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Winging It with You
Popular bookstagrammer Chip Pons's gay rom-com about two men who impulsively pose as a couple to compete in a reality show contest just minutes after meeting at an airport, and their run-in with the very real feelings that start to simmer between them.
Catching flights . . . and feelings
Asher Bennett thought his relationship was just fine. Until he’s unceremoniously dumped at the Boston airport ahead of the world-wide travel competition reality show, The Epic Trek. Armed with only a ticket and righteous indignation, Asher finds the closest solace he a mimosa and mozzarella sticks combo at an airport TGI Fridays. Still, Asher is determined to find a new partner and luckily, right in front of him is a smooth-talking airline pilot ready for takeoff.
Theo Fernandez has been grounded. He’s the only pilot that has never taken a vacation and the edict has been passed prove you're prioritizing a work-life balance or say goodbye to your wings. As he struggles to bask in his new downtime, without reconnecting with his family, he stumbles upon the perfect opportunity. The handsome guy who "stole" his mozzarella sticks at his favorite terminal eatery has a sudden opening for a partner . . . on a nationally televised reality show.
Theo and Asher buckle up to fake date for the cameras, but as they do the undercurrents of attraction make them wonder if their on-screen chemistry hints at something bigger. Do they have the courage to leave behind their baggage, and wing it together for another chance at love?
Catching flights . . . and feelings
Asher Bennett thought his relationship was just fine. Until he’s unceremoniously dumped at the Boston airport ahead of the world-wide travel competition reality show, The Epic Trek. Armed with only a ticket and righteous indignation, Asher finds the closest solace he a mimosa and mozzarella sticks combo at an airport TGI Fridays. Still, Asher is determined to find a new partner and luckily, right in front of him is a smooth-talking airline pilot ready for takeoff.
Theo Fernandez has been grounded. He’s the only pilot that has never taken a vacation and the edict has been passed prove you're prioritizing a work-life balance or say goodbye to your wings. As he struggles to bask in his new downtime, without reconnecting with his family, he stumbles upon the perfect opportunity. The handsome guy who "stole" his mozzarella sticks at his favorite terminal eatery has a sudden opening for a partner . . . on a nationally televised reality show.
Theo and Asher buckle up to fake date for the cameras, but as they do the undercurrents of attraction make them wonder if their on-screen chemistry hints at something bigger. Do they have the courage to leave behind their baggage, and wing it together for another chance at love?
Audible Audio
First published June 10, 2025
217 people are currently reading
11929 people want to read
About the author
Chip Pons
4 books635 followersChip Pons grew up in a small lake town in Northern Michigan, where he discovered the kind of stories that make you believe in magic, love, and second chances. Now based in Washington, DC with his dream of a husband and their pup, Margot, he writes romances rooted in queer joy and the belief that everyone deserves their happily ever after.
When he isn't writing, Chip can be found wandering through bookstores, daydreaming about new characters, or shouting about his favorite reads on Bookstagram. And snacking, like, all the time.
When he isn't writing, Chip can be found wandering through bookstores, daydreaming about new characters, or shouting about his favorite reads on Bookstagram. And snacking, like, all the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 915 reviews
June 28, 2025
When it comes to MM romance, so many stories are built around pain—about characters who have to overcome trauma before they can reach happiness. While pain is certainly a part of both Asher and Theo’s journey, it’s not the center of their story. Instead, they’re chasing joy. And that joy is present in every moment of this book, even the hard ones.
Asher and Theo are both incredibly lovable, and the story does such a great job of bringing a true rom-com vibe into the MM space. It’s fun, heartfelt, and refreshingly light while still offering depth.
It’s not without a few bumps—the third act breakup felt a little heightened for my taste, and the ending ran a bit long—but those moments didn’t take away from how sweet, cozy, and genuinely enjoyable this story is. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling, and I’d absolutely recommend it.
Asher and Theo are both incredibly lovable, and the story does such a great job of bringing a true rom-com vibe into the MM space. It’s fun, heartfelt, and refreshingly light while still offering depth.
It’s not without a few bumps—the third act breakup felt a little heightened for my taste, and the ending ran a bit long—but those moments didn’t take away from how sweet, cozy, and genuinely enjoyable this story is. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling, and I’d absolutely recommend it.
June 18, 2025
A pilot walks into a bar and... nope, you've not heard this story before! A modern romcom with a twist-a wilderness competition that both hinders and brokers the romance. Enjoyed the character development, and there were some hot, racy scenes to keep the heart pumping. Good story, immersive background. Will read more from the author.
June 28, 2025
AWWWWWWWWWWWW MY HEART .🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙
I always thought I would never enjoy a fake dating book… YEAH, I was proven wrong.
This book was so freaking cute I could screeeeeeam . and please don't get me started on how freaking adorable Theo and Asher were. WITHOUT A DOUBT, These two carried the whole book in best possible ways together and THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THEM????? UNHOLY. Oh man.Like set-the-pages-on-fire level. It just effortlessly grabbed me from from page one and did not let go. No but seriously it felt like my lungs betrayed me, I straight up forgot how to fucking breathe. That’s how hard they hit.😭😭😭😭
Theo and Ash just fit perfectly.
The concept of this book was definitely original. I PERSONALLY have never read anything quite like it before. That idea never failed to keep me curious and engaged. However, while the concept was intriguing and captivating lets be for real the book itself wasn’t flawless. It wasn’t a life-changing experience or a masterpiece, but honestly? It was FINE.
THE BEST PART ?????
WHATT CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD????? AND IN THE MOST AMAAAAAAAZING WAY ??? ohhhh The emotional tension, the growth, the intimacy....all hit me in ways i did not expect.....The vulnerability between the characters wasn’t just well-written, it was felt in my fucking heat and soul .Their journey wasn’t just about falling for each other it was also about finding themselves , which yeah made fall in love more. It was paced beautifully and gave space for all the little, intimate moments to shine.the author absolutely delivered on that front .
I ADORED the way their connection grew. How It started fun, like a harmless challenge,a game ? but gradually turned into something full of depth and vulnerability and love . You don’t just see them fall in love you feel them grow into it, step by step.ughhhhh.i genuinely liked every second of it. I would recommend it to a friend.
I always thought I would never enjoy a fake dating book… YEAH, I was proven wrong.
This book was so freaking cute I could screeeeeeam . and please don't get me started on how freaking adorable Theo and Asher were. WITHOUT A DOUBT, These two carried the whole book in best possible ways together and THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THEM????? UNHOLY. Oh man.Like set-the-pages-on-fire level. It just effortlessly grabbed me from from page one and did not let go. No but seriously it felt like my lungs betrayed me, I straight up forgot how to fucking breathe. That’s how hard they hit.😭😭😭😭
Theo and Ash just fit perfectly.
The concept of this book was definitely original. I PERSONALLY have never read anything quite like it before. That idea never failed to keep me curious and engaged. However, while the concept was intriguing and captivating lets be for real the book itself wasn’t flawless. It wasn’t a life-changing experience or a masterpiece, but honestly? It was FINE.
THE BEST PART ?????
WHATT CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD????? AND IN THE MOST AMAAAAAAAZING WAY ??? ohhhh The emotional tension, the growth, the intimacy....all hit me in ways i did not expect.....The vulnerability between the characters wasn’t just well-written, it was felt in my fucking heat and soul .Their journey wasn’t just about falling for each other it was also about finding themselves , which yeah made fall in love more. It was paced beautifully and gave space for all the little, intimate moments to shine.the author absolutely delivered on that front .
I ADORED the way their connection grew. How It started fun, like a harmless challenge,a game ? but gradually turned into something full of depth and vulnerability and love . You don’t just see them fall in love you feel them grow into it, step by step.ughhhhh.i genuinely liked every second of it. I would recommend it to a friend.
July 18, 2025
it’s amazing what a good audio book can do!!!!! i loved this sm
May 13, 2025
Chip Pons' mainstream MM romance debut, WINGING IT WITH YOU, is a total blast from beginning to end. I didn't read the author's debut, but if this book is any indication of his talent as a romance author, reading anything he has for readers is a must.
The story is centered around Asher Bennet's journey on the reality show, The Epic Trek (think Amazing Race). Asher thinks his relationship is solid—until he’s dumped at the Boston airport just before filming The Epic Trek. Down a teammate and stuck with nothing but a ticket and a bruised ego, he drowns his sorrows in mozzarella sticks at an airport TGI Fridays, where he meets Theo Fernandez—a pilot forced into taking his first vacation. When Asher needs a last-minute teammate, Theo steps in, and the two agree to fake date for the cameras. But as sparks start to fly mid-flight, they’re forced to ask: could this unexpected layover lead to something real?
This book is funny and oh so steamy. There's two chapters that literally had me 🥵 and bothered, legitimately. The romance felt real, the reality show felt fun and fast-paced, and the audio (thank you @prhaudio) was done expertly! I didn't forsee a MM romance being in my top reads of 2025, but here we are! I am excited to see where Chip Pons takes readers next!
The story is centered around Asher Bennet's journey on the reality show, The Epic Trek (think Amazing Race). Asher thinks his relationship is solid—until he’s dumped at the Boston airport just before filming The Epic Trek. Down a teammate and stuck with nothing but a ticket and a bruised ego, he drowns his sorrows in mozzarella sticks at an airport TGI Fridays, where he meets Theo Fernandez—a pilot forced into taking his first vacation. When Asher needs a last-minute teammate, Theo steps in, and the two agree to fake date for the cameras. But as sparks start to fly mid-flight, they’re forced to ask: could this unexpected layover lead to something real?
This book is funny and oh so steamy. There's two chapters that literally had me 🥵 and bothered, legitimately. The romance felt real, the reality show felt fun and fast-paced, and the audio (thank you @prhaudio) was done expertly! I didn't forsee a MM romance being in my top reads of 2025, but here we are! I am excited to see where Chip Pons takes readers next!
July 23, 2025
Winging It with You is a cute, breezy rom-com. I noted a few typos, but nothing crazy. Chip Pons has a light touch with words.
The main characters, Theo and Asher, were fleshed out enough that I was invested in their relationship journey. They had some real conversations and romantic moments. The sexual tension was spot on.
I liked the plural, first-person POV, although the men's voices weren't particularly distinct so occasionally I lost track of who was narrating a given chapter.
I was excited for the reality show competition, but that's where the story faltered. Great idea, not so great execution. Case in point:
~ The contestants traveled together to various destinations (Italy, Spain, Indonesia) to compete in challenges that could have been done in one location. Why fly to Indonesia to harvest seaweed when you can do that in Maine?
~ The majority of the trials and eliminations weren't even on page. Only a couples challenges were described and vaguely at that.
~ At one point, another contestant sabotaged Asher and Theo, and no one called them out on it, so I guess cheating was allowed.
~ The show was aired in real time (no post-production editing, seriously?), but only the challenges were broadcast. Theo and Asher had plenty of alone time to catch feelings and make out with no cameras around.
~ Only one team (out of maybe ten) was developed enough to serve as secondary characters - the kindly Midwestern mother/daughter duo. The other teams were barely mentioned and faded into the background.
~ The show's sleazy host had way too much power. How did he manage that stunt at the end while keeping the producers in the dark? In reality, the producers call all the shots.
~ The big boss, Jo, had all the time in the world for Theo and Asher, constantly hanging around them, like what about the other contestants?
~ Even Asher being allowed to bring a dude he'd just met as his pretend boyfriend had me scratching my head. Surely, there were backup teams that could have stepped in?
Also, the final act breakup was pointless. All those big emotions, and Theo just dumped Asher and ran away. What a cheap way to create unnecessary conflict that was entirely inconsistent with Theo's supposedly patient, understanding personality.
There's a lovely HEA, but I honestly expected more from a book at this price point.
P.S. MM romance books that did the TV reality show trope better:
Under the Knife by Lauren Kelly
Treble Maker by Annabeth Albert
Cowboy Seeks Husband by Leta Blake & Indra Vaughn
True Brit by Con Riley
The main characters, Theo and Asher, were fleshed out enough that I was invested in their relationship journey. They had some real conversations and romantic moments. The sexual tension was spot on.
I liked the plural, first-person POV, although the men's voices weren't particularly distinct so occasionally I lost track of who was narrating a given chapter.
I was excited for the reality show competition, but that's where the story faltered. Great idea, not so great execution. Case in point:
~ The contestants traveled together to various destinations (Italy, Spain, Indonesia) to compete in challenges that could have been done in one location. Why fly to Indonesia to harvest seaweed when you can do that in Maine?
~ The majority of the trials and eliminations weren't even on page. Only a couples challenges were described and vaguely at that.
~ At one point, another contestant sabotaged Asher and Theo, and no one called them out on it, so I guess cheating was allowed.
~ The show was aired in real time (no post-production editing, seriously?), but only the challenges were broadcast. Theo and Asher had plenty of alone time to catch feelings and make out with no cameras around.
~ Only one team (out of maybe ten) was developed enough to serve as secondary characters - the kindly Midwestern mother/daughter duo. The other teams were barely mentioned and faded into the background.
~ The show's sleazy host had way too much power. How did he manage that stunt at the end while keeping the producers in the dark? In reality, the producers call all the shots.
~ The big boss, Jo, had all the time in the world for Theo and Asher, constantly hanging around them, like what about the other contestants?
~ Even Asher being allowed to bring a dude he'd just met as his pretend boyfriend had me scratching my head. Surely, there were backup teams that could have stepped in?
Also, the final act breakup was pointless. All those big emotions, and Theo just dumped Asher and ran away. What a cheap way to create unnecessary conflict that was entirely inconsistent with Theo's supposedly patient, understanding personality.
There's a lovely HEA, but I honestly expected more from a book at this price point.
P.S. MM romance books that did the TV reality show trope better:
Under the Knife by Lauren Kelly
Treble Maker by Annabeth Albert
Cowboy Seeks Husband by Leta Blake & Indra Vaughn
True Brit by Con Riley
January 11, 2025
4 stars. Serving high octane reality TV show drama with a whole lot of heart and steam, Winging It With You is a swoon worthy queer romcom not to be missed.
August 27, 2025
Not usually a fan of TV shows in books, but this had me INVESTED. The spicy scenes were great, and Theo & Asher are so adorable together ♡
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June 10, 2025
MM Romance
Reality Show Madness
4 Stars ⭐️
I adored this book and it showed up at exactly the right time. Here’s why. I love The Amazing Race. I binge watch it periodically and there’s even a channel that plays old seasons of TAR on Pluto TV. I had never watched it until about 5 years ago when I had some streaming service and was like WTF is this and why are there so many seasons? I had no idea how immersed into this show I’d become and if I didn’t have a jacked leg, I’d apply for it because who doesn’t want a full paid trip around the world doing crazy things you’d never be able to in real life? Sign me the fuck up. So season 26 just aired on this channel and the idea was ludicrous. It was the first season that they had only dating couples on it and some of them were blind dates that only met on the starting line. It was a train wreck I couldn’t look away from and then I got approved for this arc. I requested it based on the cover, yes I’m shallow and I read somewhere it had a breeding kink (it does 🥵) but I had no idea it was about a show based on The Amazing Race. In this book it’s called The Epic Trek and Asher’s boyfriend Clint really wanted to go on this show so he had Asher sign them up only to get dumped in the airport a few hours before boarding time. Asher doesn’t know WTF to do so goes to a bar in the airport and serendipitously meets Theo. Theo is a pilot who is so work focused that he’s been told he needs to take mandatory leave because he hasn’t taken a day off in years. So these two meet, a deal of sorts happens and they become fake boyfriends to compete on the show and I ate this shit up.
They start this show as strangers and while participating in this race around the world pretending to be boyfriends, they fall for one another. I loved their natural progression from strangers to friends to lovers and all the tasks they had along the way. I actually would have loved to see more tasks but that’s only because I love TAR so much but I thought the reality to romance ratio was done perfectly and it got pretty swoony the more I read it. I even used a credit on the audiobook because it has two of my favorite narrators on it. Lee Osorio aka Javi Wilder & Michael Crouch. I cannot wait to listen to this soon.
Why not 5 stars? Well, there was some OTT reality show drama that happened that I honestly could have lived without and it did get a bit too sickly sweet for me near the end but here’s the thing, had I listened to this first with my fav narrators, there’s a high chance I would have 5 starred it so nothing that happened was a deal breaker. I would have loved about one more sex scene but I’m just being greedy at this point.
Anyway, highly recommend this one. Best arc I’ve read in a while.
Thank you netgalley for the arc and letting me have it despite my absolute shit feedback ratio. I enjoyed myself and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Reality Show Madness
4 Stars ⭐️
I adored this book and it showed up at exactly the right time. Here’s why. I love The Amazing Race. I binge watch it periodically and there’s even a channel that plays old seasons of TAR on Pluto TV. I had never watched it until about 5 years ago when I had some streaming service and was like WTF is this and why are there so many seasons? I had no idea how immersed into this show I’d become and if I didn’t have a jacked leg, I’d apply for it because who doesn’t want a full paid trip around the world doing crazy things you’d never be able to in real life? Sign me the fuck up. So season 26 just aired on this channel and the idea was ludicrous. It was the first season that they had only dating couples on it and some of them were blind dates that only met on the starting line. It was a train wreck I couldn’t look away from and then I got approved for this arc. I requested it based on the cover, yes I’m shallow and I read somewhere it had a breeding kink (it does 🥵) but I had no idea it was about a show based on The Amazing Race. In this book it’s called The Epic Trek and Asher’s boyfriend Clint really wanted to go on this show so he had Asher sign them up only to get dumped in the airport a few hours before boarding time. Asher doesn’t know WTF to do so goes to a bar in the airport and serendipitously meets Theo. Theo is a pilot who is so work focused that he’s been told he needs to take mandatory leave because he hasn’t taken a day off in years. So these two meet, a deal of sorts happens and they become fake boyfriends to compete on the show and I ate this shit up.
They start this show as strangers and while participating in this race around the world pretending to be boyfriends, they fall for one another. I loved their natural progression from strangers to friends to lovers and all the tasks they had along the way. I actually would have loved to see more tasks but that’s only because I love TAR so much but I thought the reality to romance ratio was done perfectly and it got pretty swoony the more I read it. I even used a credit on the audiobook because it has two of my favorite narrators on it. Lee Osorio aka Javi Wilder & Michael Crouch. I cannot wait to listen to this soon.
Why not 5 stars? Well, there was some OTT reality show drama that happened that I honestly could have lived without and it did get a bit too sickly sweet for me near the end but here’s the thing, had I listened to this first with my fav narrators, there’s a high chance I would have 5 starred it so nothing that happened was a deal breaker. I would have loved about one more sex scene but I’m just being greedy at this point.
Anyway, highly recommend this one. Best arc I’ve read in a while.
Thank you netgalley for the arc and letting me have it despite my absolute shit feedback ratio. I enjoyed myself and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 18, 2025
3*** stars
What in the everloving bullshit are these contestants flying around the world for? (Yes, I believe everyone and their mother is sure this story is inspired by The Amazing Race and they do it, so.) These guys here don’t even race each other to these places, they’re all on the same tight travel schedule.
Sail boating off the coast of Argentina, then playing games in Portugal, some climbing and falling in Colombia, then back to Europe to some big maze in Denmark, followed by herding llamas in Peru, more places in Europe and then they were off to Bali. Why?
It made no sense to me, even if it’s only fiction and not everything has to make sense and there wasn’t actually a whole lotta unnecessary flying with a whole big ass production crew, equipment and contestants. I KNOW, okay? (It’s not like I’m bothered by the unnecessary extravagance in billionaire romances or anything, so really, Idk why this annoyed me so hard regardless. *lol)
This not so little bump in my road aside, I don’t really know what to say. I mean, yeah, the romance between Asher and Theo was cute and I enjoyed the first half of the book well enough but hitting the half-way mark I started heavily skim/skipping right up until the end. I. Was. Just. So. Bored!! Not even the ridiculous drama and third-act-breakup made my heart beat faster for this story. *yawwwn
What in the everloving bullshit are these contestants flying around the world for? (Yes, I believe everyone and their mother is sure this story is inspired by The Amazing Race and they do it, so.) These guys here don’t even race each other to these places, they’re all on the same tight travel schedule.
Sail boating off the coast of Argentina, then playing games in Portugal, some climbing and falling in Colombia, then back to Europe to some big maze in Denmark, followed by herding llamas in Peru, more places in Europe and then they were off to Bali. Why?
It made no sense to me, even if it’s only fiction and not everything has to make sense and there wasn’t actually a whole lotta unnecessary flying with a whole big ass production crew, equipment and contestants. I KNOW, okay? (It’s not like I’m bothered by the unnecessary extravagance in billionaire romances or anything, so really, Idk why this annoyed me so hard regardless. *lol)
This not so little bump in my road aside, I don’t really know what to say. I mean, yeah, the romance between Asher and Theo was cute and I enjoyed the first half of the book well enough but hitting the half-way mark I started heavily skim/skipping right up until the end. I. Was. Just. So. Bored!! Not even the ridiculous drama and third-act-breakup made my heart beat faster for this story. *yawwwn
Read
December 18, 2024DNF at 17%
Okay, the story might be a nice one, but I’m writing a story myself right now, and I learned that one of the rules to make your writing show instead of telling is to limit the number of adverbs.
But boy, oh boy, Chip Pons is Mr. Adverb himself. I jumped from probably to finally to quickly to instantly to nervously to coolly to visibly to skeptically to gently to abruptly to typically to intensely to quietly to many, many, many more, and I found out that I was only looking for adverbs instead of reading the story. So yeah, I quit.
Please check out other reviews if you want to read this one!
Okay, the story might be a nice one, but I’m writing a story myself right now, and I learned that one of the rules to make your writing show instead of telling is to limit the number of adverbs.
But boy, oh boy, Chip Pons is Mr. Adverb himself. I jumped from probably to finally to quickly to instantly to nervously to coolly to visibly to skeptically to gently to abruptly to typically to intensely to quietly to many, many, many more, and I found out that I was only looking for adverbs instead of reading the story. So yeah, I quit.
Please check out other reviews if you want to read this one!
June 10, 2025
Y’all, this book. THIS 👏🏼 BOOK 👏🏼 I am on cloud nine. And Theo and Asher by means of Chip are the ones that have put me there and NO 👏🏼 I do not want to leave.
This book is just FULL of the cutest moments to ever CUTE!!! Like the combination of this fresh new relationship fullllllll of lust and pining alongside experiencing so much of the world for the first time together was just ADDICTING 😍 There’s elephants, tomato fights, tackling fears of snakes and heights, sunsets, and it all made me squeal and kick my feet every 3.8 seconds. MINIMUM! I got giddy, and then I STAYED giddy because of how flippin cute this was. I’m STILL giddy. I’m so obsessed with these boys. Their story. Their love. Their experience. THIS EXPERIENCE. Chippppp you made my heart so happy with this!!
I need more reality tv completion romances like STAT!!! This was so fun, especially being that I’m a huuuuuuge Amazing Race, Survivor, and Traitors fan. And I think it was so smart of Chip to tackle it the way he did, with our MCs entering the competition as complete strangers. Because what we get is the MOST FUN demonstration of character development 🥰 It’s the combination of the thrill of the competition (how far are they gonna make it??) and the blooming of a deliciously addictive romance that hit all the right spots for me 😁 And them. Because yes, THAT spot was hit 😏 manyyyy times! And we’re not mad about it. Carry on boys 🫡 give us a showwwwww.
I’m also just so obsessed with this cast. The moment Jo was introduced I gasped. Because she gives Zhara from RWRB meets Effie from The Hunger Games. Weird combo, I know, but it works. And she’s so fun! And then there’s Jenn and Elise and Ellie and Mark and Arthur and Frankie and Lola and…yeah, I love them all. So much.
I love this book. I love these boys. And I love G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sending me an arc of this absolute cutie patootie of a book ☺️
This book is just FULL of the cutest moments to ever CUTE!!! Like the combination of this fresh new relationship fullllllll of lust and pining alongside experiencing so much of the world for the first time together was just ADDICTING 😍 There’s elephants, tomato fights, tackling fears of snakes and heights, sunsets, and it all made me squeal and kick my feet every 3.8 seconds. MINIMUM! I got giddy, and then I STAYED giddy because of how flippin cute this was. I’m STILL giddy. I’m so obsessed with these boys. Their story. Their love. Their experience. THIS EXPERIENCE. Chippppp you made my heart so happy with this!!
I need more reality tv completion romances like STAT!!! This was so fun, especially being that I’m a huuuuuuge Amazing Race, Survivor, and Traitors fan. And I think it was so smart of Chip to tackle it the way he did, with our MCs entering the competition as complete strangers. Because what we get is the MOST FUN demonstration of character development 🥰 It’s the combination of the thrill of the competition (how far are they gonna make it??) and the blooming of a deliciously addictive romance that hit all the right spots for me 😁 And them. Because yes, THAT spot was hit 😏 manyyyy times! And we’re not mad about it. Carry on boys 🫡 give us a showwwwww.
I’m also just so obsessed with this cast. The moment Jo was introduced I gasped. Because she gives Zhara from RWRB meets Effie from The Hunger Games. Weird combo, I know, but it works. And she’s so fun! And then there’s Jenn and Elise and Ellie and Mark and Arthur and Frankie and Lola and…yeah, I love them all. So much.
I love this book. I love these boys. And I love G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sending me an arc of this absolute cutie patootie of a book ☺️
June 27, 2025
Oh my goodness, Winging It With You was such a ROMP! I've been a huge fan of Chip Pons for a long time, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read his trad pub debut. It's swoony, spicy, and sweet. It's a must read for anyone who loves reality shows, golden retriever MMCs, and queer joy. I definitely recommend checking it out!
Winging It With You follows the two MMCs as they compete in an Amazing Race-style travel competition. The story is action packed and fun, at times hilarious, and often pretty freaking swoony. OMG y'all, I absolutely LOVED Theo. He's kind, considerate, and all in for Asher, and I was so here for it. The banter between Asher and Theo is a ton of fun, definitely one of the best parts for me. They are hilarious together, and I loved all of the shenanigans they get up to with the cry and the other contestants. And the SPICE! Whew, Chip really took things up a notch in this one, omg.
I don't watch reality TV, but if I did I'd definitely be there watching Team Thrasher! I loved all the humor, the different settings, and omg the ending. And y'all, I made it through the entire book without crying, and then sobbed over the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS? Don't skip those, they are so sweet and perfect. Super excited for Chip, and I can't see what he comes up with next.
Winging It With You follows the two MMCs as they compete in an Amazing Race-style travel competition. The story is action packed and fun, at times hilarious, and often pretty freaking swoony. OMG y'all, I absolutely LOVED Theo. He's kind, considerate, and all in for Asher, and I was so here for it. The banter between Asher and Theo is a ton of fun, definitely one of the best parts for me. They are hilarious together, and I loved all of the shenanigans they get up to with the cry and the other contestants. And the SPICE! Whew, Chip really took things up a notch in this one, omg.
I don't watch reality TV, but if I did I'd definitely be there watching Team Thrasher! I loved all the humor, the different settings, and omg the ending. And y'all, I made it through the entire book without crying, and then sobbed over the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS? Don't skip those, they are so sweet and perfect. Super excited for Chip, and I can't see what he comes up with next.
June 8, 2025
⋆˙⟡ CHIP DID THAT!!! ⋆˙⟡
I loved reading Winging It with You. It was SO MUCH FUN! The perfect summer book to be honest. You travel around the world, be part of a reality TV competition, there's fake dating, slow-burn romance, and so much more. I seriously recommend it to every single person who loves romance books - you'll adore it.
My heart swooned for Theo and Asher, two people who suddenly meet at an airport. Asher has been dumped by his boyfriend and just after embarking on this competition. He's flying to LA... but he needs a partner. Here comes Theo, a pilot, who just got notice that he needs to take forced vacations because he works too much.
Theo is the Golden Retriever boyfriend of your dreams while Asher is sort of a black cat, for sure. I think they literally found the perfect person to be with it, in each other. Opposites attract, you know! And they match so well, you'll see it with their soft touches, care for each other, thoughts when they're apart, and slow-burning romance that go from strangers to soulmates.
I can't wait to read more of Chip! I l o v e d this one so much.
🗺️⁀જ✈︎
I loved reading Winging It with You. It was SO MUCH FUN! The perfect summer book to be honest. You travel around the world, be part of a reality TV competition, there's fake dating, slow-burn romance, and so much more. I seriously recommend it to every single person who loves romance books - you'll adore it.
My heart swooned for Theo and Asher, two people who suddenly meet at an airport. Asher has been dumped by his boyfriend and just after embarking on this competition. He's flying to LA... but he needs a partner. Here comes Theo, a pilot, who just got notice that he needs to take forced vacations because he works too much.
Theo is the Golden Retriever boyfriend of your dreams while Asher is sort of a black cat, for sure. I think they literally found the perfect person to be with it, in each other. Opposites attract, you know! And they match so well, you'll see it with their soft touches, care for each other, thoughts when they're apart, and slow-burning romance that go from strangers to soulmates.
I can't wait to read more of Chip! I l o v e d this one so much.
🗺️⁀જ✈︎
December 27, 2024
Expected pub date: June 10, 2025
This was my first book by Chip Pons, so I wasn’t sure what to expect—but it turned out to be absolutely amazing. The story takes place during a game that spans several weeks, where contestants face challenges to win a million-dollar prize—a concept I loved since I haven’t read anything like it before. Theo and Asher’s fake dating made it even more interesting.
The romance between Theo and Asher had me swooning! Both characters were so well-written and complex. The ending was absolutely perfect for their story, and the epilogue seemed to hint at a sequel. Hopefully, that happens—I can’t wait to see them grow even more.
This was definitely a 5-star read. Chip Pons is now an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to check out his debut.
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!
___________________________________
RTC
This book was so amazing
Got the arc!!
This was my first book by Chip Pons, so I wasn’t sure what to expect—but it turned out to be absolutely amazing. The story takes place during a game that spans several weeks, where contestants face challenges to win a million-dollar prize—a concept I loved since I haven’t read anything like it before. Theo and Asher’s fake dating made it even more interesting.
The romance between Theo and Asher had me swooning! Both characters were so well-written and complex. The ending was absolutely perfect for their story, and the epilogue seemed to hint at a sequel. Hopefully, that happens—I can’t wait to see them grow even more.
This was definitely a 5-star read. Chip Pons is now an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to check out his debut.
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!
___________________________________
RTC
This book was so amazing
Got the arc!!
September 20, 2025
5⭐️
This book?!?! 🥹😭🥹😭🥹😭 I love Theo and Asher FOREVERRRRR I’m obsessed with them! Their chemistry, emotional intimacy, and the way they complemented each other so perfectly was everything to me. This is a fake dating queer romance in a reality competition show setting and I thought the premise was so much fun. I loved their airport meet cute and how good they were for each other. I was genuinely sad finishing the last page because I didn’t want it to be over! One of my new favorite romance books EVER I’m obsessed!!!!!!!!
This book?!?! 🥹😭🥹😭🥹😭 I love Theo and Asher FOREVERRRRR I’m obsessed with them! Their chemistry, emotional intimacy, and the way they complemented each other so perfectly was everything to me. This is a fake dating queer romance in a reality competition show setting and I thought the premise was so much fun. I loved their airport meet cute and how good they were for each other. I was genuinely sad finishing the last page because I didn’t want it to be over! One of my new favorite romance books EVER I’m obsessed!!!!!!!!
July 7, 2025
Tropes:
~fake dating
~forced proximity
~road trip (in the form of a game show)
~mental health rep
This was super cute! I really enjoyed the romance and the way these two connected during the challenges. The one critique I have is that the game show they were on was a bit confusing to me, as far as how challenges worked, how pairs were voted off, etc. The nerd in me wanted a bit more structure and explanation of all that. But overall, it was an adorable read!
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:
"How strange that I don't know you at all
Stumbled through the long goodbye
One last kiss, then catch your flight
Right when I was just about to fall"
~fake dating
~forced proximity
~road trip (in the form of a game show)
~mental health rep
This was super cute! I really enjoyed the romance and the way these two connected during the challenges. The one critique I have is that the game show they were on was a bit confusing to me, as far as how challenges worked, how pairs were voted off, etc. The nerd in me wanted a bit more structure and explanation of all that. But overall, it was an adorable read!
If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:
"How strange that I don't know you at all
Stumbled through the long goodbye
One last kiss, then catch your flight
Right when I was just about to fall"
Read
June 12, 2025A perfect own voice MM romance.
September 23, 2025
so cutie and fun but honestly a bit too spicy for me 😵💫
June 11, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
So in love with this one. Theo and Asher were perfect! This was such a wonderful story of fake dating until it turns real, opposites attract and finding your person in crazy circumstances.
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Reality Show
✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
✨Queer Joy
✨ One Bed
✨ “ Good Boy “
It was such a cute plot too with a chance meeting and these seeet me. Competing on a reality show. I loved the antics, the side characters and Theo and Asher were both so damn easy to swoon over.
And Theo had some unexpected Daddy energy that I was absolutely here for. The spice the swoon, just everything was perfect.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
So in love with this one. Theo and Asher were perfect! This was such a wonderful story of fake dating until it turns real, opposites attract and finding your person in crazy circumstances.
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Reality Show
✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
✨Queer Joy
✨ One Bed
✨ “ Good Boy “
It was such a cute plot too with a chance meeting and these seeet me. Competing on a reality show. I loved the antics, the side characters and Theo and Asher were both so damn easy to swoon over.
And Theo had some unexpected Daddy energy that I was absolutely here for. The spice the swoon, just everything was perfect.
February 27, 2025
3.75 stars. A meet cute that takes place in an airport bar over mozzarella sticks? That's so me coded. WINGING IT WITH YOU by Chip Pons is essentially THE CHARM OFFENSIVE by Alison Cochrun, but instead of a dating show, it's basically "The Amazing Race". Although, this is slightly better because Chip Pons is an actual gay man, and I don't care if this is divisive, but MM romances written by gay men are top tier because they get the trials and tribulations of men romancing men firsthand - plus there are references to Sean Cody, jockstraps, and Taylor Swift dedication quotes. GAYYYYYYY. This is an mm romance about unbecoming, and shaking loose everything you’ve been to find and love yourself again. It's about taking the jump, and making a detour in hopes of changing your life for the better.
Asher is a people pleasing science guy who just got dumped in the airport by his douchey boyfriend, and Theo is a broad and chiseled airline captain asked to replace Asher's ex on an exhilarating trip based reality show. So you have fake dating, neurotic/sunshine, reality show, forbidden romance (slightly), forced proximity, one bed, and a slow burn that takes place across the globe. While the reality show aspect feels rather rushed and underbaked, I found our couple to be obnoxiously sweet - in the best way. Theo has golden retriever vibes on the streets, but dom daddy vibes in the sheets. And Asher is one of those smart, but quiet, glasses wearing hotties you'd find in a science lab. I'd watch that corn. Speaking of, there are some pretty steamy scenes that had me grabbing my PrEP because that tension...and eventual eruption...was both sweet AND spicy.
Besides the physical, I really squeed over these two because they help each other become better men. After years of molding himself for others, Theo teaches Asher to say yes to himself and shows him he's lovable just the way he is. And after feeling such shame over being outed and discharged from the military, Asher shows Theo that he can trust people and fall in love again. I'm gonna need my own personal Theo stat because there's no way that a man can be that hot, kind and charismatic in real life. AND FLY ME PLACES?! You must be joking. And apparently kissing him is like coming up for air while simultaneously being set on fire and screaming thank you...so yea, I want that. Pons says that if you're lucky, home doesn’t have to be a place, it can be a person. So if I'm single, does that make me homeless? Just kidding, I love myself.
This isn't the most groundbreaking MM romance that I've ever read - it's quite repetitive, there's silly third act miscommunication, and the side characters are severely underdeveloped...but if you can deal with the laughable Ben and Jerry's challenges, you might swoon over these two. Special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Asher is a people pleasing science guy who just got dumped in the airport by his douchey boyfriend, and Theo is a broad and chiseled airline captain asked to replace Asher's ex on an exhilarating trip based reality show. So you have fake dating, neurotic/sunshine, reality show, forbidden romance (slightly), forced proximity, one bed, and a slow burn that takes place across the globe. While the reality show aspect feels rather rushed and underbaked, I found our couple to be obnoxiously sweet - in the best way. Theo has golden retriever vibes on the streets, but dom daddy vibes in the sheets. And Asher is one of those smart, but quiet, glasses wearing hotties you'd find in a science lab. I'd watch that corn. Speaking of, there are some pretty steamy scenes that had me grabbing my PrEP because that tension...and eventual eruption...was both sweet AND spicy.
Besides the physical, I really squeed over these two because they help each other become better men. After years of molding himself for others, Theo teaches Asher to say yes to himself and shows him he's lovable just the way he is. And after feeling such shame over being outed and discharged from the military, Asher shows Theo that he can trust people and fall in love again. I'm gonna need my own personal Theo stat because there's no way that a man can be that hot, kind and charismatic in real life. AND FLY ME PLACES?! You must be joking. And apparently kissing him is like coming up for air while simultaneously being set on fire and screaming thank you...so yea, I want that. Pons says that if you're lucky, home doesn’t have to be a place, it can be a person. So if I'm single, does that make me homeless? Just kidding, I love myself.
This isn't the most groundbreaking MM romance that I've ever read - it's quite repetitive, there's silly third act miscommunication, and the side characters are severely underdeveloped...but if you can deal with the laughable Ben and Jerry's challenges, you might swoon over these two. Special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 12, 2025
Asher & Theo
Rating: 4.0⭐
- Fake Dating
- Reality TV Romance
- Strangers to Friends to Lovers
- Biomedical Engineer/Pilot
- Only One Bed (Every Location)
- Adventure
- Mozzarella Meet Cute
- Wait...Is it real?
This was a fun read about two strangers who do something absolutely spontaneous, forever changing the course of their lives.
Asher is at the airport with his boyfriend getting ready to leave for the competition, when his boyfriend breaks up with him. Yeah, it's a scene but I'm glad that Asher didn't falter and left the fool standing there. Now, Asher has to find a new partner for this competition or it's all for nothing. Luck would have it that Theo has just been grounded by the airlines and is forced to take vacation. While Theo is trying to haggle with Asher over some mozzarella sticks, these two end up making a deal.
Throughout their many location stops, hotels where they have to share a bed, challenges that push them over the edge, these two start open up and share long buried secrets and insecurities. They both start to pine for the other and wonder if they're still faking it. We, of course, know that they are not faking it in the slightest. There are some stumbles that these two go through because their insecurities run so deep. The breakup/separation irked the hell out of me because it would've taken one conversation, like 10 minutes, and there wouldn't have been an issue at all. Oh well! Either way, it was fun to watch them traverse across the world and learn to love themselves and each other throughout the story. There were a few geographical inconsistencies, but that kind of thing doesn't tend to turn me off from a story. If it's a peeve of yours, at least now you know it's there in advance.
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions of military discharge (past; briefly mentioned on-page)
- Mentions of family estrangement
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes, few days
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: Yes-ish, Asher's ex causes drama
Ages: Late 30's
Rating: 4.0⭐
- Fake Dating
- Reality TV Romance
- Strangers to Friends to Lovers
- Biomedical Engineer/Pilot
- Only One Bed (Every Location)
- Adventure
- Mozzarella Meet Cute
- Wait...Is it real?
This was a fun read about two strangers who do something absolutely spontaneous, forever changing the course of their lives.
Asher is at the airport with his boyfriend getting ready to leave for the competition, when his boyfriend breaks up with him. Yeah, it's a scene but I'm glad that Asher didn't falter and left the fool standing there. Now, Asher has to find a new partner for this competition or it's all for nothing. Luck would have it that Theo has just been grounded by the airlines and is forced to take vacation. While Theo is trying to haggle with Asher over some mozzarella sticks, these two end up making a deal.
Throughout their many location stops, hotels where they have to share a bed, challenges that push them over the edge, these two start open up and share long buried secrets and insecurities. They both start to pine for the other and wonder if they're still faking it. We, of course, know that they are not faking it in the slightest. There are some stumbles that these two go through because their insecurities run so deep. The breakup/separation irked the hell out of me because it would've taken one conversation, like 10 minutes, and there wouldn't have been an issue at all. Oh well! Either way, it was fun to watch them traverse across the world and learn to love themselves and each other throughout the story. There were a few geographical inconsistencies, but that kind of thing doesn't tend to turn me off from a story. If it's a peeve of yours, at least now you know it's there in advance.
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions of military discharge (past; briefly mentioned on-page)
- Mentions of family estrangement
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: Yes, few days
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: Yes-ish, Asher's ex causes drama
Ages: Late 30's
July 18, 2025
2.25⭐
Well, that's over...
It's not a secret that romance books are not my forte - nor are they my all-time favorite genre to read; but this book really pushed this to the nth degree. While it started off pretty good, it just became a steady trajectory downward, and by the end I was skimming every paragraph in the third act. I'm glad I did a buddy read on this, because if I hadn't I probably would have DNF'd this book after Chapter 22.
I'll start with the pros: decent characters, a good amount of drama, and a happy ending.
Now for the cons...
-The characters felt one-dimensional and flat.
-I detested having the same internal voice for both POV's; the number of times I had to check who's POV I was reading...
-They fall in love over the course of a month? Gurl...
-Side characters were more interesting than the mains [derogatory]
I could go on, but I'll stop with those for now.
I had an idea of how this book could have been so much better (no shade to the author, this is just what I would have liked):
Asher is dumped by his boyfriend, has a mental breakdown and is unsure of what to do next. Theo, who is "grounded" from work, overhears this conversation, takes advantage of Asher's disparate situation of potentially going on the TV show alone, and uses it to his advantage to get the proof he needs for his job so he can get back to work as soon as possible. They compete, putting on the facade of being a couple in love, when they really aren't. Asher is more grounded, realistic, and analytical; Theo is flighty, aloof, and fiery. Throughout the show, they develop feelings and learn from one another important life lessons and change the other for the better.
Just an idea...
Anyways, I'm glad it's over. On to the next...
Well, that's over...
It's not a secret that romance books are not my forte - nor are they my all-time favorite genre to read; but this book really pushed this to the nth degree. While it started off pretty good, it just became a steady trajectory downward, and by the end I was skimming every paragraph in the third act. I'm glad I did a buddy read on this, because if I hadn't I probably would have DNF'd this book after Chapter 22.
I'll start with the pros: decent characters, a good amount of drama, and a happy ending.
Now for the cons...
-The characters felt one-dimensional and flat.
-I detested having the same internal voice for both POV's; the number of times I had to check who's POV I was reading...
-They fall in love over the course of a month? Gurl...
-Side characters were more interesting than the mains [derogatory]
I could go on, but I'll stop with those for now.
I had an idea of how this book could have been so much better (no shade to the author, this is just what I would have liked):
Asher is dumped by his boyfriend, has a mental breakdown and is unsure of what to do next. Theo, who is "grounded" from work, overhears this conversation, takes advantage of Asher's disparate situation of potentially going on the TV show alone, and uses it to his advantage to get the proof he needs for his job so he can get back to work as soon as possible. They compete, putting on the facade of being a couple in love, when they really aren't. Asher is more grounded, realistic, and analytical; Theo is flighty, aloof, and fiery. Throughout the show, they develop feelings and learn from one another important life lessons and change the other for the better.
Just an idea...
Anyways, I'm glad it's over. On to the next...
Read
June 4, 2025
Book Riot's Best New Romance Books Out in June:
I may have already started this book, and boy, is it a little bonkers in the best way. Asher has been lightly coerced into participating in an Amazing Race-style competition with his boyfriend…who proceeds to dump him as they’re checking in for their flights to L.A. At a loss about what to do, he convinces grounded pilot Theo to join him instead. The producers are surprisingly cool with the switch-up, but still want them to pretend to be romantically involved. Fake romance on network television? What could go wrong? —Jessica Pryde
I may have already started this book, and boy, is it a little bonkers in the best way. Asher has been lightly coerced into participating in an Amazing Race-style competition with his boyfriend…who proceeds to dump him as they’re checking in for their flights to L.A. At a loss about what to do, he convinces grounded pilot Theo to join him instead. The producers are surprisingly cool with the switch-up, but still want them to pretend to be romantically involved. Fake romance on network television? What could go wrong? —Jessica Pryde
December 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher and Chip for this ARC!
This was an absolute joy from start to finish. The characters, vibe and just heart that was woven in kept a giddy smile on my face and a mist in my eye the entire time. For some reason QUALITY MM romances written by gay authors are hard to come by and I think Chip’s voice in the space is going to be a game changer in the genre.
If you like experiencing the feeling of joy - read this book.
PS: to a specific other review - adverbs are a common part of speech. Pls get a grip.
This was an absolute joy from start to finish. The characters, vibe and just heart that was woven in kept a giddy smile on my face and a mist in my eye the entire time. For some reason QUALITY MM romances written by gay authors are hard to come by and I think Chip’s voice in the space is going to be a game changer in the genre.
If you like experiencing the feeling of joy - read this book.
PS: to a specific other review - adverbs are a common part of speech. Pls get a grip.
August 30, 2025
Reading this book just as La Tomatina happened irl really was a sign.
February 17, 2025
Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
This just wasn't for me, unfortunately! I do think it'll find an audience - specifically, I think people who loved The Charm Offensive will eat this up. It has a similar vibe, so if you loved the plot and characters in one, you'll probably find something to love in the other. Unfortunately, I'm not in that camp.
I really did want to love it - the premise is really fun! Gay fake dating on a reality competition show is just the kind of romcom hook I'm interested in. But I didn't vibe with the writing. A lot of the dialogue and narration felt stilted and unrealistic. I didn't buy the romance. It's dual POV, but the narration is so similar between the two that I wouldn't be able to tell which man was telling the story if you redacted their names. It's not bad, but it feels a bit undercooked. There's a level of polish that I just felt was missing here.
Like I said, I think this will find an audience that loves it, and that's great! I want people to support queer romance by queer authors! But it didn't work for me, unfortunately.
This just wasn't for me, unfortunately! I do think it'll find an audience - specifically, I think people who loved The Charm Offensive will eat this up. It has a similar vibe, so if you loved the plot and characters in one, you'll probably find something to love in the other. Unfortunately, I'm not in that camp.
I really did want to love it - the premise is really fun! Gay fake dating on a reality competition show is just the kind of romcom hook I'm interested in. But I didn't vibe with the writing. A lot of the dialogue and narration felt stilted and unrealistic. I didn't buy the romance. It's dual POV, but the narration is so similar between the two that I wouldn't be able to tell which man was telling the story if you redacted their names. It's not bad, but it feels a bit undercooked. There's a level of polish that I just felt was missing here.
Like I said, I think this will find an audience that loves it, and that's great! I want people to support queer romance by queer authors! But it didn't work for me, unfortunately.
February 4, 2025
Chip's sophomore novel is a knockout -- no slump to be found.
Winging It With You has everything. Wit, humor, romance (lots), spice (in spades). This is balanced by the more emotional elements of the book -- there are plenty of moments of pure joy, and plenty of moments that will break your heart. It's a perfect balance of levity and seriousness, a balance that was also found in You & I, Rewritten.
Getting a dual POV added so much depth to this story. It allowed us to see both the broken parts of Theo and Asher, along with a deep dive into their capacity to love another person, despite what they've been through.
Winging It With You feels like a warm hug. It is a ray of sunshine in the romance novel market, and I am so excited for the world to get to meet Theo and Asher. I just know that other readers are going to love these two as much as I did.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this!
"I thought the plane was going down, how'd you turn it right around?" - Labyrinth, Taylor Swift
Winging It With You has everything. Wit, humor, romance (lots), spice (in spades). This is balanced by the more emotional elements of the book -- there are plenty of moments of pure joy, and plenty of moments that will break your heart. It's a perfect balance of levity and seriousness, a balance that was also found in You & I, Rewritten.
Getting a dual POV added so much depth to this story. It allowed us to see both the broken parts of Theo and Asher, along with a deep dive into their capacity to love another person, despite what they've been through.
Winging It With You feels like a warm hug. It is a ray of sunshine in the romance novel market, and I am so excited for the world to get to meet Theo and Asher. I just know that other readers are going to love these two as much as I did.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this!
"I thought the plane was going down, how'd you turn it right around?" - Labyrinth, Taylor Swift
November 5, 2025
Catching flights . . . and feelings. Asher Bennett thought his relationship was just fine. Until he’s unceremoniously dumped at the Boston airport ahead of The Epic Trek, the worldwide travel competition reality show. Armed with only a ticket and righteous indignation, Asher finds solace at an airport TGI Fridays. Luckily, right in front of him is a smooth-talking airline pilot ready for takeoff.
Theo Fernandez has been grounded. He’s the only pilot that has never taken a vacation and the edict has been passed down: Prove you're prioritizing work-life balance or say goodbye to your wings. Struggling to bask in his new downtime, he stumbles upon the perfect opportunity. The handsome guy at his favorite terminal eatery has a sudden opening for a partner . . . on a nationally televised reality show.
The book opens with quite a bang, given that Asher is left standing at the airport check-in desk by his ex-boyfriend who chose THAT moment to call it quits. No matter that they were supposed to compete on a reality TV show similar to The Amazing Race.
Theo the airline pilot now enters the story. He has some "inner demons" that he’s been trying to outrun, but eventually they begin to catch up with him. He is more than willing to help out and immediately jumps on board to be Asher’s fake boyfriend in order to complete for the million-dollar prize, unknowing that true love would be the ultimate prize they would find with one another.
This was a cute M/M romance that has you rooting for Asher and Theo both in love as well as on the show. It was a slow burn story that I often wished would pick up steam several chapters before it did, but you come to understand why that is, as they are both guarding their hearts.
I enjoyed the reality show aspect but would have loved to have had even more focus on the actual events they had to compete in. They were a bit braise towards the ending, but it felt like the show was a great backstory to back up their forced love story.
Overall, this was a sweet love story from an author who is definitely making a name for himself in romance, and I cannot wait for more. Besides, he's another author from my state of Michigan that I try to support, plus the author has lived in Battle Creek, my hometown....so Win, Win!
Theo Fernandez has been grounded. He’s the only pilot that has never taken a vacation and the edict has been passed down: Prove you're prioritizing work-life balance or say goodbye to your wings. Struggling to bask in his new downtime, he stumbles upon the perfect opportunity. The handsome guy at his favorite terminal eatery has a sudden opening for a partner . . . on a nationally televised reality show.
The book opens with quite a bang, given that Asher is left standing at the airport check-in desk by his ex-boyfriend who chose THAT moment to call it quits. No matter that they were supposed to compete on a reality TV show similar to The Amazing Race.
Theo the airline pilot now enters the story. He has some "inner demons" that he’s been trying to outrun, but eventually they begin to catch up with him. He is more than willing to help out and immediately jumps on board to be Asher’s fake boyfriend in order to complete for the million-dollar prize, unknowing that true love would be the ultimate prize they would find with one another.
This was a cute M/M romance that has you rooting for Asher and Theo both in love as well as on the show. It was a slow burn story that I often wished would pick up steam several chapters before it did, but you come to understand why that is, as they are both guarding their hearts.
I enjoyed the reality show aspect but would have loved to have had even more focus on the actual events they had to compete in. They were a bit braise towards the ending, but it felt like the show was a great backstory to back up their forced love story.
Overall, this was a sweet love story from an author who is definitely making a name for himself in romance, and I cannot wait for more. Besides, he's another author from my state of Michigan that I try to support, plus the author has lived in Battle Creek, my hometown....so Win, Win!
June 27, 2025
4.25 stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Winging It With You" by Chip Pons! Asher and Theo.... ugh, I loved and adored them so, so much. What a wonderful couple! I am usually wary of insta-love/insta-lust, but their story worked for me from the get-go. I was all in on their strangers-to-lovers tale as they both enter a reality show competition together as a "couple" (fake dating!!), only to *really* fall for each other on the way! I loved their very first interaction involving mozzarella sticks and how it continued to come up throughout the rest of the story. Their chemistry and banter really helped propel their love story. Pons' writing is fun, flirty, and adventurous, and it can even be serious at times. I loved the travel aspect of this book, and Pons creates a beautiful portrait of every country and city where Theo and Asher travel. I also enjoyed the spice elements of this story... it was really well-written and surprisingly emotional at times. Though it might be a teeny tiny bit long, I still really loved this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Chip Pons, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Winging It With You" by Chip Pons! Asher and Theo.... ugh, I loved and adored them so, so much. What a wonderful couple! I am usually wary of insta-love/insta-lust, but their story worked for me from the get-go. I was all in on their strangers-to-lovers tale as they both enter a reality show competition together as a "couple" (fake dating!!), only to *really* fall for each other on the way! I loved their very first interaction involving mozzarella sticks and how it continued to come up throughout the rest of the story. Their chemistry and banter really helped propel their love story. Pons' writing is fun, flirty, and adventurous, and it can even be serious at times. I loved the travel aspect of this book, and Pons creates a beautiful portrait of every country and city where Theo and Asher travel. I also enjoyed the spice elements of this story... it was really well-written and surprisingly emotional at times. Though it might be a teeny tiny bit long, I still really loved this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Chip Pons, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
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