“Though he’s a man who is a ‘decent stand-in for Bigfoot,’ I am still thinking about him taking all my clothes off when we get back to the cabin.”

4.5 stars rounded up! I LOVED this one so much!! I never wanted to put it down and the audio was an absolute banger. It included podcast-esq moments and when Hayden slips into his Boston accent it’s chefs kiss perfection.

I am so glad I picked this one up - how could I not?! Has anyone seen this cover???! Whether you believe in monsters and the supernatural you are going to fall head over Bigfoot for this super sweet romcom. It had me laughing out loud and rooting for all the characters (except Cade cause duh). The deeper conversations in this story surrounding not ever feeling “good enough” and abuse from an ex made this book so impactful and relatable.

This easily could’ve been a surface level story about conspiracy theories but the author handled the tough subjects with such care while weaving in the best humor and cutest love story. Cannot wait to read more from this author!

Read if you like:
👻 conspiracy theories
🌶️ mild spice (2.5/5)
🛏️ one bed
👀 forced proximity
❤️‍🔥 slow burn
🥹 he falls first and hard
💼 workplace romance

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Romance for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this book! I have been an X-files fan since the 90s, so the prospect of reading a romance between a big time conspiracy theorist and an absolute skeptic had me hooked immediately!

The premise of Hallie and Hayden creating a cryptid hunting show was just so fun. I loved their antics and banter on these excursions. I loved their sweet, supportive relationship. I had a hard time with how prominent the social media aspect was, but that’s a personal preference, I would like to forget social media exists when I’m reading, but it was an important part of the story!

It should be noted that grief due to the death of a parent (the death happened in the past) played a big roll in the character development. It should also be noted that an emotionally/verbally abusive ex plays an even bigger roll in both the story and the character development/character as a whole. If this is a trigger for you I would tread lightly!

This was not just a fun, fluffy novel about two people falling in love while hunting for Bigfoot! It was a richly layered story with deep, sometimes troubling plot points due to the things mentioned above. That being said, it was still absolutely fun and I loved it!

5⭐️
3🔥

Quick Breakdown
 
Strangers to Friends to Lovers
Workplace Vibes
Only One Bed
Cinnamon Roll Hero
He Takes Care of Her
He Falls First
Slow Burn
Single POV
Open Door – Moderate Detail
 
This book is fluffing PHENOMENAL. Not only is the premise wonderfully unique with an equal parts quirky and charming hero, it’s also full of humor, heart & lots of healing. Hallie has just escaped a toxic relationship with her manipulative coworker & is terrified with the idea of the emotional vulnerability required to give her heart away again. Enter Hayden & his soft and gentle soul. I could not get enough of the pairing of a skeptic & the believer of the unknown. Not to mention, that believer is a hot, tattooed, glasses wearing softie. Hallie & Hayden shared such an easy going connection with the BEST banter. Watching Hallie work through her feelings, growing stronger in the process, brought me as much joy as seeing Hayden stay patient and understanding for her.
 
I listened to this one & if audio is your thing, I highly recommend you do the same. It’s narrated by @finkeboutit & she’s become an instant favorite. I’d listen to her read the dictionary. I adore how well her performance showed the chemistry between the MCs and how well she voices the MMC.

I absolutely loved this book! It made me laugh, it made me cry, and I just adored the entire thing. Hallie and Hayden had such a perfect dynamic, and I loved watching their relationship grow throughout the story. I also really appreciated how both Hallie and Hayden were complex characters with their own struggles and how they helped each other with them. The plot of the book was fast-paced, and it was so easy to read! The writing flowed so well, and the book was difficult to put down. This was such a great concept for a romance novel, and Mallory Marlowe executed it perfectly! I can't wait to see what she writes next, and I would completely recommend this book!! :)

4 stars.

"Love and Other Conspiracies" by Mallory Marlowe is such a fun read! I had a blast with this book and was hooked from the very first chapter. I loved the characters, Hallie and Hayden. Hallie is a skeptic non-believer who happens upon Hayden's podcast and wants to use his enthusiasm for chasing and hunting cryptids and the paranormal for an internet show at her work. Their differences lead to a lot of fantastic banter between the two of them as they run around California scowering for aliens and Bigfoot and ghosties. They have terrific chemistry and a ton of fun together. It's not all lighthearted fun and games, though. This story deals with some very serious topics as well. As they get to know each other, Hayden and Hallie help each other heal from the traumas and losses they have endured in their lives. Marlowe meshes the sweet, the kooky, the steamy, and the heavy in a wonderful way. Nothing feels imbalanced at all. Be sure to give this book a shot, you won't regret it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Mallory Marlowe, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

I’m always up for something new and fresh, and a contemporary romance featuring a web series producer and a paranormal conspiracy theorist who fall in love while investigating Area 51 and looking for bigfoot seemed to fit that bill perfectly.

Hallie Barrett is a producer at a company that produces Buzzfeed like content and is kind of in a funk. After breaking it off with her ex, who also happens to be a co-worker, her self-esteem is at an all-time low and she just knows her position at work is precarious. After receiving the greenlight for a pilot of her own, she has just a few days to find the perfect show idea. While perusing different forms of media she stumbles across a late-night show featuring a conspiracy theorist and is dazzled by his presence.

Hayden Hargrove is a cryptid expert with his own podcast and agrees to meet with Hallie to discuss starring in her new web series. After the first-time taping, it becomes apparent that he needs a co-host, and Hallie, as a skeptic, is the perfect person to play off his impassioned defense of his beliefs. The show becomes a hit, and their relationship slowly grows as they get to know each other and spend time together.

This book is fun. There is a perfect mix of humor and tender moments. The relationship building is well done. Both of the main protagonists have issues they need to work through– Hayden’s grief over his father’s death and relationship with his mother, and Hallie’s distrust in relationships and her own choices, as she works to heal after an abusive relationship. I liked their banter and chemistry. The skeptic and believer pairing worked for me, they played off each other so well and I really enjoyed the scenes of them out and about searching for cryptids and hoping to see ghosts in old hotels were entertaining.

All in all, this was a great debut. Quirky and fun, but also sweet and tender. I quite enjoyed and look forward to reading more from this author.

I adored this book! It was so unique and unlike anything I have read before! I love a unique take on romance like this. The characters were so genuine and I felt like I could really connect to them. I actually listened to the audio and it was excellent as well, with little audio snippets that sounded like an actual podcast or what would be the intro to their web series. Kade was a great villain because I definitely wanted to punch him in the face. I was glad to see Hallie find her voice and rediscover her confidence and that Hayden was her supporter from the very beginning.

Thank you for the free book @berkleyromance!! #penguinrandomhousepartner #berkleyIG #BerkleyBookstagram. Thank you for the free audiobook @prhaudio!!

This book comes out today and I highly recommend it!!

It has haunted hotels, haunted houses, haunted ships, Bigfoot, Mothman festivals and it honestly felt like watching a show while reading this!! I was very entertained!

Ive just recently binged Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix and so I loved reading about all the conspiracy theories from this book too!

I started listening to it on audio and in one sitting, I listened to more than 2 hours of it and I really only stopped because it was a weeknight and I need to function the next day 😂

So basically the whole main plot is about producing a web series about conspiracy theories. He is a believer. She is a nonbeliever. And so while he proves their existence, she debunks them. That’s pretty much the plot!

If you’re looking for some spice, I’ll say this is a 2-3🌶️ The romance part has it’s moments. Chemistry and banter is great but after the 100th romance book Ive read, I mostly enjoy romance books for the plot and this one was very entertaining for me!!

Also, since this is a web series with a podcast element, the audiobook was really good!!

💭 When do you start decorating for Fall?
☕️ Every year I tell myself I wont decorate but weve started shopping for decorating

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio and Berkley
for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! I was also lucky enough to receive an ALC from the Penguin Random House Audio Influencer Program. @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer
All opinions are my own.

I highly enjoyed this fun and quirky novel. Mallory Marlowe certainly is good at taking a topic such as conspiracies like Big Foot or Aliens and putting a romantic twist on it. If you had told me a year ago that a novel about conspiracy theories was this cute, I would've been skeptical...but Mallory Marlowe made a believer out of me!

Just like the fans of the podcast in the book, I kept rooting for Hallie and Hayden. I thought their relationship was adorable and I absolutely LOVED their chemistry!

This audiobook was narrated by Alex Finke and I thought she did a great job. I especially liked the different voices that she gave to the characters and how she brought their story to life. I will definitely look for more books narrated by her!

Thank you again to NetGalley, Berkley and PRH Audio for the ALC/ARC!


If you are interested in seeing more of my reviews and other content feel free to connect with me here <3:

https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules (links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, My blog and Substack newsletter, etc)

If you are a publisher or author who has questions about my reviews (as well as questions about my stats, reach or engagement), please free to email me. I am also open to requests for book reviews from authors or publishers. Thank you again for taking time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio and Berkley
for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! I was also lucky enough to receive an ALC from the Penguin Random House Audio Influencer Program. @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer
All opinions are my own.

I highly enjoyed this fun and quirky novel. Mallory Marlowe certainly is good at taking a topic such as conspiracies like Big Foot or Aliens and putting a romantic twist on it. If you had told me a year ago that a novel about conspiracy theories was this cute, I would've been skeptical...but Mallory Marlowe made a believer out of me!

Just like the fans of the podcast in the book, I kept rooting for Hallie and Hayden. I thought their relationship was adorable and I absolutely LOVED their chemistry!

This audiobook was narrated by Alex Finke and I thought she did a great job. I especially liked the different voices that she gave to the characters and how she brought their story to life. I will definitely look for more books narrated by her!r

Thank you again to NetGalley, Berkley and PRH Audio for the ALC/ARC!

Love and Other Conspiracies is sooo much fun!! It’s unique, cute, quirky, and hilarious and I want MOREEEE. I love Hallie & Hayden so much; they’re so pure and lovable I wish they were real people. Conspiracy theories are definitely not my thing irl but if I met Hayden I think he could probably convince me too that Bigfoot & aliens are real👽

There’s so much buildup to Hayden & Hallie and they are such green flags all around. We get a lot of insight into their pasts that have led to who /how they are now and has a big impact on how their relationship builds. I love Hallie’s roommate/coworker/bestie and her boyfriend too. Literally all the characters are easy to distinguish and given such personality - even Cade who’s 🤢 but you’ll get there.

I love the roadtrips (yes there’s definitely an only one bed situation😉), the competition, the banter between them as cohosts, and really just everything about this book. The perfect amount of spooky for people who are ready for fall but still enjoying the end of the summer👻

It’s a feel good, funny, heartwarming, nerdy romp that you won’t be able to put down!! 10/10 recommend!

Thank you Berkley for the digital arc. Love and Other Conspiracies is available to buy borrow listen to or read so go check it out! Promise you won’t regret it💙

P.S. I’m a very big Scooby Doo nerd so if you are too you’ll probably love this one as much as I do😁

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.

For my BuzzFeed/YouTube millennials, this one’s for you! 😉

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you 🩷:
• 🛸 Cryptid and UFO Sightings
• 💕 Behind the Scenes Romances
• 🛌 Only One Bed
• 🌲 Flannels and Nerdy T-Shirts

After her hotshot ex dumps her, Hallie’s career seems doomed—until she teams up with Hayden, a charismatic cryptid expert. As they explore mysterious creatures and ignite undeniable on-screen chemistry, they might just discover that love is the real phenomenon.

I’ll admit, the first chapters didn’t grab me. I thought the book would involve meeting a bunch of cryptids rather than a more realistic “Unsolved Mysteries” vibe. So I put it down and came back to it this weekend… and I’m SO glad I did! 🙌

💙 This just proves that I’m a mood reader because once I restarted, I couldn’t put it down! Being from New England, if you give me a main character who’s constantly wearing flannel and Red Sox gear, I am ALL IN. 😍 Yes, sometimes Hayden and Hallie’s opposing views on conspiracies can halt their chemistry, but it also makes for some hilarious moments! (I’m looking at you, Ghost Tour Guide. 👀)

PSA: There are some heavy moments related to emotional abuse from a past relationship and the death of a parent (off-page). While these scenes add appreciated depth to the storyline, please proceed with caution if this content might be triggering for you.

If you love nerdy cinnamon roll boyfriends, shipping your favorite celebrities, and pets with hilarious names, be sure to pick up “Love and Other Conspiracies” at your favorite bookstore! 📚

The cover of this book really drew me in with it's fun Bigfoot and the description made me instantly think Mulder and Scully, and obviously I had to request it.

I really enjoyed it overall. It is not quite as Mulder and Scully as I think I was expecting, but that isn't a bad thing. The characters were overall really enjoyable Hayden in particular I really enjoyed. Certainly would recommend it!

Title: Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
Publication Date- 08/20/24
Publisher- Berkley Publishing
Overall Rating- 5 out of 5 stars

Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Check out my full thoughts on this book and more here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh_0TdEd1i8G4HOCgnl0FvA">booktube reviews :)</a>

Review: Romance has really not been working for me but man did this hit. I loved both of these main characters so much. One of my favorite things is the believer/ skeptic situation and it was so fun and well written. Mallory Marlowe is going down on my list of autobuy authors for when she publishes her next book. The writing was fun, the pacing was perfect, and I just thoroughly enjoyed my time.

The main characters really get to know each other before any real intimacy occurs. They fully build a trust and caring relationship before anything else and for me, that built a more believable and relatable romance.

I also, am one of the few people who aren’t tired of the podcast/ tv show trope. If you are, and you still want to pick this book up, I don’t think there’s so much of it that you will be annoyed, it felt like a good mix.

If you are an X Files fan, I would say you really need to read this.

Humor is also something I really look for in my books, regardless of genre and I loved it in this one. I found myself either smiling or laughing out loud.

All round, I only have positive things to say about Love and Other Conspiracies, I hope you will pick it up and give it a chance.

Many thanks to Berkley for the digital review copy of Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe, which came out on August 20th.

This book has the most adorably eye-catching cover, and a premise I knew I couldn't pass up on. It tells the story of Hallie Barret, a web producer who is trying to pick up the pieces after an emotionally abusive relationship wrecked her life and her confidence. Her boss gives her the chance to pitch a new show for a competition to save her job - and that's when she discovers conspiracy theorist and cryptid expert Hayden Hargrove.

She convinces him to make a web series version of his popular podcast, but there's just one problem - he struggles in front of the camera. And that's how Hallie finds herself sharing the spotlight in a way she never imagined she could. Their fans ship them for a reason, and soon they're navigating uncovering their feelings for each other right alongside the search for Bigfoot.

This book was a big-time 5-star read for me, so let's dig into why!

What I Liked about Love and Other Conspiracies

Where can I even begin? Let's start with the banter between Hallie and Hayden. Their dynamic is adorable and had me laughing out loud. They're comfortable challenging and teasing each other, but there's a real affection building there that I absolutely loved.

The competing web series, cryptid hunting setup felt fresh and interesting, giving the story a compelling plot that didn't just center on the romance but also brilliantly set the stage for it. It was fun watching them make the show and getting to learn some cryptid facts along the way.

Love and Other Conspiracies also builds tension and tests the central love story without that annoying, poor communication-based third-act breakup. More of this in romance, please and thank you.

Last but very much not least, I also really appreciated how Marlowe writes about the realities of recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship. This might seem like a heavy topic in a romance, and I think it can be.

However, as someone who was in that space once upon a time, I felt incredibly seen by the tension Hallie feels between the self who was strong enough to get out and the self that put up with and tolerated the behavior for a long time before that moment. The first relationship after that kind of intentional attack on your self-worth can be incredibly scary and painful, and the book doesn't shy away from that. At times it was a lot for me, but in the best way.

What I Didn't Like About Love and Other Conspiracies

Honestly, as a five star read, I don't really have any big complaints. It did feel like the story slowed down a bit through the middle, but that might've just been me anticipating something bad happening because that's how these things work.

Final Thoughts

I'll be thinking about Love and Other Conspiracies for a while. Under the soothing promise of happily ever after / happy for now, this book tackles the aftermath of a manipulative relationship in a way that felt true to me. It also brings in a fresh and fun premise that made it a truly unique reading experience.

I recommend Love and Other Conspiracies to just about anyone, with the caveat that you'll want to tread lightly if emotional abuse can be triggering for you. Most of it is referenced in the past, but since she's still coworkers and rivals with her ex, there are some tense moments on page to be aware of.

This book is going on my stack of favorites for sure. What a strong debut from Mallory Marlowe, and I can't wait to see what she does next!

This book was so fun to read! From start to finish I enjoyed every bit of it. So much so that I purchased a physical copy also!

This one is for all of the Buzzfeed Unsolved (or whatever it's called now) fans. Hallie is a producer at Buzzfee-I mean Skroll who needs to pitch a new web series after her horrible ex boots her off of his. Hayden is the host of a popular conspiracy theory/cryptid podcast. It's a match made in heaven when the true believer and the nonbeliever team up.

This was delightful. These two characters just genuinely liked each other and were supportive of the other's interests. I loved how all of the conspiracy theory/cryptid stuff was done; listening to these two bicker back and forth was so entertaining, but was never mean-spirited towards Hayden for genuinely believing in in all. We love being supportive of your partner's weird interests!

On a more serious note, Hallie's character arc was really well done; the subplot of her rebuilding her self-esteem while still having to work with said awful ex was very empowering to read.

Also, I never thought I knew much about this stuff, but I knew every conspiracy theory and cryptid that was mentioned so apparently I'm an expert. Who knew.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

This gem of a book is filled with humor, heat, and healing.

Bonus points for glasses + tattoos - yum!

I can’t wait to see what Mallory Marlowe writes next!

I loved this one so, so much.

5⭐️

I received an advance copy of the book from Berkley and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Love and Other Conspiracies is a really fun rom com read. It is the perfect book for anyone who was a fan of the X-Files and a Mulder/Scully shipper back in the day. If you love quirky and fun contemporary romances, then this is a must read.