Quick Synopsis

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.

Publisher’s Synopsis

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.

Book Review

I picked up Love and Other Conspiracies for the premise and the fact that it has a unique story. I was not disappointed by this quirky romance. 

Love and Other Conspiracies is a fun, heartwarming story with two opposite people absolutely nerding out about their passions. Hallie is a smart, creative woman who aspires to become a producer… but her dreams blow up when her ex screws her over (a great reminder why workplace romances are always a bad idea). Looking for her next idea and trying to save her job, Hallie stumbles on a late-night series about Bigfoot. Hayden, a podcast host and self-proclaimed cryptic expert, has an established audience and charisma perfect for her show. The only issue is Hayden is a bit camera shy…

While Hallie & Hayden do go on some cryptid-based adventures for the show, if you are looking for a book that has Sasquatch sightings and conspiracy theories abound, you may be disappointed. While there is discussion of these topics, Love and Other Conspiracies is not all about them. At the heart of this story are two loveable characters with great banter and sizzling chemistry. The backdrop just happens to be about cryptidology and seeking out the strange. 

What I loved about this novel was its light-hearted, fun concept. It was fun for Hallie to narrate the story as a skeptic. I was very pleased by the absence of a third-act breakup, which often feels contrived. In addition, I appreciated the aspec (grey sexual) representation, although I would have liked additional discussion of it. 

Overall, Love and Other Conspiracies is a delightful, entertaining story that hits the mark as a successful romance novel. If you are looking for a bit of a different story or a book that does not take itself too seriously, I definitely recommend it.