Love at First Sighting by Mallory Marlowe

When banter, chemistry, and conspiracy theories collide…

Love at First Sighting by Mallory Marlowe was absolutely adorable and surprisingly heartfelt in all the best ways.

El and Carter are pure rom-com gold. Their banter is charming, their chemistry is immediate but believable, and the way they keep showing up for each other made me fall for them completely. That motel scene had me tearing up. The instant connection didn’t bother me because it was grounded in a shared experience and developed into something meaningful. I would happily watch these two travel the world making each other smile.

The sci-fi element is more of a subtle thread than the core of the story, but it worked for me. The mystery was fairly easy to figure out, but I still really enjoyed how it played out. It had a light caper feel with just enough tension to keep things moving. Carter’s retro, film noir vibe was a little over the top at times, but it suited him and made his character even more endearing.

What I loved most was how emotionally available both characters were. There was no third-act breakup, no forced drama, just two people finding something real at the right time and choosing each other. El’s confidence and compassion were a perfect match for Carter’s steady sincerity, and their relationship felt thoughtful and grown-up without losing the charm of a classic rom-com.

Some of the side characters were frustrating, especially her roommates and his coworkers, but that only made the central romance shine even brighter. This was my first read from Mallory Marlowe, and I’m already excited to dive into more of her work. I love the way she writes romance with humor, heart, and just a little chaos.

Pre-order your copy of Love at First Sighting here or request a copy from your local library.

Interested in more from Mallory Marlowe? Check out Becky’s review of Love and Other Conspiracies!