayden's the believer and Hallie is the skeptic). The tension was perfect and the character growth fit so perfectly into this tale.
I do have one qualm with this book and it's that I really wanted a smut scene where Hallie dressed up like a crypid or for Hayden to whip out a monster themed toy LOL - but that could just be my monster romance loving self with that opinion.
I highly recommend this to romance readers who love a slow burn, the one bed trope and a good conspiracy theory! Bonus points if you like Buzzfeed Unsolved because this book was EXACTLY like watching the show but with Shane being replaced with a female lead. I'm a huge fan of that show and I could tell this is where the idea came from - but I am NOT MAD about it in the slightest.
4.5 stars | 2 spice
Big thanks to Mallory Marlowe, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
I love a good conspiracy theory, cryptid tale and your general spooky ghost stories so when I saw that this was all that mixed with some romance I knew I had to pick this one up.
Hallie needed a new show for Skroll (think of it as Buzzfeed) before she got fired - so after getting incredibly high and turning on late night TV she found the perfect (and incredibly hot) male lead who loves a good conspiracy. Somehow she ends up being not only the producer but his co-host as well and well you know how the one bed trope goes....
I absolutely ADORED Hallie and Hayden together. It's a bit of a slow burn and with only Hallie's POV we truly don't know how he feels. (Usually I prefer dual POV - but in this instance the suspense was KILLING ME). The progression of their working relationship to friendship to more was compelling to read about and I finished this book rather quickly.
The paranormal element just added to the entire book and I was equally enthralled to see if they were actually going to find some evidence. I loved the banter between the two MCs (Hayden's the believer and Hallie is the skeptic). The tension was perfect and the character growth fit so perfectly into this tale.
I do have one qualm with this book and it's that I really wanted a smut scene where Hallie dressed up like a crypid or for Hayden to whip out a monster themed toy LOL - but that could just be my monster romance loving self with that opinion.
I highly recommend this to romance readers who love a slow burn, the one bed trope and a good conspiracy theory! Bonus points if you like Buzzfeed Unsolved because this book was EXACTLY like watching the show but with Shane being replaced with a female lead. I'm a huge fan of that show and I could tell this is where the idea came from - but I am NOT MAD about it in the slightest.
4.5 stars | 2 spice
Big thanks to Mallory Marlowe, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
August 13, 2024
RATING: 3✨
SPICE: 1.25🌶
This is an arc review – thank you to NetGalley and the publisher as always, extremely grateful for these opportunities!
Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe is a workplace friends to lovers, new adult/adult-ish, contemporary romance that follows our FMC Hallie, a producer looking to salvage her job with a big break, teaming up with MMC Hayden, a conspiracy theorist with a soft side who is also the host of a popular paranormal podcast, The Out There.
At first, Hallie thinks turning podcast to web show is a producer's dream. It's interesting, engaging subject matter, plus Hayden has a face that shouldn't be hidden behind a camera. But when things start off on the wrong [Big]foot and Hayden flounders in front of the camera, Hallie must step from behind the scenes and harness their natural chemistry to work together - as co-hosts. But their obvious chemistry has them working together in other ways, in and out of the workplace…
I believe this is Mallory Marlowe’s debut, and I definitely took that into my consideration when reading and writing this review. There are some definite things to appreciate here. Marlowe is a decent writer, and has an eye for creativity and harnessing the power of an engaging subject matter. I felt the passion for the subject matter that obviously inspired this, like The X-Files. It was a nice tribute, and you definitely felt its spirit with the Hayden/Hallie x Mulder/Scully dynamics, the believer/skeptic.
I also thought the characters, particularly the MMC, were very sweet overall, and the exploration of male expression of emotion and normalizing comfort-seeking (especially in the face of once being a caretaker, which the MMC was for his ill father) was so moving.
However, my biggest problem with this book is what I've noticed some contemporary romances fall into nowadays, which is creating characters full of modern pop references and catchphrases and calling that a personality, particularly if it's their quippy, snarky, sarcastic character. The FMC Hallie fell into this trap hard, for me. It felt like every other sentence was trying to hit a quota for pop culture references or certain [millennial] catchphrases. Like, for example, think along the lines of "Oh he's a consent KING", that type of language. If used intentionally and sparingly this works, but it just doesn't work for me when it's constant, nearly every page, and this led to many natural nuances being lost, and led to many instances of telling and not showing. I think about 60% of that additional fluff writing could’ve been cut, put more emphasis on the web series itself, and this would’ve been a stronger novel by far.
When the characters got into their banter and it was just them riffing off one another, no forced catchphrases or movie references, that's where the story really stood out. Or when the MCs were opening up to each other in those softer more emotional moments, it was beautiful to read. The characters really were very similar, even if their personalities were opposite, and you could definitely see how a relationship between them could work out.
SPICE: 1.25🌶
This is an arc review – thank you to NetGalley and the publisher as always, extremely grateful for these opportunities!
Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe is a workplace friends to lovers, new adult/adult-ish, contemporary romance that follows our FMC Hallie, a producer looking to salvage her job with a big break, teaming up with MMC Hayden, a conspiracy theorist with a soft side who is also the host of a popular paranormal podcast, The Out There.
At first, Hallie thinks turning podcast to web show is a producer's dream. It's interesting, engaging subject matter, plus Hayden has a face that shouldn't be hidden behind a camera. But when things start off on the wrong [Big]foot and Hayden flounders in front of the camera, Hallie must step from behind the scenes and harness their natural chemistry to work together - as co-hosts. But their obvious chemistry has them working together in other ways, in and out of the workplace…
I believe this is Mallory Marlowe’s debut, and I definitely took that into my consideration when reading and writing this review. There are some definite things to appreciate here. Marlowe is a decent writer, and has an eye for creativity and harnessing the power of an engaging subject matter. I felt the passion for the subject matter that obviously inspired this, like The X-Files. It was a nice tribute, and you definitely felt its spirit with the Hayden/Hallie x Mulder/Scully dynamics, the believer/skeptic.
I also thought the characters, particularly the MMC, were very sweet overall, and the exploration of male expression of emotion and normalizing comfort-seeking (especially in the face of once being a caretaker, which the MMC was for his ill father) was so moving.
However, my biggest problem with this book is what I've noticed some contemporary romances fall into nowadays, which is creating characters full of modern pop references and catchphrases and calling that a personality, particularly if it's their quippy, snarky, sarcastic character. The FMC Hallie fell into this trap hard, for me. It felt like every other sentence was trying to hit a quota for pop culture references or certain [millennial] catchphrases. Like, for example, think along the lines of "Oh he's a consent KING", that type of language. If used intentionally and sparingly this works, but it just doesn't work for me when it's constant, nearly every page, and this led to many natural nuances being lost, and led to many instances of telling and not showing. I think about 60% of that additional fluff writing could’ve been cut, put more emphasis on the web series itself, and this would’ve been a stronger novel by far.
When the characters got into their banter and it was just them riffing off one another, no forced catchphrases or movie references, that's where the story really stood out. Or when the MCs were opening up to each other in those softer more emotional moments, it was beautiful to read. The characters really were very similar, even if their personalities were opposite, and you could definitely see how a relationship between them could work out.
July 17, 2025
hallie? a skeptic. hayden? a believer. both of them, truth seekers. 🤭🩵👻🛸✨
“what’s up, ghosties? we’re here to hang.”
a book where they investigate the unknown together??? heck yeah. it’s giving buzzfeed unsolved/watcher in the best way. i love how they visited the queen mary, the winchester mystery house, and they even went to see mothman! i read the first half on my kindle and listened to the second half. the audiobook had the cutest/quirkiest music for hallie and hayden’s web show. this was such a fun debut romance novel from mallory marlowe, and i look forward to reading more from her!
“what’s up, ghosties? we’re here to hang.”
a book where they investigate the unknown together??? heck yeah. it’s giving buzzfeed unsolved/watcher in the best way. i love how they visited the queen mary, the winchester mystery house, and they even went to see mothman! i read the first half on my kindle and listened to the second half. the audiobook had the cutest/quirkiest music for hallie and hayden’s web show. this was such a fun debut romance novel from mallory marlowe, and i look forward to reading more from her!
August 6, 2025
Why was this book literally so good??! Cute little romance. I’m obsessed with Hayden, he is perfection and I love how well he treats Hallie. No 3rd act break up was a bonus and the banter was top notch!
Reread it via audio book and it was FANTASTIC!! I can’t wait for the second book.
Reread it via audio book and it was FANTASTIC!! I can’t wait for the second book.
August 26, 2024
Hallie is a web series producer who desperately needs a hit show in order to keep her job; Hayden is a passionate cryptid hunter and host of a conspiracy theory podcast. Together they launch a paranormal investigation web series that rapidly catapults them both into online success as their onscreen banter and chemistry become the unintentional star of the show.
Something this book does wonderfully is maintaining balance - balance between comedic and heartfelt tones, between its skeptic and believer MCs, and between its plot and romance. One character is in the process of recovering from an emotionally abusive past relationship, while the other is socially isolated after the death of a parent. They both felt really believable and endearing, and the ways that they complimented each other and helped each other heal were really precious. I enjoyed both the romance and the paranormal investigations, and I really appreciated the exploration of the emotional fallout after an abusive relationship ends, the ways that people continue to exert power over us, and the way that women in the public eye are put under a microscope.
The "spice" is very much secondary in this book, but I have to mention I loved the way that it was written, too. It was, like everything else about this story, really sweet and character driven. We also have an acespec main character!
This was really just a LOVELY debut. It's a silly and tender and emotionally restorative romance wrapped up in an unabashed love letter to 2015 - affectionately steeped in millennial culture, from EOS lip balms to funky patterned tights and an online media/entertainment conglomerate that is totally *not* Buzzfeed.
Thanks to Penguin Random House for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A random note for anyone concerned: this book concentrates mostly on cryptids, less on conspiracy theories, and specifically mentions that the characters are aware many conspiracy theories are racist and/or antisemitic and that they refuse to platform those. I'm far from an expert but at least to the extent of my knowledge, none of the theories featured in the book fall into that category.
Something this book does wonderfully is maintaining balance - balance between comedic and heartfelt tones, between its skeptic and believer MCs, and between its plot and romance. One character is in the process of recovering from an emotionally abusive past relationship, while the other is socially isolated after the death of a parent. They both felt really believable and endearing, and the ways that they complimented each other and helped each other heal were really precious. I enjoyed both the romance and the paranormal investigations, and I really appreciated the exploration of the emotional fallout after an abusive relationship ends, the ways that people continue to exert power over us, and the way that women in the public eye are put under a microscope.
The "spice" is very much secondary in this book, but I have to mention I loved the way that it was written, too. It was, like everything else about this story, really sweet and character driven. We also have an acespec main character!
This was really just a LOVELY debut. It's a silly and tender and emotionally restorative romance wrapped up in an unabashed love letter to 2015 - affectionately steeped in millennial culture, from EOS lip balms to funky patterned tights and an online media/entertainment conglomerate that is totally *not* Buzzfeed.
Thanks to Penguin Random House for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A random note for anyone concerned: this book concentrates mostly on cryptids, less on conspiracy theories, and specifically mentions that the characters are aware many conspiracy theories are racist and/or antisemitic and that they refuse to platform those. I'm far from an expert but at least to the extent of my knowledge, none of the theories featured in the book fall into that category.
July 22, 2024
If you’ve ever watched the X-Files then you know the character balance and chemistry were dang near perfect. That’s why it ran so long and everyone was addicted to the show at the time.
What’s great is that this author was able to capture a lot of that feeling and connection between the two characters in this awesome rom-com. These two are humorous and build a great rapport that comes across really well in the story.
This book is a first for this author but she’s developed a story that makes you feel good and have fun while reading. Yes, there are several places that we deal with reality and a jerk of an ex who you want to slug. But for the most part, it’s a really fun read. This is the type of book that makes me happy with the ending.
A bit steamy with plenty of slow burn going on. You will be cheering them on! Quirky characters that make an impact, and a plot that you will remember for a long time! It might even have you believe the truth is out there…
If you love Mulder and Scully and are looking for your next summer read, Love and Other Conspiracies has got to be on your list! Set aside a day or two for this one!
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/love-and-oth...
What’s great is that this author was able to capture a lot of that feeling and connection between the two characters in this awesome rom-com. These two are humorous and build a great rapport that comes across really well in the story.
This book is a first for this author but she’s developed a story that makes you feel good and have fun while reading. Yes, there are several places that we deal with reality and a jerk of an ex who you want to slug. But for the most part, it’s a really fun read. This is the type of book that makes me happy with the ending.
A bit steamy with plenty of slow burn going on. You will be cheering them on! Quirky characters that make an impact, and a plot that you will remember for a long time! It might even have you believe the truth is out there…
If you love Mulder and Scully and are looking for your next summer read, Love and Other Conspiracies has got to be on your list! Set aside a day or two for this one!
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/love-and-oth...
September 2, 2024
6 stars!!!! This book was absolutely perfect in every way 👻
September 21, 2024
Hallie finds her man on a TV show about aliens. He is the resident nerd & HOT MONSTER HUNTER 🦕👀 and yes they do Saskwatch dirty talk in bed!
This was such a unique plot! Hallie & Hayden start a podcast on conspiracy theories and all things cryptic. But here’s the thing…Hallie does NOT BELIEVE in any of this! It’s up to Hayden to convince he of all the world’s mysteries and it’s hilarious to see how heated he gets about his research into the mystical and unexplained ✨ The way I recognized all the conspiracy theories should probably worry me!
Things I enjoyed:
👻 hilarious believer vs non-believer debates
👻 he has a KRAKEN tattoo
👻 conspiracy theory dirty talk
👻 two nerds trying to fit in
👻 fmc prone to crying *so relatable*
👻 one bed trope!
The slow budding friendship slowly turns into something more. VULNERABILITY is a huge theme throughout the book as both characters work on opening up more.
I enjoyed this way more than expected! I did think like some parts were a little cringy :/ I felt like the author at times was spoon-feeding the reader things that were already implied. Also the story was single POV and I really wanted to witness Hayden’s inner nerdiness myself.
p.s. prepare for constant rage baiting from Hallie’s abusive ex! The slut shaming made my blood boil & ears ring!
coworkers to lovers
sensitive mmc/fmc
nerdy characters!
sick bed & one bed
possible Nessie sighting 🦕
conspiracy theories
weed-positive
HEA
This was such a unique plot! Hallie & Hayden start a podcast on conspiracy theories and all things cryptic. But here’s the thing…Hallie does NOT BELIEVE in any of this! It’s up to Hayden to convince he of all the world’s mysteries and it’s hilarious to see how heated he gets about his research into the mystical and unexplained ✨ The way I recognized all the conspiracy theories should probably worry me!
Things I enjoyed:
👻 hilarious believer vs non-believer debates
👻 he has a KRAKEN tattoo
👻 conspiracy theory dirty talk
👻 two nerds trying to fit in
👻 fmc prone to crying *so relatable*
👻 one bed trope!
The slow budding friendship slowly turns into something more. VULNERABILITY is a huge theme throughout the book as both characters work on opening up more.
I enjoyed this way more than expected! I did think like some parts were a little cringy :/ I felt like the author at times was spoon-feeding the reader things that were already implied. Also the story was single POV and I really wanted to witness Hayden’s inner nerdiness myself.
p.s. prepare for constant rage baiting from Hallie’s abusive ex! The slut shaming made my blood boil & ears ring!
coworkers to lovers
sensitive mmc/fmc
nerdy characters!
sick bed & one bed
possible Nessie sighting 🦕
conspiracy theories
weed-positive
HEA
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