REVIEW: Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe: If being dumped by her hotshot ex wasn’t bad enough now Hallie has no star for the online series that she is producing, which means she has nothing to present for the company’s competition. Well that is until she stubbles upon quite easily the most handsome man she has ever seen prattling on passionately about BigFoot on a late night documentary. Hayden has already made a name for himself as a cryptic expert on his podcast but he cant help but find himself being intrigued by the quirky blue haired producer that wants him to star in her new web series. While the idea of Hayden hosting the show is a good one, he just seems to fall flat on screen, which is how Hallie finds herself joining him on screen to play the role of sceptic to his over the top conspiracies. As the two try to unearth the truth behind age old mysteries they soon begin to realise their on screen chemistry is not the only thing that is being to spark between them, the question is can the discover the secret to loving again?

I loved this book, Love and Other Conspiracies was such a cute, fun and quirky read. This book had a grown up element of Scooby Doo but with a touch of romance and I for one really enjoyed reading Hallie and Hayden’s story. I have to say this was the first time I have read a book where the plot centres around a conspiracy theorist and I must say I found it rather enjoyable, not only did I find myself getting invested in the mysteries but I loved that there was a soft romance build up that played out along side.

Hayden and Hallie just worked, these two had the best chemistry possible and I loved that we got to see both sides to relationship. We get to see them being playful and working together but also growing close off screen and learning to trust and rely on each other. I really liked the slower build up between them, though I do have to say the actual steamy factor to their relationship was pretty mild if at all. One thing I did really enjoy was all the Hayden moments, our hero was a total cinnamon roll softie. He was one of the nicest most cute heroes that I have read. There was little to no room to find fault with this guy, with his quirky facts and love for the unknown. Though I will say I would have liked to have gotten to see a bit of the story from his POV. As for our leading lady, well I liked Hallie a whole lot, she was very much a go getter, with a never quit attitude. I think the only thing that I did not love was her relationship with Cade, this guy was the definition of a toxic man in the work place and I am so glad she no longer has to deal with him.

All in all I really enjoyed reading Love and Other Conspiracies, this was a really good debut novel by Marlowe, now I can not wait to see what her next offering will be. In the meantime if you enjoy a bit if cryptid supernatural mystery with your romance then this is definitely a book you need to check out!

Book Info:

Publication: August 20, 2024 | Berkley |

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.