LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES

Debut Author!

In Love and Other Conspiracies, debut author Mallory Marlowe gives readers a fun and adventurous ride. With clever turns of phrase and fun ‘out there’ conspiracy theories, readers are brought right into the story, and as a result, into the relationship as it progresses throughout the creation of their show.

 

BOOK REVIEW

I really loved reading this book. It was such a fun ride for me personally, with the characters talking about many of the same kinds of conspiracy theories my family and I have spoken about for years. It was a great reminder that, for all our differences, we are vastly similar in other ways.

I thought the author did a great job creating the fictional web series, The Out There, and hyping it up with the transcripts to the point where those reading the book want to watch the episodes of the show. It was great fun to read transcripts from episodes, though I do wish there was more of a conclusion for each episode’s findings. I get why there couldn’t be, given the theories and all, but it feels like there should have been something to conclude each one so there wasn’t that small bit of an open plot hole there.

One thing I didn’t care for was Cade and his vitriolic asshole-ness. I know that was the point, but I also feel like his comeuppance took way too long to get to, and though it was a fitting one in the end, it still felt like more needed to happen given how bad he truly was to Hallie. I mean, I get that Hallie needed to learn how to stand up for herself, which was the whole point of the story, but I also feel like Hayden needed to have a bigger role in that outcome than he was allowed within the confines of the story.

I also feel like the romance needed more depth in parts, but even feeling that, I still enjoyed the story, and I loved how it developed over time. Did I want more from certain parts of it? Yes, I did. But I don’t feel like I was shortchanged in the story because, like I said previously, it was such a fun ride.

“I was actually hoping that this girl I just can’t stop thinking about would be interested. I have this conspiracy theory that she might like me back.”

Well-written, engaging, and fun, Love and Other Conspiracies is a very different kind of romance that keeps things light while also tackling toxic relationships and the healing that comes afterward. Though this book started out as a five-star read for me, it wound up being a four-star and some change read due to the third act and its conclusion. It just didn’t feel strong enough to me, definitely not as strong as the start, and that kind of took me out of the story enjoyment a bit. I feel like the romance and the characters deserved a bit more there, and it bothers me that they didn’t fully get it.

Would I read this author again? Absolutely. I enjoyed the writing style and the overall story. It was clever and fun, and I loved the banter between and growth of Hallie and Hayden. They were great characters, and I thought they fit very well together.

 

RATING:

 

 

BOOK INFORMATION

 

I received an advanced reading copy (ARC) or advanced listening copy (ALC) of this book from the author, publisher, or publicist. The receipt of this ARC or ALC did not influence my choice to review the book on this site. It also did not influence how I felt about the book or its characters, storyline, and overall feel. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. As such, they only deal with what is written on the pages of the book and how what is written and otherwise presented made me feel during and after my reading of the book or how the book is presented in audio format and the narrators perform the book.

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
Published by Berkley on August 20, 2024
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Rom-Com
Pages: 367
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley, Publisher
Buy: Amazon | B & N | Kobo | Goodreads
Rating:

The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.

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.

 

Read this book if you like:

• Fun banter
• Out there conspiracy theories
• Opposites attract
• Working Together
• Road Trips

 

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BOOK RATING