Love and Other Conspiracies
Really Loved this book
Contemporary Romance, mild open door
Published 2024 by Berkely Romance
Narration: π°πππ‘ π΅ππππ
Funny yet tender, banter-filled yet serious, ππ°π·π¦ π’π―π₯ ππ΅π©π¦π³ ππ°π―π΄π±πͺπ³π’π€πͺπ¦π΄ is a feel-good rom-com that will have you laughing one moment and googling famous bigfoot sightings the next.
Marlowe crafted Hallie Barrette and Hayden Hargrove with a soft affection that had you rooting not only for their relationship but also for the success of their show, The Out There. Like the title of their show, Hayden, with his infallible beliefs in aliens, moth man, and spirits, and Halle, with her blue hair and soft curves, do not match the stereotypical big-screen couple, but they complement each other beautifully.
“Spirits of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel we come in peace”
Mallory Marlowe, Love and Other Conspiracies
“No, no we don’t we come seeking views on the internet”
Told from her perspective, Hallieβs voice carries the novel so well. She is still nursing wounds from an ex who never valued her and fears both physical and emotional intimacy. Her turmoil in the book felt organic, and the inner monologue connected the reader. Like many of us, her growth was not linear, and her hesitation to put her heart and career on the line felt highly relatable.
The best single POV books allow you to feel the love grow from both characters, and Marlowe nailed it. Hayden was perfectly crafted, from the Boston accent slips when he was emotional to recurrent acts of love. He never ran; he gave space, and their love, like his theories, slowly became so easy to believe. He is unapologetically himself, and by loving himself, he also helps Hallie find her confidence.
He feels like an anchor in the good ways grounding, keeping something where it ought to be ,and reassuring me with the knowledge
Mallory Marlowe, Love and Other Conspiracies
I won’t go go adrift
A kindling slow burn of a romance, there was some spice here that was full of benevolent undoings, mostly fade to black with enough details to let you know Hayden succeeded where her ex had failed (a micro trope I adore)
Finkeβs narration is immaculate. I laughed and felt each insecurity, gleeful smile, and moment of sadness as her voice changed and adapted to each instant. Add the theme song for their show, and this was audio perfection!
This book felt like an ode to all the cryptids and lovers of Ancient Aliens; Finding Bigfoot and The Ex-Files will love portraying all of Haydenβs theories. The romance here reminded me of Mrs.Nashβs ashes in that it had a bit of travel and an ex who was completely toxic.
This book is for non-believers and cryptid enthusiasts alike, those who have ever been made to feel insignificant, and those who are just a little bit out here! Pick this one up; you wonβt regret it!
