Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
Narrator: Alex Finke
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 8/20

Thank you so much Berkley Romance and NetGalley for my advanced copy and PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

Hallie Barrett is a web series producer who's trying to pick up the pieces after a rough breakup with her hotshot ex. Hayden Hargrove is a cryptid expert who's passionate about all things paranormal but not exactly a natural in front of the camera.

When Hallie pitches the idea of turning Hayden's podcast into a web series, she has no idea that it’s the start of something special—not just for the show but also between them. Their chemistry on screen is electric, and as they dive into the world of Bigfoot, aliens, and other mysteries, they start to discover feelings for each other that neither of them saw coming.

I loved this book! It’s filled with witty banter and relatable characters, and Hallie’s journey of moving on from her toxic ex is both real and refreshing. Hayden’s mix of intelligence and sweet vulnerability makes him an irresistible love interest. The paranormal angle adds a fun twist, especially if you’re into shows like "The X-Files" or "Ghost Hunters."

I listened to this on audio and I think Alex Finke might be one of my new favorite narrators! She did an amazing job bringing all the characters to life and I loved the way she voiced Hallie, especially.

This charming, feel-good read hits all the right notes and is a perfect read for any season, but would especially be a fun read during spooky season! I’m already looking forward to Marlowe’s next book.

Read if you like:
*The X-Files
*only one bed
*he takes care of her when she’s sick
*mutual pining
*single POV
*open door spice

After finally breaking free from a toxic relationship, Hallie was under the gun to find a new series to produce. While surfing the web, so stumbled upon and was captivated by conspiracy theorist, Hayden. Together, Hallie and Hayden embarked on a new adventure as they searched for The Out There and found love along the way.

Long story short, this book was a lot of fun. The characters endeared themselves to me immediately (except the ex, we hate him!), and I was eager to accompany them on their search for cryptids and other creatures linked to well known conspiracy theories. Those outings were usually quite amusing, but they were also interesting. I cannot say this is a world I know much about, so I enjoyed learning more.

But this story also had plenty of substance. Hayden was healing from a great loss, while Hallie still had to face the source of her suffering. It was lovely the way they supported each other as they processed their pain and made steps towards healing.

Packed with plenty of humor, hijinks, and fantastic banter, Love and Other Conspiracies was a hit for me, and I look forward to reading more from Marlowe.

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 was a little skeptical going into this book, a little bit of Scully in my blood. But it got rave reviews from a colleague of mine and I needed something light and fun so I picked it up. Immediately, Hallie's voice was so clear and conveyed so much emotion. I know exactly how she feels, having also been with someone who treated me like I didn't matter for far too long. Reading about her growth and then Hayden's own made me really happy. I enjoyed the 3rd act turn (for once) as it didn't feel overly wrought and unbelievable. It all felt right for these characters. Highly recommend, especially if you are into cryptids, or simply just curious about them. What a fantastic debut by this author!

Love and Other Conspiracies
By Mallory Marlowe
Narrated by Alex Finke

Thank you so much partner @berkleypub @prhaudio for the gifted EARC and audiobook.

Blurb:
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.

🛸 My thoughts:
I loved everything about this book!! When I didn’t have the chance to read it, I was listening to it and both versions were out of this world. Alex Finke was the audiobook narrator and was absolutely perfect for this story. This whole story is clever and unlike any romcom I’ve read before. I need more stories like this stat! One haunted bed, opposites attract, and mutual adoration for each other… it’s everything I ever wanted. And the ending was seriously perfect. Infinite stars from me! I definitely plan on getting myself a finished copy to keep forever. Love and Other Conspiracies is out 8/20/24, get ready to start believing in the unbelievable!

Happy reading 📖 🛸🎧👻

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.

I absolutely loved reading this book and looked forward to my reading time each day. Hallie and Hayden have sizzling chemistry and show it through their banter and genuine care for each other. Conspiracy theories and ideas like Bigfoot and alien life here on Earth has always fascinated me and I enjoyed how Hallie and Hayden bounced ideas and issues off each other to create a successful show that featured humor and sarcasm, as well as intelligent conversations.

This novel is much more than a rom com as both Hayden and Hallie bring deeper, hurtful issues to their relationship. The character growth arcs of both felt real and well paced and so emotional. The characters deal with inequality and misogyny in both the workplace and on social media and I could feel the pain and shame Hallie felt as well as the anger these issues brought out in Hayden.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy--I will be recommending this book to everyone.

Thank you so much Berkley for the arc I loved everything about this book it was so cute and I fell in love with the characters. I loved how it was kind of like X-Files and now I need more books like this! I can’t wait to buy and add to my shelf!

Love and Other Conspiracies is an adorably refreshing friend-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🛸

An adorable mix of comedy and genuine pathos. As a love of cryptic synod book felt made for me. I loved the setting as well.

This was a fun book, and I really appreciated the opportunity to read it! I will recommend this book.

Love and Other Conspiracies may be my 'THE' book of the summer!

Hallie needs to come up with a shocking mini series idea or she's losing her job. Sadly, in her business it's her word vs. her competition- the man who used her and let her go. When watching late night television, a light bulb flashes in her mind as she watches Hayden and his ranting about Bigfoot. A non-believer, she KNOWS she has something good and rushes to get Hayden to say yes.

Hayden has no issue working with Hallie, as he knows that his conspiracy theories are legit. Something he worked on with his father, he's ready to make a believer out of Hallie. And a believer he does as the production team insists that Hayden and Hallie star on screen together, going on trips where the actual shenanigans may occur. What starts off as innocent from both of them quickly turns into something else as each learn more about one another and sparks fly. Who knew Bigfoot, the Mothman and area 51 would be a way to find your "person"?

I could NOT stop reading Mallory's debut novel and immediately want to read whatever she publishes next. The little quips of Frankie Muniz and dive bombs into conspiracy theories had me wanting to re-watch my favorite movies and google Bigfoot. While written in single POV, I felt like I was also walking in Hayden's shoes- especially the scenes with his Mom and stepdad. I know I'll be re-reading this book as the snow falls this winter, it's now one of my new comfort reads!

Two people overcoming personal challenges find unexpected love…but will they also find ghosts or cryptids? 👻👹

Perfectly fine and a decent debut, but I think I went into this one expecting something else. I thought the book would lean into the cryptid/ghost theme in a fun and campy way, not taking itself too seriously. Instead, we got a sweet romance that touched on a deeper topic for each of our MCs - a workplace/toxic dating situation for our FMC and grieving and familial disconnect for our MMC. I didn’t feel the chemistry between our leads and spent half the book feeling mildly uncomfortable that Hallie, our FMC, had an almost infatuated inner monologue about Hayden, our MMC, while he was showing absolutely zero interest in return. I also don’t love female leads that lack confidence in my rom-coms, so this one didn’t fully work for me.

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for a complimentary advance copy of this eBook, out 8/20/2024.

Thank you @prhaudio for the complimentary audiobook, and to Berkley & Netgalley for the digital ARC. All thoughts are my own.

What to expect: Hallie is desperate to find a star for her online show vacancy, and she stumbles upon Hayden with all of his conspiracy-loving ways on late night tv. He agrees to develop his cryptid expertise podcast into the show but finds out pretty quickly he is better with Hallie in front of the camera as a cohost instead of behind the scenes. Hallie doesn’t believe in anything Hayden rambles about, but along the way, she realizes that he might be able to convince her that those warm fuzzy feelings she has when he’s around are more than just otherworldly spirits.

My thoughts: HOW in the world is this a debut?! From the very first moment until the closing credits of the audiobook, I was hooked to this story. I strongly recommend listening to the audiobook as it has extra sound effects that really add to the listening experience. Watching Hallie find her voice and seeing how strong of a partnership she shares with Hayden had me cheesing the whole time. Their love story felt so natural, inevitable, and yet so full of chemistry… and the BANTER. My goodness, the banter. Even though it was so quirky and fun, it also deals with some heavier topics, such as grieving the loss of a parent, a toxic ex-partner (who is also a colleague), and misogyny in the workplace and elsewhere.

This is in the running for one of my top books in 2024.

Friends to lovers and aliens, oh my!

This romance novel was cute and different than most romance stories. It was a short read which I love and I also love that it was focused on conspiracy theories. it was different and unique. The characters were whitty and interesting. I like that the main characters were not described as your typical drop dead gorgeous characters. they were more relatable by being regular people. i was rooting for the main characters the whole time.

There is only one POV from the MFC, but do wish it was two POVs. I liked it, but definitely wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it. It just didnt grab a hold of me as some romance books in the past.

This was so freaking cute. Love and Other Conspiracies was such a sweet, wholesome, and funny read. I loved the main characters – everything from their banter, the way they support one another, and their little quirks. They were so relatable, and I had such a good time reading their story.

- Cryptids, ghosts, and other conspiracies
- Insta-chemistry
- Care/Comfort
- Emotional abuse recovery
- Video series producer (Think Buzzfeed)
- Tattooed golden retriever
- Standalone

Language: R (102+ swears, 25+ "f"); Mature Content: R; Violence: PG
The story itself was fun with the skeptic versus believer banter (that is kind spirited and not at all about putting anyone down), learning tidbits about conspiracy theories I hadn't known existed, and how healing good relationships can be. But I stopped reading at the sex scene a little past halfway through.
The mature content rating is for drug and alcohol use; mentions of illegal activity, condoms, and pornography; innuendo and crude vocabulary; kissing; groping; nudity; and sex. The violence rating is for jokes about homicide and murder.

This book was PHENOMENAL. If you want romance.. comedy.. cryptids… look NO FURTHER. The book you need is literally RIGHT HERE. Please please read it. Love it. Embrace the message within it.

Thank you so so much to the author & NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read it early.

Love and Other Conspiracies follows our main character, Hallie. She’s employed at Skroll which is essentially Buzzfeed and she’s not doing well. Not only did she get removed from one of the brand’s most famous shows, but she was also broken up with by Cade who is basically Skroll’s darling.

When all signs point to her getting fired, she discovers Hayden. He hosts his own podcast which is all about conspiracies, creatures, and everything Hallie doesn’t believe in. Despite that, the two meet up and she is able to convince him to sign a contract with Skroll to have his own web series. Hayden can’t seem to get the hang of things though so Hallie steps in and the two end up co-hosting the show together.

As you can see, this book is inspired by Buzzfeed Unsolved with a few things tweaked and it just worked. The banter between Hayden and Hallie was excellent. It was just so clear from the start that they were meant to be together. Even if they didn’t always agree on everything, they always respected the other and it was incredible.

While the storyline for this doesn’t go exactly the way you imagine, it hits all the beats we love as romance readers. From the audience shipping them to finding out about their romance, it made the book all the more believable. Plus there were plenty of fun investigations and talks about different conspiracies like Bigfoot, JFK’s assassination, Mothman, and even, Area 51.

There were also the classic romance tropes we all know and love including only one bed as the two do go on a few trips together. Even if you’ve never watched an episode of Buzzfeed Unsolved, you’ll get a kick out of Love and Other Conspiracies as the romance is adorable and the adventures these two go on are bonkers while being utterly fun.

So much thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for allowing me to read this novel!
I absolutely adored this book. This was one of the best debut romance novels I have read in a long time, and one of the best I have read in years.
It was quirky, witty, and just plain fun!
This was my first scifi-esque romance novel and I already need more. My chief complaint with this novel is that it is solely told from one point of view. Both characters were so strong that I really wanted to read from Hayden's point of view.
Ultimately this to me came across like a fun romance episode of the X-files and I was really here for it.
I can't wait for more from Mallory!