This book was a warm hug wrapped with tons of folklore, ghost stories, and, of course, conspiracy theories.

Hallie works for a film company as a producer—and ever since a series of unexpected events led her to search aimlessly for a new gripping show—she is on the hunt for out-of-this-world engaging content. She soon discovers a podcast where the host is charming, and the storytelling and theories of haunts, lore, and conspiracies are downright addicting. But what happens when the two team up and start working together, only for sparks to fly?

This was such a great, heartfelt read! I loved the addition of the history and background of stories relevant to the plot, from the Loch Ness Monster to Bigfoot and beyond. It reminded me of the Lore podcast but way less spooky and more on the lighthearted rom-com side. And the love story was such a sweet one. I loved seeing them just have tons of fun and learn to let down their walls. It was so darn cute!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I had no idea what to expect from a romance about conspiracies, but as a devoted fan of the romance genre, as well as a longtime fan of X-Files (Sculder!), I was intrigued. Whatever I did or didn't expect. this book enchanted me and blew me away. The set-up made the stakes crystal clear, and when Hallie and Hayden met on page, I was hooked. Each of the main characters is so beautifully portrayed as a real, flawed person. The premise might be otherworldly, but the heart of this book is grounded in the humanity and vulnerability of Hallie and Hayden, and the connection between them. The monster-hunting is a fun backdrop that kept things wacky and light, and the cast of supporting characters was delightful. Loved it!

If this book has no fans, it’s because I’ve run off with Mothman. 😉 but seriously this book was PERFECT. Hallie was quirky and down to earth while Hayden was…also quirky and down to earth. 😂 they were really were two perfectly crafted characters for a silly little romance like this. The whole premise was fantastic and the story flowed so nicely (double bonus there was minimal conflict between H and H - had they had a big blow up I think I would’ve actually died.)

All and all - absolutely amazing; no notes! Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Romance an advanced copy of this book! Love and Other Conspiracies drops August 20th!

This was so much fun! I absolutely blew through it. Hallie and Hayden are both completely charming, and Marlowe does a great job channeling the Mulder and Scully vibes. I thought there was a really nice balance between the romance plot and the show plot. I also appreciated that there was little romance angst, and that the heavier themes came from backstory and subplots. A perfectly adorable ending too!

First and foremost thank you to NetGalley, Mallory Marlowe, and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall: Solid 4 stars, fun read, really enjoyable main couple!

Short and sweet opinion: I was skeptical at first, but ended up enjoying this book. The main characters Hayden and Hallie are lovable and sweet, and their banter is TOP TIER for me. Overall a very enjoyable read, unique premise and lovable characters. Will definitely be picking up this author again.

In Depth Opinion: There are some cool plot lines surrounding the cryptids they are following, the premise of the internet show is interesting (especially as a recovering Buzzfeed addict) and incredibly unique. I had fun reading it, and was kept entertained the majority of the time. I loved the emphasis on nerding out and allowing your partner to have their "thing".

I would have loved to see this book in a dual-POV as well.

I overall enjoyed this story, I think that it was a wonderful debut and I look forward to reading more of Mallory Marlowe's work.

The pros and cons
While it was a fun, light read involving a lot of my favorite things, such as cryptids and X-Files references (my favorite show every), it did not have the ooomph I was expecting going in- let me tell you why. I liked our MCs, Hallie and Hayden, and I thought that the Out There was a fun thing to get to experience with them. I would watch the heck out of it if it was real! It was a great addition to have their episode transcripts in there.
I think that their relationship romantically was cute- but just that. What I felt was lacking was just not enough tension for me, both within their relationship to each other, and with our external factors. I think that our antagonist was a great plotline to keep the story feeling high stakes, but it just did not fully deliver for me. It was just not enough. I liked that we got to explore with Hallie her feelings regarding her own dating life and where she felt the most herself within the context of relationships, sex, and dating. I feel very much the same way as her in regards to these things, so I liked that aspect of the story. To sum up my feelings, I just did not feel enough urgency reading this. It felt like a cozy story, but I was maybe biased going in, expecting a lot more tension both from the relationship, and the action of the plot.

Overall, this story was a cozy, slice of life type read with a great paranormal twist. If you want to read something low stress and find out new things about different cryptids and conspiracies, this one is for you.

I am loving the lightly paranormal romcom! Hallie and Hayden are two people who are both somewhat lonely who find each other and create a partnership that starts as professional and then becomes personal as well.

I loved watching them open up to each other and take care of each other. It was clearly something neither of them were used to having. Their connection was sweet and incredibly well written so that you can't help root for them!

Reading about their show, which I would totally watch is also a blast! This is perfect for fans of books like Do Your Worst and This Spells Love. It is also great for fans of friends to lovers, or anyone who loves a good conspiracy theory or monster hunt!

I was a little skeptical on how a book based on paranormal conspiracies would turn out, but this was surprisingly decent! I liked the plot of this story: a paranormal conspiracy believer and non-believer work together to create a web series. I thought Hallie and Hayden were fun and entertaining characters. The back and forth between them was great. I found a lot of Hallie's quips funny. I liked how vulnerable Hayden and Hallie were with each other. Hayden was a sweet heart of a book boyfriend. I enjoyed watching Hayden and Hallie's relationship progress. They were a cute couple! This book had all of the fun tropes romance readers like to see in their books: one bed, taking care of someone when they're sick, forced proximity, etc. I thought Marlowe did a great job with those tropes. I do wish Marlowe expanded on the gray asexual bit towards the end of the book. I felt like that part of the story was rushed and underdeveloped. I also thought the story fell a little flat towards the end. Overall, this was a silly and interesting book. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

👽Nonbeliever and Conspiracy Theorist
💙Mutual Pining
👽Workplace Romance
💙Cohosts
👽Cryptid and Ghost Hunting
💙Opposite Attracts
👽Consent King
💙Cinnamon Roll Hero
👽Only One Bed
💙Takes care of her
👽Scully & Mulder vibes

This debut novel was definitely a 5 stars 🌟 I love both of the main characters! Hayden and Hallie are such an adorable couple 💙 I love everything about this story! I can't wait for another novel from this author. Even though I was not acknowledgeable about cryptids and anything paranormal. Somehow, I was sucked in this amazing story about cryptid and ghost hunting while falling in love with Hayden and Hallie's story. This story was definitely *chef's kiss* 💋 I wouldn't change anything about this lovely story!

Mallory has quickly become an auto-buy author on my list! In her debut novel she quickly drew me in with a mixture of romance and the supernatural. I love that she included a multitude of beings, as well as banter and covered a few deeper topics as well. I absolutely loved every second of this book! Hallie and Hayden are just a match made!

This book was just so, SO much fun. I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of my read. It's a nerd's dream book. Hunting ghosts, bigfoot, mothman, etc takes Hallie and Hayden on a variety of banter and chemistry-filled adventures. Both of the main characters were relatable and likeable, and I appreciated that they were both successful in their own right, and their relationship felt really equally-balanced. I will definitely be reading Marlowe's next release.

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!

You know when you find a book that speaks to you?
This was that book for me
It’s fun, light hearted, filled with amazing character communication, growth, banter and chemistry

First off- even if you aren’t into BigFoot or conspiracy theories, Mallory wrote this in such a way that you can’t help but appreciate someone’s love (and nerding out) over a passion of theirs and finding a person who lifts you up and supports you no matter what.

However, I too also love BigFoot documentaries (not sure I fully believe but some shows out there have such passion you cannot help but sucked into it) and conspiracy theory documentaries so this was a hit

I found both Hayden and Hallie to be relatable in many aspects- I loved their banter, their chemistry and their communication. Truly, this book slayed at communication between characters (again, thank you Mallory).

The story follows Hallie, who NEEDS to find a show to pitch to save her job. Her ex boyfriend (and coworker) belittled her in every way possible and ask she discovers Hayden and then begin working as co-hosts you get to see Hallie find her footing and really starting to believe in herself with the help of Hayden. But the uplift Hayden provides is also returned. Hallie helps Hayden standup for himself against his mom and be proud for all he’s accomplished.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC! Thank you Mallory for this chefs kiss book - I will be needing more!!

You know when you find a book that speaks to you?
This was that book for me
It’s fun, light hearted, filled with amazing character communication, growth, banter and chemistry

First off- even if you aren’t into BigFoot or conspiracy theories, Mallory wrote this in such a way that you can’t help but appreciate someone’s love (and nerding out) over a passion of theirs and finding a person who lifts you up and supports you no matter what.

However, I too also love BigFoot documentaries (not sure I fully believe but some shows out there have such passion you cannot help but sucked into it) and conspiracy theory documentaries so this was a hit

I found both Hayden and Hallie to be relatable in many aspects- I loved their banter, their chemistry and their communication. Truly, this book slayed at communication between characters (again, thank you Mallory).

The story follows Hallie, who NEEDS to find a show to pitch to save her job. Her ex boyfriend (and coworker) belittled her in every way possible and ask she discovers Hayden and then begin working as co-hosts you get to see Hallie find her footing and really starting to believe in herself with the help of Hayden. But the uplift Hayden provides is also returned. Hallie helps Hayden standup for himself against his mom and be proud for all he’s accomplished.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC! Thank you Mallory for this chefs kiss book - I will be needing more!!

If you are a Ghost Hunters/X-Files girly like me then do I have a book for you. Love and Other Conspiracies will rejuvenate 100% those Mulder & Scully shippers.

Mallory Marlowe paranormal romcom debut Love and Other Conspiracies is not one to miss. And without a doubt is one of my favorite romcoms of 2024. Which shocked the hell out of me because I went into this book with zero expectations and left wanting my own version of Hayden.

This book was an absolute pull at your heart strings delight! I found myself unable to put it down even when I clearly had to get back to working my 9-5 desk job. The book contained a great balance of comedy, angst, sweetness and character development with a sprinkle of spice that sold me from the get go.

The characters were down to earth and easy to relate to. Our MFC is a badass is the film/production industry and our MMC is literally the golden retriever of boyfriends and I want one. Their dynamic throughout the entire book was so healthy. Which is weird to say out loud because usually in most romcoms today we don’t see that.

I cannot say this enough I highly recommend you grab Love and Other Conspiracies when it comes out in August. I know I will be and I can’t wait to see what else Mrs Mallory does next!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!

After her ex stole her last big show, Hallie has one last shot to come up with a new project and prove her worth to her company. Desperate for an idea - any idea - she stumbles across a late-late show about the unexplained. While she has no personal interest in the topic, she's drawn to the host of the show as he explains his theories. She's sure he is her ticket to the next big thing.

Hayden has spent his life exploring what others feel are conspiracy theories. Cryptids, aliens, and paranormal occurrences have always been part of his life, originating with his father's fascination. When Hallie explains her idea, he is sure this is a great opportunity to share his father's stories with the world, though he's not so sure about being on camera alone.

Over the course of their series, Hallie and Hayden may not find Bigfoot, but they might just find love.

This was a fun read exploring a few unexplained events. Fans of the X-files will love the growing relationship between Hallie and Hayden, especially as they explore their feelings and become a little more vulnerable to each other. This will also appeal to those who are fans of online vlogs or conspiracy theory Youtube channels, as they can experience a little taste of the unknown with a great romance.

this was way too buzzfeed-esque and millennial-core for me to enjoy. I found it to be incredibly cheesy, and it was lacking most of what makes a single pov book good. the character development for our mmc was lacking, and their relationship had like zeroooo chemistry for me. it often felt like the relationship was in the background, which was disappointing. I could understand that if this was labeled women’s fiction, but it’s supposed to be heavy on the romance. I also found Hallie to give off weirdo coworker vibes when she talked about Hayden. she was obsessed when there was no insight he even liked her a smidgen.

not for me, and that’s okay!

I cannot say enough great things about this debut contemporary romantic comedy from Mallory Marlowe. Thank you to NetGalley and the Berkley Publishing Group for gifting me an advanced reader copy of Love and Other Conspiracies in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Hallie Barrett works in the fast-paced world of web video, where the name of the game is how many views your videos get. Her ex dumped her as his girlfriend and his producer, and now Hallie needs The Next Best Thing to save her job.

Enter conspiracy theorist Hayden Hargrove.

Hayden has a successful podcast about cryptids, aliens, and government cover-ups. He certainly has a voice for podcasting, but as soon as Hallie sees Hayden on a late-night TV program, she knows he has the looks for video, too. Convincing Hayden to give the web series a shot is easier than Hallie expected, but the pair face an uphill climb. Hayden is a true believer, and Hallie doesn't buy a word of his theories. Not to mention Hayden's abysmal on-screen performance. With so much on the line, Hallie steps out from behind the camera and quickly becomes exactly what Hayden needs--both on screen and off.

Love and Other Conspiracies is outstanding. The story is fast-paced and contemporary, and the characters are smartly written--well-rounded, sharp, and funny as hell. Five big, bright, sparkling stars for this book!

✨Close encounters of the tattooed and nerdy kind✨

I picked up this book solely on the fact that the cover had Bigfoot on it and it did not disappoint. A romance book revolving on hopefully finding Bigfoot? Count me in! This book has a little bit of everything for any reader. There is forbidden romance, comedy and sci-fi.

The banter between Hallie and Hayden is awkward, but cute and funny. The chemistry between the 2 main characters was definitely off the charts. The storyline starts off kind of slow but builds. The sub plot does lean a little bit of dark with Hallie dealing with trauma so make you you check the brief warning in the beginning.

Overall this is a really cute quick read for any one looking for a laugh.

🌶️🌶️/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

I received this as and eARC from NetGalley and my opinion is offered freely.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
🧌 Cryptid Hunting
💜 Tattooed Cinnamon Roll MMC
😮‍💨 Forced Proximity
🎥 Work Environment Romance

✅ Mallory Marlow becoming an instant by author for me

If this is what Mallory delivers on her debut then I just know I’m going to continue to be blow away by anything she puts out.

The only thing I might love more than romance, is anything dealing with the supernatural and with so many creatures sprinkled throughout this book, Love and Other Conspiracies was an instant five star read for me.

Hallie and Hayden were adorable together with banter and moments where you will blush or 🥵

Overall, this is a light and quick read but the subplot does deal with slightly heavier issues. Add this one to your TBR for any time of the year but I think if you read this one in October, the season would make this already incredible book even better

The only thing that would’ve made me love this more would’ve been chapters from Hayden’s POV 🥹