A paranormal conspiracy romcom Yes, please!!

This debut was so good! An opposites attract romance between a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer who find love while investigating phenomena like aliens, Big Foot, the Mothman, haunted hotels, Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti and more.

As a huge X-Files fan I was so excited by the premise of this book and friends let me tell you - it delivered. I loved the main characters and I loved how their series and investigations took center stage right along with their romance. It was just so entertaining, humorous and fun.

I wanted to like this so bad cause I loved the concept and premise of the book but it ended up being a huge miss for me. I really did not like the fmc Hallie, she’s the type of insecure that projects that into every situation with constant complaining and jumping to conclusions. I thought Hayden was a decent enough guy who wasn’t afraid to show his emotions which was nice, but nothing about him stood out really. I just felt like they had no chemistry and I wanted more of the actual paranormal stuff.. there’s barely any and when there is, it’s cut off. I wouldn’t say this is a bad book cause I can see others finding it to be cute, it just wasn’t for me at all unfortunately.

✨ Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨

✨ARC Review 4.5 Stars ✨
Publishing Date: August 20,2024

“Sometimes the truth is the real story. It’s all a matter of what you believe. Some people trust what they’re told, some of us don’t”

Brief Summary-
A fun and quirky debut rom com you follow two very different main characters. You have Hallie who is down bad and looking for promising new storyline for her job so she stumbles upon Hayden a big cinnamon roll conspiracy theorist. She sets up a meeting with Hayden to see if they would work together in a show based around finding, Bigfoot, aliens and all sorts if cryptids. Hayden agree only if Hallie will be his co-host. This book gives Ryan and Shane from Buzzfeed Unsolved but with romance and gender swap. If you remember and or are a fan of Fact or Faked, Destination Truth and Destination X then read this book!

What To Expect
👽Aliens
👽Spooky & Cryptid Hunting
👽A golden retriever attiude x black cat attiude
👽YouTube Web Series Co- Host
👽One Bed
👽Forced Proximity
👽Work Environment Romance
👽Conspiracy Theories

My Thoughts:
I personally agree with Hayden's thought process of the unnatural and unexplained being out their somewhere. So to watch the banter between these two over fact or faked is fun. The plot was so entertaining and paced really well. It was fun to read about Aliens and Bigfoot etc. This was a somewhat lighthearted read and certainly goofy, the subplot held some heavy weight. With that being said I really enjoyed this book and will read this author's future work as well!

Hayden & Hallie were such fun and likable characters. The banter between these two will have you blushing and kicking your feet in the air. I loved witnessing Hallie’s growth throughout the book 🥹

This story is told from Hallie’s POV and I really wish it was told in a Dual POV. I would have loved to have seen more from Hayden's POV

I definitely recommend this read, if you want a quick, quirky andlittle bit of spice this book is for you.

This was cute! Super fun & I loved the banter of Hallie & Hayden. I wish the spicy scenes were a little…spicer but other than that, it was good! Can’t wait to read more from Marlowe

I’m not sure why I requested a book about conspiracies when I don’t believe in a single one, but at least Hallie and I are on the same page.

The monster hunting was a bit silly, a bit fun. I didn’t love it or hate it, and while I enjoyed the banter between Hallie and Hayden there was just something missing for me with the romance. That little spark, that magic needed to have me fully invested in them.

There isn’t anything bad about this book per se. It just came off as very forgettable to me.

Nevertheless, this was a quick and relatively easy read, and for those who like wacky theories, this may be the book for you

Delightful premise that also gives a really thoughtful look at the aftermath of emotional abuse from a romantic partner in a way that lets Hallie come out on top without undermining or minimizing her experiences.

ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴄᴏɴsᴘɪʀᴀᴄɪᴇs 👽🛸
✨Only one bed but make it haunted
✨Friends to lovers
✨A cat named Cthulu
✨A lizard named Lizzie Borden
“The dark and fuzzy corners of my brain know I won’t be alone forever, but it’s hard to convince myself of that sometimes. Sometimes I think of how much easier it’d be to be alone. I can’t fall for someone’s pretty words ever again. I learned the hard way that red flags are like quicksand—easy to miss unless you know what to look for, too hard to pull yourself out of when you’re in deep.”
Bigfoot? More like big thumbs up!! This quirky romcom about a conspiracy theorist and skeptic duo was equal parts funny, heartwarming, and knew when to make things real. Hayden and Hallie’s friends-to-lovers relationship was so cute, and friendly their banter was on point. From arguing about the Denver Airport conspiracy (please look it up if you haven’t fallen down that rabbit hole yet) to joking about Mothman’s juicy butt, every encounter with them was adorable. Hayden is so defensive of the paranormal and his nickname for Hallie (his little Nonbeliever) was so sweet and on-brand for the cinnamon roll nerd he really is. Just let people believe in whatever makes them happy dammit!
This could have easily been written off as a cheesy, quick little romance novel, but it made me really feel for these characters. There were moments where we dove into depression, loss of a parent, and trauma from a toxic relationship that I could really relate to. Hallie and Hayden instilled so much confidence and strength in one another, it really took this story a step up.
I can’t believe this was a debut??!!! Definitely running to grab my physical copy on August 20th so I can go through and highlight/tab the heck out of it 👏
Quotes I absolutely loved:
💚 “His smile is a bright but hidden secret, and when his gaze reaches mine, I feel like I’ve been let in on it.”
💚 “His smile is a bright but hidden secret, and when his gaze reaches mine, I feel like I’ve been let in on it.”
💚 “We should get high and watch Agent Cody Banks. Frankie Muniz really brings out my creativity.”

Read if you like:
👻 Supernatural Conspiracies
🎙️ Podcasts
🔀 Opposites Attract
🧠 Mental Health Rep

Omg, this was so fun, and it’s a debut?! I will definitely be reading more from Mallory once she releases her next book!

I loved how our MC’s were total opposites and that they came together so seemlessly and that the slow burn build up had so much tension between these two!

If you like supernatural conspiracy theories you will absolutely love Hayden, but if you are a skeptic like me, you will love Hallie and either way, I feel like this story just works with this fun aspect of chasing supernatural phenomena and their banter with having opposing beliefs on this topic!

And speaking of their banter! It was sooooo good!!!

TW for a toxic ex on page that is absolutely horrible to Hallie even after their breakup has settled.

Thank you so much to Berkley for my ARC and to PRHA for my gifted audiobook of this one in exchange for my review of this very fun debut!

This book was a blast! Legitimately funny and had me laughing out loud more than once. It was quite clever, with so many fun plays on words; "Close Encounters of the Shirtless Kind" = hilarious. I loved all the paranormal references (most of which I was familiar with, but I was tickled to learn a few more). And I totally would have listened to Hayden's podcast in my paranormal/cryptid podcast era.

On top of that, Hallie and Hayden's chemistry was instant and believable and they were so cute that they even had me almost weepy there for a minute.

While I did enjoy most of the book, there were a few things I didn't love. Some phrases felt a bid overused, like "Blue wave[s]", "ran his tongue along the inside of his lips", "the sounds he would make", "my eyes watered", etc. I also wish that we knew more about Cade, but instead he felt more like a one-dimensional plot device rather than a believable character.

Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of “Love and Other Conspiracies” by Mallory Marlowe in exchange for an honest review.

Hallie Barrett is in a bad spot. Her job as an internet content producer is in jeopardy after walking away from an abusive relationship with her company’s biggest star. Now she needs to come up with an Internet series popular enough to rival his if she wants to keep her job.

Desperate for something that she can develop into a full series, she scrambles for a likely subject. It seems hopeless until she tunes into a late-night conspiracy type show and watches a segment featuring cryptid expert Hayden Hargrove. She is immediately certain that this guy is the ticket to her success. Who cares if she doesn’t believe in any of his wild theories?

Hayden Hargrove has a podcast, an emotionally distant mother, and a whole lot of conspiracy theories. While initially uncertain about Hallie’s pitch, he agrees to work with her. It doesn’t seem promising when they first start filming – Hayden is lousy – but when Hallie joins him onscreen, they discover that their natural chemistry translates beautifully in front of the camera. It isn’t long before viewers pick up on that as well. Their popularity skyrockets as Hallie and Hayden debate and go tromping around, looking for Bigfoot. Their overt Mulder/Scully vibes have people shipping them from the start. Naturally, they fall in love.

The evil ex does make a number of appearances, made all the more awful because the author has a knack for replicating the kind of vile misogyny that infects every comments section of every social network. Fear not, Hallie will find the strength to persevere. You just have to get through that nausea-inducing crap first.

As unlikely as it may seem, this story of a skeptic and a conspiracy theorist falling in love is one of the sweetest love stories you will read this year. This story aptly demonstrates how two people with fundamentally different outlooks can bridge their differences and fall in love, all without compromising themselves to do it. It’s tender, inspiring, and lovely.

Hayden is a shining example of healthy masculinity. He loves her, supports her, and gives her the respect and credit she’s due. Hallie is a survivor, recovering an abusive relationship to succeed on her own terms, with a partner who values her. There’s a brief 3rd act breakup, but honestly, it results in such a singularly perfect moment with Hayden that it’s hard to be mad about it.

Recommended for readers who want a romance that’s based on mutual respect and admiration (in addition to naughty feelings), and anybody who thinks that maybe, just maybe, Bigfoot might really exist. If you love romance and have ever owned X-Files memorabilia, this story is for you.

What you’ll find:
✨ Unconventional Workplace Romance
👽 Mulder x Scully Vibes
✨ A lot of cryptid and conspiracy theory factoids
👽 Friends to Lovers
✨ Mutual Pining
👽 Hurt/Comfort
✨ Forced Proximity
👽 Only One Bed
✨ Acespec Rep (MC)
👽 Autistic-coded LI
😺 A cat named Cthulhu

Hallie is a web series producer desperate to prove herself at her company after a horrendous break up with a coworker. Hayden is a big, tattooed nerd/podcaster obsessed with cryptids and other conspiracy theories.

Right away, these two have incredible chemistry when Hallie proposes that Hayden work with her to turn his podcast about conspiracy theories into a web series. When they find out that he is not great in front of the camera, she steps in as his skeptical, quippy co-host and The Out There web series is born.

As Hallie and Hayden begin working side by side, a budding attraction blooms between them that is as obvious on-screen as it is off. While Hallie is hesitant to pursue anything, Hayden is supportive to a fault and these bickering co-host slowly become best friends (who definitely lust after one other.)

My Thoughts:

A little bit silly and oh-so sweet!! I adored these characters. Hallie is working on building her confidence back after her awful ex and she finds such comfort in this work with Hayden (despite her being a non-believer.) And Hayden is just this perfect combination of passionate nerd and understanding sweetheart. He and Hallie are total opposites in a way but manage to have a wonderfully balanced and supportive relationship. Despite their (adorable) banter, they have such genuine affection for one other. I love these nerds. They are the perfect match.

This is a delightful debut from author, Mallory Harlowe! I cannot wait to see what else she comes up with.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for an early E-ARC and thank you to PRH Audio for an copy of the audiobook!

- Friends To Lovers
- Conspiracy Theory Show
- Forced Proximity
- Bigfoot, Mothman, Nessie and More
- Only One Bed
- Slow Burn

Okay, I absolutely loved everything about this book. I am a total conspiracy theorist buff. I find all of the podcasts, documentaries, ghost hunting shows ect just so interesting. Then you add in some romance with a nerdy “hot guy” who gives off major golden retriever vibes and let me tell you I was HERE FOR IT ALL. The banter between Hayden and Hallie was so good too, literally had me kicking my feet and giggling. Hayden is just such a sweet guy, I couldn’t help but to love him immediately. And Hallie, oh Hallie, I loved the growth of her character the most. This is definitely more of a lighthearted romcom type of read, but it does have a heavier subplot surrounding loneliness and some self doubt. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Hallie and Hayden’s romance was a joy to watch progress and their individual traumas were respectfully addressed and satisfyingly resolved. Hallie is able to grow her own confidence after years of being with her toxic and belittling ex-boyfriend. Hayden’s reactions to her ex-boyfriend never take away from the work she’s done on her own and only enhance her development. Same for Hayden dealing with the grief of losing his father and of having an unaccepting mother. The real-world, non-romantic conflicts they deal with ground the romance which is always my favorite thing. I never just want a romance story. I want to watch two people fall in love but also complement each other and help each other grow as individuals. The chemistry and banter is still there, though! X-files fans take note. The Mulder-Scully dynamic is *chef’s kiss.

I fell asleep twice while reading this in 27% and that tells me all I need to know: it isn’t for me.

(4.5 Stars) Many thanks to @netgalley, @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the gifted digital and audio copies. Below is my honest review.

Hallie Barrett produced a popular web series until the series star fired her - and he was her boyfriend. Now, with no boyfriend and no show, she’s moved in with a friend and needs to generate a new show idea ASAP, or she’ll be out of a job. Up late trying to think up show ideas, she stumbles across a late-night conspiracy theory show and its guest, Hayden Hargrove, who hosts a popular paranormal podcast. His voice and looks were made for the camera, and Hallie thinks she can take his ridiculous aliens, bigfoot, and Loc Ness monster nonsense and make it a hit. It turns out he is terrible on camera unless Hallie, the non-believer, is there with him, pushing back on all of his theories. As their show begins to take off, they open up to each other and realize that, paranormal aside, they might be the perfect match.

Approaching this book with no expectations but a deep love for The X-Files and Roswell (the original, NOT the remake), I was delighted to find a story that was tender, complex, quirky, sweet, and spicy. The perfect balance of humor and romance kept me thoroughly entertained. Watching Hallie and Hayden challenge each other, care for each other, and realize their newfound reliance was a joy. The book was a blast from start to finish, a perfect read for the spooky season that captures the spirit without being spooky!

The audiobook was expertly narrated by Alex Finke, who also perfectly narrated Ready or Not earlier this year. Her voicing perfectly captured Hallie’s skepticism and Hayden’s tender humor.

What an outstanding debut!! I loved this X-files inspired reality web series romance that sees a showrunner falling for the star of her new Cryptid hunter online show. It had great heat and chemistry between the leads and EXCELLENT emotional depth - the MMC was dealing with depression and the FMC struggled with self worth after being in a toxic workplace relationship. Steamy and full of great banter, this is a standout debut that was great on audio and I CANNOT wait to read more from Mallory Marlowe!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!!!!

If this book had a song it would be Down Bad. I completely adored it. Hayden is my new book boyfriend. He's perfect. Also, will someone go hunt Bigfoot with me please?

Fun, quirky romance! Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe is a contemporary romance about a female producer looking for a new show idea to save her job and the cryptid podcaster who will help her do it. Hallie Barrett’s life took a sharp detour after finally standing up for herself and leaving her ex, who also happens to be her coworker and star of her internet show. Stepping away from it, she’s asked to come up with a new show for her company’s competition in order to keep her job. With only a few days to come up with pitch, Hallie stumbles across Hayden Hargrove on a light night conspiracy theory show. Turns out Hayden has a successful podcast with a large following, one that could easily be adapted to internet TV. Now all she has to do is convince him.

I really enjoyed this book. It was such a fun read. Hallie is timid but also knows what she wants. She likes her job, and she’s good at it. Her confidence is down though because of her ex, who was verbally and emotionally abusive. She believes his lies: she’s hard to work with, she doesn’t contribute, her opinions don’t matter. This show is her last shot at proving she can be a producer and proving her worth to herself.

Hayden is an interesting character as well. I liked his random cryptid facts. As a X-Files girlie growing up, it was like reading about Mulder if Mulder was a Millennial podcaster and not an FBI agent 😂 Hayden is sensitive, kind, and surprisingly introverted unless you get him talking about the paranormal. He spent his formative years taking care of his dad until he passed, and now he is lonely. Hallie’s offer gives him a chance to break out of his comfort zone and begin to process his grief.

As much as I like Hayden and Hallie separately, their banter is solid gold and truly makes the story come alive. I loved the scenes when they were together more than the rest of the book. Hayden buys into all the paranormal stuff, Hallie not so much. In fact, she is the complete opposite. I loved seeing their growth through this book as much as I liked seeing them work together on the show.

Overall, I really liked Love and Other Conspiracies. It is a fun, quirky, contemporary romance. I highly recommend it for your end of summer or spooky season reading.

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.