Love and Other Conspiracies By Mallory Marlowe

In this delightful debut romantic comedy, Hallie Barrett’s career and love life are both in shambles after her ex-boyfriend—who also happens to be the star of the web series she produces—dumps her, leaving her without a new show for an upcoming company competition. With her job on the line, Hallie is desperate for inspiration, which arrives in the form of Hayden Hargrove, a ruggedly handsome cryptid expert she spots passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.

Hayden, known for his hit podcast on paranormal creatures, is intrigued when Hallie, a blue-haired and determined producer, offers him the chance to host his own web series. However, it quickly becomes clear that Hayden’s on-camera presence is about as appealing as a cryptid sighting in broad daylight. To save the show, Hallie jumps in front of the camera herself, bringing a skeptical, no-nonsense attitude that perfectly balances Hayden’s earnest belief in the unknown. The duo’s chemistry is undeniable, turning their quirky cryptid-hunting show into a viral sensation.

As they dive deeper into the mysteries of Mothman, aliens, and other strange phenomena, Hallie and Hayden begin to unravel their own complex feelings for each other. The more time they spend together chasing the truth, the harder it becomes to deny the growing connection between them. In the midst of their adventures, they both discover that the most magical, mysterious force of all might just be love, as they learn to trust and believe in each other despite their differences.