Cheesy, fun, cute, funny, and so much more! I really enjoyed this book and I really loved how it was something a bit different from the plot of most romcoms coming out at the moment. I liked both of the main characters and found myself not feeling bored through the book (which is a huge win imo). I definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys cryptids and romcoms!

Do you know that feeling when you reaaaaally want to love a book - so much so that you give the issues you have with it a lot of leniency - but no matter how hard you try it just falls flat? That's me and this book.

I loved the ideas and I loved the premise - but that's basically all I loved. The characters annoyed me. The romance was forced. The chemistry was non-existent.

I also had an issue with the ex-boyfriend. I understand the type of guy she was trying to illustrate with this character, but the fact that he was SO outwardly awful and then we're supposed to believe everyone at the company loves him and wants to work with him? Idk - it was just cringeworthy and unbelievable.

I also though the cryptids and conspiracies they investigated were SO basic. I was expecting to be engaged with these portions of the story and learn something new and cool - but instead it was the Yeti and a haunted hotel. Boring.

No thanks. This one just wasn't for me.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Audio

5🌟 - I loved it!

Thank you @berkleyromance for the #gifted copy and @prhaudio for the complimentary audio!

I loved everything about this!! LOVED the audio for this one done by the same narrator of Ready or Not, Alex Finke! You get fun sound moments from their podcast and web show!

The concept of this book was so fun! Who doesn’t love a little conspiracy theory 👽. Hayden 🥹🫶, I loved him. He was the best MMC.

The banter, forced proximity, the podcast antics, the quirky search of cryptids, and the communication!! The chemistry between these two characters was everything!

In addition to the romance, there was a strong plot of a toxic workplace harassment, caretaking of an ill parent, and discussions on depression/mental health.

Overall this was a really engaging and unique rom-com debut, and I cannot wait to see what’s next!

I thought this was a great debut novel. I loved the almost "supernatural" and "Buzzfeed Unsolved" the book gave. A fun read for any cryptid fans!

Super fun and cute! I love when romance novels center around a niche hobby or interest and the characters really get into it.

As someone who was obsessed with Bigfoot in junior high, and therefore other conspiracies and myths, I thought it was so fun to read a romance surrounded by it.

The relationship between the two main characters was realistic and genuine. Their banter was super natural and really funny. The addition to the show scripts really added to the book and helped to show their relationship without being from one character's pov.

The scenes between Hallie and Hayden went they were at Hayden's mom's house were precious and it made me like them as a couple even more. I thought they were very supportive of each other and there was no need for a dramatic third act breakup (thankfully).

Overall, really enjoyed reading this book!

This book was so lovely! I really enjoyed it. It would have been a five star read if the plot wasn’t so bogged down with stories about Hallie’s toxic ex, I felt like that plot line dragged on wayyyyyy too long. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the relationship between Hallie and Hayden and the interesting conspiracies discussed! It was such a wholesome romance and I loved the tension and spice. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

Welll this was just the epitome of a comedy romance, it had all the sparks of joy- literally making me laugh with all the silly paranormal chats - and also being super swoony. It started out a bit slow to me - but once they met and agreed to start the show together things started to pick up more. It was a tad “too quirky” for my liking, but I know people will love that quirkiness. The pacing was done well and all the subplot was very lighthearted and quick read. I just wish we had a touch of dual POV. Overall a 3.5

Love and Other Conspiracies is adorably whimsical, I really enjoyed this debut from Mallory Marlowe. When Hallie gets the opportunity to produce her own show at the online network she works for, she doesn’t expect for an idea to spark in the middle of the night. While Hallie is searching for a show idea, it’s during a cryptozoology type late-night show that Hayden, an expert on the strange and the cryptid snags her attention.

From the moment these two meet it is all kinds of humorous and chemistry-filled. Every interaction, every moment of debate between the two as Hayden tries to convince an unbelieving Hallie of his life’s work, every second is seriously adorable. As they created a show that honestly, I would actually watch in real life, I completely believed the chemistry that bloomed to life between them.

Marlowe hooked me within the first few pages and I needed to see what was going to happen between Hallie and Hayden. The writing is super fun and easy and the romance is feel-good and sweet. This is just fun, sweet, and often humorous and I will most definitely be checking out the next book that Marlowe writes.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored Love and Other Conspiracies. I did have the opportunity to chat with Mallory on my podcast and she was truly delightful. This book was fun and refreshing and so well written. As a long time conspiracy and fan of weird stuff, I felt like this book was written specifically for me. I love Mallory's writing style. The banter was to die for. I can't wait for more from Mallory!

Rating: 4/5
CW: Overcoming a toxic past 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.

Thank you Berkely Romance and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

We’re back in the world of podcasting/video series/radio romance, and I am so here for it. Love and Other Conspiracies completely surprised me—in the best way. A paranormal conspiracy theorist and a skeptical producer falling in love? It’s giving major X-Files vibes, and I absolutely loved it.

First, a heads-up: the content warnings for gaslighting and emotional abuse in a past relationship are very real and handled with care on page. Marlowe does an excellent job capturing Hallie’s pain and journey of healing. Her growth is palpable, and I adored Hayden’s unwavering support throughout. Their dynamic felt genuine, with his patience and understanding adding a lot of depth to their relationship.

What stood out for me in this book was how unique it was! The quirky banter between Hallie and Hayden kept me hooked, and the podcast/video series setting added such a fun twist. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but the blend of paranormal conspiracy and romance worked surprisingly well.

That said, I did miss having Hayden’s perspective. The single POV left me wanting more insight into his thoughts and feelings, which could have added even more depth to their relationship. Still, overall, I loved this unexpected, charming romance. Definitely one to add to your TBR if you enjoy quirky, heartfelt stories with a touch of the supernatural!

If this author doesn’t come out with a whole series of cute nerdy books I swear!Ṿ I had the most fun with this book and it was the cutest!Ṿ

I can’t lie…. I was a little worried this was going to be a little too quirky for me lol But as it turns out, with the addition of the Hallie the skeptic, it worked out really well. I had so much fun with two of them chasing not only the creepy people, but also each other.

Ok so the characters in this one I LOVED. Hallie was so real to me. She was so bad ass with everyone else, but with that ex of hers, she seemed like a little girl. She turned into herself and it was so sad to watch. (Read?) I think Marlowe did a really great job of depicting her as a woman working through an ex’s trauma. Also, I hated her ex. He was definitely an asshole. The love interest was so cuteeee! Talk about a hot nerd lol This one hit a little too close to home tho because I find those Cryptid Hunters so interesting. I really would like to meet one in real life lol

The romance was cute, but very instalovey. It did feel organic because she did have a crush on him as soon as she saw him, but it still felt weird to me. It just seemed really fast for them to admit that they liked each other and that they were going to try. Maybe that’s just me listening too fast, but I remember being like wtf lol The spice tho, I was not expecting. His mouth was terrible! lol But its always the nerds who surprise you. And he definitely did.

I’m normally not a huge fan of workplace romance, but I think it’s because none of the workplaces were ever this fun. I haven’t laughed this long at a book in so long. And the podcast excerpts that they had, I loved that as well. I can’t lie, I wanted to listen to some of those episodes. I definitely want to listen to/watch the last one from the Epilogue. I don’t want to say which one for spoilers, but I thought it was really cute tho.

After finishing this and finding out a little while later that there will be a second in the series, I can’t say how happy I was. It was not on my Bingo card to like this as much as I did, but it happened. And now, I can’t wait until we get to get my hands on the next one too!

Thank you SO MUCH to Berkley Romance for the #gifted copy of Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe! 👽💕

I managed to listen to this is the span of a day, it’s been ages since a book has sucked me in like this one. This book absolutely took over my brain and heart, it was the cheesiest book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading and had me GRINNING! I genuinely had the biggest smile on my face while listening to Hallie and Hayden bicker and be so freaking dorky!

The dynamic between Hallie and Hayden was so funny and precious! I never wanted to stop listening to their antics - what star do I have to wish on for them to be REAL?!

This was so lighthearted and goofy! The perfect touch was the incorporation of mixed media, such as including clips of Hayden’s podcast or brief “clips” of the web show! It really did so much to build the solid foundation of admiration and care between Hallie and Hayden.

If you’re looking for a sweet, no 3rd act breakup romance with very light spooky vibes [cryptid hunting], then PLEASE do yourself a favor and pick this one up! 👻

⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 1.5/5

This was such a fun and unique workplace romance! Watching Hallie and Hayden embark on their cryptid hunts together was so much fun, and their banter? Absolutely top-notch! Hayden was a total tattooed cinnamon roll who knew how to make Hallie (and readers) weak in the knees. AND THE FORCED PROXIMITY, Y’ALL!! I could not get enough!

The story also dives into some heavier themes, like Hallie’s struggle with the lingering effects of an emotionally abusive ex and his misogynistic behavior in the workplace. It made me SO MAD! This was absolutely a testament to Mallory Marlowe’s writing because whenever Cade appeared on page, I just wanted to PUUUUNCH. Hayden also dealt with his own grief from losing his father and the estrangement from his mother. It truly broke my heart to see him so vulnerable. These two went through so much - they just deserve the biggest hugs!

Overall, I highly recommend this book! It was something totally different from the contemporary romances I have read lately and I’m so glad that I picked it up!

Thank you @berkleyromance for the advanced copy!

Thank you @prhaudio for the free audiobook! And Thanks NetGalley and Berkley Pub for an eARC.
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This one was so fun! Hallie and Hayden are both quirky and hardy in a good way. And obviously perfect for each other, even though it takes them a while to see it. Enjoyed all of their adventures. Their banter was delightful and Alex Finke as narrator really brought the story to life.

A fun romance with great characters! The characters were the perfect mix of realistic and quirky. Marlowe did a great job of integrating the cryptology without having it overwhelm the story. Halle and Hayden were sizzling and sweet. I look forward to reading more from Marlowe.

The premise of this whole book is catnip for me. It's like Buzzfeed Unsolved but with boning. It's cute, it's fun, it's a little insta-lovey and it's got conspiracies. What's not to love?

Thank you to Berkley Romance for an e-ARC of this title; all thoughts are my own.

Introducing the perfect read as we transition into fall! Love and Other Conspiracies is perfect for readers looking for some spooky vibes without going full on paranormal romance.

Love and Other Conspiracies follows struggling web show producer, Hallie Barrett, as she develops a new show after being kicked off her last one by her toxic ex. While searching for a new program idea, she comes across paranormal expert, Hayden Hargrove, who has made a name for himself discussing cryptids on his hit podcast. Hayden and Hallie team up together to bring his show to the next level and to secure her place at work. Will they find Bigfoot or a love that is out of this world?

My thoughts:
This book had no business being this cute! I could talk about Hayden all day; purest man to ever exist, heart of gold. He's the kind of man who'd give you the shirt off his back with no questions asked. I loved watching him take care of Hallie and give her the words of affirmation she needed after being gaslight by her trash bag of an ex. He is constantly telling and showing her how special she is and how much she means to him.

More reasons why you need to meet Hayden:
•He scolds his cat about manners
•His socks have tiny ghosts
•He always says good night
•The caretaking scene
•He is a consent king

I really liked Hallie’s character as well. I think most readers will be able to relate to her journey of healing from her toxic relationship. Although her relationship was romantic in nature, the way she was treated could easily be that of a friend or family member. I enjoyed watching her realize how strong she is to have removed herself from that situation and to be starting over. The way she supports Hayden is very special too!

I am counting down the days to read the next book in the series following Hallie’s roommate and best friend. Friends to lovers can be a tough trope for me, but I know we are in good hands after this outstanding debut!

These are 3 of my favorite quotes:
“Who’s been taking care of you this whole time?”
“You can consider yourself off duty for a little while,” Hayden murmurs.

"It’s the feeling of a warm bed, a crackling fire, a tight hug. It feels like being safe and brave at the same time.

"You’re not hard to work with or hard to love. Loving you has been the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

Tropes & things:
•Workplace romance
•The best caretaking scene I’ve read in years
•Next level swoon
•Lots of forced proximity & road trips
•A man who is very passionate about cryptids

I have mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed the premise of a web series featuring conspiracy/paranormal investigations with a couple at the heart of it falling in love. However, I just didn’t feel any chemistry between the two.

The characters were dealing with deeper issues. Hallie had a toxic work relationship that factored into the story, as her ex worked at the same media company. Total jerk! I struggled with Hallie’s reactions to Cade’s behavior. Hayden had issues with his mother not supporting/diminishing his choice in career path, but the conflict became a non-issue almost as soon as it was introduced into the story.

I did like their on-location episode investigations.

The pace dragged in spots, and it just felt like it took me forever to get through it.

This one was just so CUTE — great chemistry between the leads from the get-go, and something that felt really nice to return to whenever I had a break for reading. I can see where the inspiration came from in terms of real paranormal web series, but if there was ever a version of The Out There that existed in real life with a duo this into each other, I’d watch the hell out of it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.