Love and Other Conspiracies is a quirky paranormal romance with the energy of Buzzfeed Unsolved and the banter of Mulder & Scully. This is a fun summer read that has heartfelt characters and a drama-filled, well-paced plot. I love how Marlowe writes about the different cryptids and conspiracies, and I would totally watch Hayden and Hallie's web series if it were real.

While the premise of this book is perfect, the romance feels a bit underdeveloped to me. Hallie's attraction toward Hayden seems very "all men are immature assholes except for *this one man* who is perfect because he's a decent person" -- that dynamic doesn't do it for me and lacks nuance. As their relationship progresses the communication becomes frustrating, because Hallie wants Hayden to open up but doesn't share her own feelings. There were complexities to the characters that I want to honor without spoilers, but most of the time I just thought that Hayden deserved better, and I know that's not what the author intended. Overall, while I can see a lot of people liking this book, I wish it had more rigorous initial editing.

Marlowe has excellent ideas and plenty of potential, and I look forward to seeing what she writes next.

I loved this so much! Hallie and Hayden have such a fun dynamic, and their paranormal adventures make for a very entertaining book. There were so many funny parts as well as serious ones that made them into a great pairing. I always enjoy reading about couples who aren't serious all the time, and they are a great example of that.

I will definitely recommend this to my audience.

Arc Review 5⭐
I absolutely ADORED this book so much!

This story follows Hallie, a web series producer, and Hayden, a paranormal conspiracy theorist. Hallie has just been tasked with creating a new show for the company she works at, when she stumbles upon Hayden's docuseries and decides to reach out to him with an offer. She sets up a meeting with him to see if it's a good fit before they embark on various expeditions, searching for Bigfoot, ghosts and other paranormal cryptids. Luckily, Hayden agrees but only if Hallie co-hosts alongside him!

I caught wind of this book a few months ago when I saw the cover on Instagram and I instantly knew I HAD to read it. It's safe to say I loved everything about this book. Hallie and Hayden had insane chemistry on-page, and I really enjoyed reading their banter and the jokes they shared together.

Tropes & Things to Expect:
👽 Romantic Commedy
👻 Cryptid hunting (ghosts, Bigfoot, etc)
👽 Forced Proximity
👻 One Bed
👽 Cinnamon Roll MMC
👻 Work Place Romance
👽 Sexual Tension + Spice

While I would've loved at least 1 chapter from Hayden's POV (cause I'm greedy like that), I still really enjoyed reading the story from Hallie's perspective. Also, I loved the inclusion of Hayden's background + upbringing, it really tugged at my heart strings and served as a great origin story to why he loves cryptids & spooky things so much. The only other thing I wished, was for there to be even more on-site hunting and more mystery.

Mallory Marlowe is now on my radar for future books written by her. I didn't want to put this book down once I started and I had so much fun reading!!

✨Huge thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, NetGalley & Mallory Marlowe for the chance to read Love and Other Conspiracies in exchange for an honest review!✨

This was really cute! I love the skeptic/believer dynamic between our main characters and thought their banter was really well done. They both respected each other and their beliefs which was really refreshing.

I liked the inclusion of some typical romance tropes which made it such a fun read! I thought both characters really came into their own together and separately. I liked that the third act separation wasn't because of an argument or something irredeemable on either side, or based on miscommunication. I thought it was a really great happily ever after!

I really recommend this one!

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexism, Death of parent, and Terminal illness

Moderate: Drug use, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Bullying

Minor: Grief, Antisemitism, and Mental illness

Hallie is a web producer for a Buzzfed-like content creator, and is one show away from losing her job. A booze induced late night TV binge leads her to contacting Hayden, a conspiracy theorist and debunk-er who is always ready to listen to a new theory. He agrees to be the star of her web series, but after the most wooden delivery of his scripted lines, she jumps in to challenge him on camera, which makes her boss want her to become the co-host. With her as the non-believer straight man to Hayden's theories, they're unstoppable. It doesn't hurt that he's hot, and they have amazing chemistry...

I'm always good for a little conspiracy theory nonsense, and this book has TONS of it. I was a big fan of the X-Files back on the day, and there are so many references to the show, and the monsters they investigated, that I got a lot of smiles out of this book.

The romance aspect is SO GOOD. I loved the energy between the main characters, and was rooting for them the whole way through. I have read and listened to a bunch of stories lately where the romance feels kind of rushed and then it's all sex all the time. This was a slower burn, and the eventual hookup was all the better for it.

I think I've figured out that I'm a bigger fan of the slow burn than the jump-to-sex, and that's fine by me.

I really enjoyed the writing on this. I don't know if I'm in for the alien sighting storyline that's slated for her next book, but I'm not against it...

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

~Paranormal~ elements in romcom’s seems to be a trend for 2024 it seems. And no, I don’t mean this is a paranormal romance wherein any characters are non-human, or where paranormal beings are a major feature in the narrative and plot. This is just a run of the mill romcom where the LI happens to be super into Bigfoot and whatnot.

Overall this was fine, a little slow with not much to set it apart from many other romances except for the Bigfoot / paranormal hunting aspect which didn’t play as large of a role as you might think. It was there and made for some breezy moments of hijinks, but it wasn’t all that serious. I probably would have been more entertained if the LI was just fully committed to all the conspiracy theories and a bit crazy delulu.

Maybe my empathy has hit its limits or I’m just too bratty but I’m over FMC without a spine. Good god I know we’ve all been there with a toxic ex, but do we REALLY just become mute, spineless, crying babies when our ex shows up?!?! I found the FMC just too insufferable with her self doubt and meekness. As a teen, I get it, but as a full ass adult? No, idk, maybe there are people like that but I’d be closing the door straight in my ex’s face if he showed up on my door, not letting him walk in and take a gift that he gave me.

Also those toxic ex’s get away with things for a reason— usually they’re pretty good at covering their tracks with others, so the confrontation he has with the LI in front of her felt really dumb and unbelievable. It’s something small but it just irked me and ultimately it’s an example of just how blah this felt.

wanted so much more from this than it actually gave. while the writing was good and the premise was interesting, it ultimately fell flat. i wanted more from the romance between hallie and hayden. there wasn't anything about them that made them a special couple in my eyes, which led me to feel detached from the story overall.

nonetheless, it was a fine debut and i see mallory marlowe improving on her future works.

I got to be honest with you. I didn’t know what I was reading when I picked this book up. I truly thought it was going to be a funny romance read with a bit of conspiracie humor. Instead, I was reading about two completely opposite people falling in love while they produce a mini-TV show based on conspiracies theories. And it was okay if you were asking for my opinion.

I just didn’t love it. It was more about the vibes than the romance book. Just reading it to past the times. I just didn’t love the characters  relationships. I don’t think they are meant for each other. Their doctor wasn’t there at all. And don’t get me started about the male character obsession with conspiracies theories.

DNF. Enjoyed the writing, despite some extreme millennial cringe moments. Couldn’t get past the insta lust and how cynical Hallie was. I liked the side characters.

This was honestly the sweetest book! I didn’t know I needed a story about a guy who has a podcast about Bigfoot and aliens and all the cryptids and a girl is very much a nonbeliever…but I did and I loved every second of it. Because really is story about two people who love what they do and are able to put those things together and make something that they love even more and fall in love on the way!!

Hayden is THE SOFTEST BOY!! I love him so much. He’s just a cute nerd who loves believes and isn’t ashamed of it. He’s also been alone for a really long time and is having a hard time finally asking for help and accepting help and realizing it’s okay not the be okay and for people to see that you’re not okay. I loved his emotional journey throughout the story. Hallie coming into his life really took a lot of weight he had been carrying off his shoulders. And I loved watching them figure that out together.

And HALLIE! My sweet sweet girl. She’s been through it, her ex was HORRIBLE to her, is still horrible to her, and now her job is sort of on the line if she can figure something out. BUT NOW! She found a silly little nerd whose dreams are going to make her dreams come true!! And they slowly but surely fall in love! And Hallie finds herself, is able to let go of some of her insecurities!! Has someone to take care of AND who will take care of her!!

I loved this book so much and I’m going to have to buy a copy for my shelves!!

Thanks to Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Finding a fun romcom like LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES by Mallory Marlowe is a lot like searching for Bigfoot - elusive but so satisfying when you catch a glimpse! From Area 51 to Mothman, there's so much to love about this rompy, oddball romance. Will Hallie overcome her emotionally abusive ex by finally learning how to believe? Will Hayden convince her that the truth is out there? Will the shippers finally get their HEA? Stay tuned to the next exciting webisode...

Even if you think that Yetis, the Loch Ness Monster, and aliens are complete nonsense, LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES will have you believing in romance.

Hallie and Hayden are brought together to host a new web series on monster hunting and conspiracy theories. The cute pairing of believer Hayden and nonbeliever Hallie was super fun to watch play out. The "comments" on their episodes felt like the book was cheering for this couple just as much as I was. I thought the love story was down to earth... as much as it could be when you are talking about aliens. I enjoyed this world and intrigued to read more by this author.

"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."

Aw, cryptid love.

4.5⭐️Hallie does not believe in conspiracy theories but when she is in need of a show to pitch and produce, cryptid hunting starring Hayden, a podcast and YouTube star who challenges conspiracies, seems like the perfect plan. This is one of the most unique and fun rom coms I read in a while. I was laughing from chapter and while Marlowe still tackles heavy topics, she did it in a way where the book didn’t feel heavy itself. I loved the MCs instant connection and how they built a friendship off of understanding communication. When the spice came, it was spicy but never overpowered the plot. Also a lot of alien and cryptid facts and jokes, which was all new to me.

Read if you like:
-Workplace romance
-Monster hunting and conspiracy theories
-Mutual pining
-Opposites attract
-Quirky characters
-X-files

Review: LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES by Mallory Marlowe https://bit.ly/3A7tO8C
Publication Date: 8/20/2024
Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Romantic Comedy
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

This is the debut novel for Mallory Marlowe, and she hit it out of the park. The premise of the story was quirky and fun, especially where one believes in cryptids and conspiracies and the other does not. Hallie and Hayden’s banter was witty and enjoyable. Their chemistry was immediate, and I never liked one more than the other…they were a them. I would have given it a 5, but the climax of the story pulled me out a bit due to Hallie’s behavior. It was slight, but I was disappointed in her. Thankfully she redeemed herself quickly and my love of the story was not diminished.

Overall, this was a fast-paced, smile inducing, sometimes steamy, rom-com. I still have a smile on my face and cannot wait for her next book. I love finding a new author.

*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/4ce2VwZ

though I do not expect every book to reinvent the wheel, love and other conspiracies didn't offer enough excitement or development to maintain my interest. the plot was promising but fell short as our main characters, hallie and hayden, spent more time discussing their conspiracy hunting than letting us the reader on the action. there was also an insufferable side character that played a main role in the progress of the main romance and the third-act conflict. his recurring presence served a purpose, of course, but I struggled not to be annoyed by the inclusion.

since love and other conspiracies is on the shorter side of things, I appreciated that the plot got off to a fast start, but hoped it would amount to more than it did. hayden was a sweetie pie of a love interest though, fawning over hallie almost from the beginning, supporting her through the path she needed to take for them to come back together. he was a true bright spot throughout.

thanks to berkley and mallory marlowe for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am the person who collects Big Foot Merch so this book cover was a complete NEED!

Love and Other Conspiracies brought so many fun elements to the table… A Web Series Producer (Hallie) comes up with a clever show pitch and needs a Paranormal Conspiracy Theorist (Hayden) to be center stage.

Full of chemistry, skepticism and forced proximity. I loved the support Hallie and Hayden showed to each other whether it was for their passions or past trauma.

“Greif breaks a lot of things.”

I went audio route and absolutely loved the narration. It worked really well with the media theme!

Mallory Marlow is one to watch!

Thank you Berkley & PRH Audio
Releases 8/20

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.Andthebookshelf/

I need this show in real life. Can someone get on that please.

I think the idea of a paranormal/conspiracy show where one host is a believer and the other is a skeptic with the kind of chemistry being given off by Hallie and Hayden would be everyone's newest obsession. Who needs true crime podcasts when you have The Out There with Hallie and Hayden.

Hallie is given an opportunity to produce her own show for the upcoming season, the winner will get picked up for a Season 2 and given an actual budget.  While trying to come up with an idea, Hallie comes across Hayden doing in interview about his podcast The Out There.  Hallie has never considered herself a believer in that kind of thing, but listening to Hayden Hargrove, she is caught up in his passion about his theories.   Hallie believes that Hayden will captivate an audience as well as he captivated her.

The problem is when she brings him to the studio to present the idea to her boss, Hayden is very awkward  before the camera,  looking down at his notes, something you wouldn't notice in a podcast.  Hallie realizes that the interview she watched, Hayden was discussing the theories with the host and throws out some questions and argues against his theories, so her boss can see how Hayden lights up discussing his conspiracy theories and cryptid creatures.   This works so well that Hallie is shocked when her boss wants Hallie to come out from behind the camera and co-host The Out There with Hayden, and idea that Hayden whole-heartedly agrees with.

Hayden and Hallie and The Out There not only becomes a success but is leading the race for the number 1 new show, especially when their audience gets behind the chemistry between Hayden and Hallie and are happily "shipping" this couple.

This pisses off Hallie's rival and ex-boyfriend who was not happy when Hallie walked out of the abusive relationship.   Hallie wants to be strong, but after years of living with a narcissist who wore down her self-esteem to build himself up, there is still a part of her that listens to his torment and demeaning attacks as truth.  She also knows that no matter how much she is coming to admire Hayden, it will not look good for her to go from one co-worker relationship to another, and she  fears the repercussions to her already floundering career.

Hallie still doesn't believe in Bigfoot but she is starting to believe in Hayden and that maybe he is worth risking her fragile heart.

THOUGHTS:
I loved this "real" X-File type show and the chemistry between Hayden and Hallie shines brighter than Area 51.   It was fun to find myself looking up some of these conspiracy theories--some I have heard of, some I did not.

I kept waiting to see if Hallie would have an encounter which would make her a believer but I was kind of happy  that the author didn't play into that and no matter where their adventures took them, Hayden would find "proof" and Hallie would dispute it, and as the tag line says on the book "They want to believe," even if that belief is only in each other.

I had fun with the premise and fun with the characters.  I did feel bad that no matter how successful Hallie was and how successful the show was and how much Hayden liked her, she kept encountering her ex-boyfriend.  He was an expert in manipulating her and charming his bosses and everyone around him to believe he was wonderful.  This left Hallie feeling depressed while he manipulated things so she felt unable to fight back against him.   While he might have been needed as a plot point, I think I could have enjoyed this story much more  without him showing up as he kept bring the fun to a sudden halt.

This was a delightful story and I would really like to watch an actual episode of The Out There.  I am pretty bummed it doesn't actually exist.

This rom com was written just for me in ways I barely know how to articulate. For anyone who loves X-Files or had a Buzzfeed YouTube phase, and especially for those who like slow burn to STAY slow burn into the relationship and not just immediately bang it out. 🩶 gray ace rep 🩶

This was such a f-cking delight! The concept, the characters- all perfect. (Except Cade. I hope he gets abducted by aliens and they keep him.) A wonderful debut!

I loved Hallie so much and really enjoyed her POV. Obv, because I'm me, I wish we'd gotten Hayden's POV as well, but Hallie was such a fun narrator that I don't mind much. She was quirky but not in an annoying, Not-Like-Other-Girls way, and every time she took a step forward and opened up about her relationship with Cade, I just really felt for her.

And Hayden is like my favorite brand of geeky cinnamon roll hero. The sweetness and reverence he shows Hallie- chef's kiss.

I hope we see more of everyone (not Cade, seriously f-ck that guy) in Marlowe's next book! (Which seems promising considering the first chapter has an article from Skroll and a mention of The Out There at the end!)