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Dearly Departed
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26Hope is a dangerous thing for gods. Even former ones.
From the highly beloved author of “contemporary romance magic” (Christina Lauren) Winging It with You comes a Hades-inspired gay rom-com, in which the former god of the Underworld turned grumpy funeral director must find a loophole in the Immortality Retirement Act that banished him to Earth, until the florist next door who sees life in full bloom begins to unravel all his carefully laid plans.
Hayden Harlow, once the mighty Hades, has spent centuries quietly resenting his fall from immortality. Stripped of his godhood by the allegedly irreversible Immortal Retirement Act, he now runs Harlow and Sons Funeral Home—a front for his eternal sentencing among mortals, and a bleak reminder of the purpose he’s lost. Still, he’s determined to claw his way back…if only the Fates at City Hall would stop toying with him.
Enter Levi Wilder: a florist with an artist’s heart, an infectious smile, and a gift for finding beauty in life’s messiest moments. When Hayden storms into Levi’s shop to complain about a bouquet of sunflowers—an offensive choice for a funeral, in his opinion—their worlds collide. Hayden is all restraint and shadows; Levi is all sunshine and charm. But beneath the clash lies an undeniable spark neither can ignore.
As their connection blossoms, Hayden finds himself caught between the life he once knew and the bright future Levi dares him to imagine. But trusting Levi means risking the walls he’s kept in place all these years—and it’s not just his heart on the line. Because in the threads of fate, one choice can change everything.
From the highly beloved author of “contemporary romance magic” (Christina Lauren) Winging It with You comes a Hades-inspired gay rom-com, in which the former god of the Underworld turned grumpy funeral director must find a loophole in the Immortality Retirement Act that banished him to Earth, until the florist next door who sees life in full bloom begins to unravel all his carefully laid plans.
Hayden Harlow, once the mighty Hades, has spent centuries quietly resenting his fall from immortality. Stripped of his godhood by the allegedly irreversible Immortal Retirement Act, he now runs Harlow and Sons Funeral Home—a front for his eternal sentencing among mortals, and a bleak reminder of the purpose he’s lost. Still, he’s determined to claw his way back…if only the Fates at City Hall would stop toying with him.
Enter Levi Wilder: a florist with an artist’s heart, an infectious smile, and a gift for finding beauty in life’s messiest moments. When Hayden storms into Levi’s shop to complain about a bouquet of sunflowers—an offensive choice for a funeral, in his opinion—their worlds collide. Hayden is all restraint and shadows; Levi is all sunshine and charm. But beneath the clash lies an undeniable spark neither can ignore.
As their connection blossoms, Hayden finds himself caught between the life he once knew and the bright future Levi dares him to imagine. But trusting Levi means risking the walls he’s kept in place all these years—and it’s not just his heart on the line. Because in the threads of fate, one choice can change everything.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 16, 2026
About the author
Chip Pons
3 books819 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 274 reviews
April 10, 2026
If you like a little fantasy with your spicy romance, no to mention wit, sarcasm, and dark emotions... you'll love it! Hades is no longer a god but instead a funeral director in a small NJ town. A lovable florist with a very happy spirit pushes his buttons, and somehow over the course of a few chapters the walls break down and something more than a few petal blossoms. Pons wow'd me in his last book, and this is no exception. Even the coldest of hearts will melt at the romance between the Keeper of Hell and the boy who simply wants to fall in love.
January 17, 2026
getting so emotional over sunflowers here (and queer joy)
listen if your man cleans house at death related trivia all while nonchalantly eating a burger you lock him DOWN and then force him to participate in more group activities
here for letting hades show you his collection of cool trinkets
thank you to edelweiss for providing the advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
listen if your man cleans house at death related trivia all while nonchalantly eating a burger you lock him DOWN and then force him to participate in more group activities
here for letting hades show you his collection of cool trinkets
thank you to edelweiss for providing the advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
Review of advance copy received from Author
I know it doesn’t come out until June, but Chip Pons wove magic throughout this romance between a grumpy funeral home director and a sunshine flower shop owner. From the moment they meet in this cozy small town, Levi and Hayden are drawn to one another and just can’t stay away. They slowly start to unravel the missing pieces of each other, and see each other’s deepest corners where grief and darkness live, and this book explores those themes in such a thoughtful way. I loved the character growth and how both heroes finally wanted to put themselves and their happiness with each other before anyone else. The found family? *chef’s kiss* I just loved being in this charming down with these characters and I didn’t want to leave! Also, Hayden is actually Hades and has shadows?? Obsessed. Preorder this book RIGHT NOW and pick it up when it releases on June 16th!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first book by Chip Pons and it 100% won't be my last, actually as soon as I finish this review I'm running to get his other book.
Dearly departed was wonderful, it had everything I could wish for in a romance book. It made me long for an open, supportive and loving community, even though I'm an introvert to the core and all these social gatherings would kill me inside. But that's how you know a book is good, when you yearn for something just because of how good it was described on page. It also takes the shadow daddy trope to a whole new level, it even has… shadow play?!(I won't elaborate, you'll have to find out for yourself just know it was HOT)
I have only two little complaints that aren't really complaints: how dare you not give me more Seby!! I love grumpy characters with cute but nonchalant cats, it's a weakness of mine. And I thought it was a little too long for me, but that's a personal preference and many people will argue it's not long enough lol.
The romance was so cute and if you have some type of family trauma this was so nice to read, I'd go as far as say it's healing.
I really enjoyed dearly departed and I highly recommend if you like mm romance!
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for the ARC!
Dearly departed was wonderful, it had everything I could wish for in a romance book. It made me long for an open, supportive and loving community, even though I'm an introvert to the core and all these social gatherings would kill me inside. But that's how you know a book is good, when you yearn for something just because of how good it was described on page. It also takes the shadow daddy trope to a whole new level, it even has… shadow play?!(I won't elaborate, you'll have to find out for yourself just know it was HOT)
I have only two little complaints that aren't really complaints: how dare you not give me more Seby!! I love grumpy characters with cute but nonchalant cats, it's a weakness of mine. And I thought it was a little too long for me, but that's a personal preference and many people will argue it's not long enough lol.
The romance was so cute and if you have some type of family trauma this was so nice to read, I'd go as far as say it's healing.
I really enjoyed dearly departed and I highly recommend if you like mm romance!
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for the ARC!
February 13, 2026
Oh my, Hayden! Chip Pons’s “Dearly Departed” is sweet, fun, and spicy, spicy, spicy.
We follow Hayden, a seemingly ageless funeral director and the town’s curmudgeon, as he carries on with his life helping families plan and say goodbye to loved ones. After an odd bouquet of flowers is delivered for a funeral, Hayden has had enough and goes straight to the source, colorful and life-enjoyer, Levi, the owner of the town’s floral shop. The two throw a bit of shade at each other (though, Hayden has some help in that area given he’s the freaking (former) god of the underworld) and begin to run into each other more and more … and well, you know where this is heading. The banter is cute and the flirtation between the two is fun but it’s in the spicy section that Pons has only gotten better since “Winging it With You.” (Side note: That too was great.)
Without spoiling anything, Pons has deployed some CREATIVE writing in these more intimate scenes. I haven’t read scenes like these between Hayden and Levi ever before. He goes all out with [redacted] and [redacted]. There’s literal [redacted] love making. Woooooo.
There are some hiccups here but mostly minor — the (somewhat) insta-like between our two leads and the third act turbulence in the relationship are tropes I have a hard time stomaching but everything Pons has done here helps smooth out the overall enjoyment. You’re in for a treat.
I’m excited for more to check out Pons’s latest and hopeful this isn’t the last time we see these characters. Can definitely see another following a certain brother or two. My thanks to Pons for donating an ARC to the Unbound auction. Super honored to be one of the first to read it!
We follow Hayden, a seemingly ageless funeral director and the town’s curmudgeon, as he carries on with his life helping families plan and say goodbye to loved ones. After an odd bouquet of flowers is delivered for a funeral, Hayden has had enough and goes straight to the source, colorful and life-enjoyer, Levi, the owner of the town’s floral shop. The two throw a bit of shade at each other (though, Hayden has some help in that area given he’s the freaking (former) god of the underworld) and begin to run into each other more and more … and well, you know where this is heading. The banter is cute and the flirtation between the two is fun but it’s in the spicy section that Pons has only gotten better since “Winging it With You.” (Side note: That too was great.)
Without spoiling anything, Pons has deployed some CREATIVE writing in these more intimate scenes. I haven’t read scenes like these between Hayden and Levi ever before. He goes all out with [redacted] and [redacted]. There’s literal [redacted] love making. Woooooo.
There are some hiccups here but mostly minor — the (somewhat) insta-like between our two leads and the third act turbulence in the relationship are tropes I have a hard time stomaching but everything Pons has done here helps smooth out the overall enjoyment. You’re in for a treat.
I’m excited for more to check out Pons’s latest and hopeful this isn’t the last time we see these characters. Can definitely see another following a certain brother or two. My thanks to Pons for donating an ARC to the Unbound auction. Super honored to be one of the first to read it!
Want to Read
March 20, 2026OHHH THIS IS THE SMUTTY GAY HADESXMORTAL ROMANCE THAT I WANTED TO READ LIKE 3 MONTHS AGO
November 11, 2025
SHADOW. DADDY.
February 9, 2026
4.5 / 5 stars - Rounded up.
This is Chip Pons' first foray into the fantasy genre ... and what a debut in that realm. Well-executed concept? Check. Uniqueness to the premise? Check. World building? Check. All the elements are here, and they work. I loved that this was a departure for him, because it really paid off.
If there's one thing Chip is going to do, he's going to give you 2 fully formed male main characters who are lovable, human, and complex. He will make you grow attached to them, empathize with them, and root for them. Readers will adore Levi and Hayden.
Lots of important topics explored here -- with grief being at the center of the story. Watching the characters learn what grief means and how it has impacted their lives for years really adds a human quality to the entire plot. It highlights the complexity of emotions related to death and loss, and I loved that.
It will be hard to top Winging It With You, so this book had its work cut out for it -- and while that remains my favorite of Chip's 3 novels, Dearly Departed really gave it a run for its money!
Thank you to NetGalley / Chip Pons for an eARC of this lovely book!
This is Chip Pons' first foray into the fantasy genre ... and what a debut in that realm. Well-executed concept? Check. Uniqueness to the premise? Check. World building? Check. All the elements are here, and they work. I loved that this was a departure for him, because it really paid off.
If there's one thing Chip is going to do, he's going to give you 2 fully formed male main characters who are lovable, human, and complex. He will make you grow attached to them, empathize with them, and root for them. Readers will adore Levi and Hayden.
Lots of important topics explored here -- with grief being at the center of the story. Watching the characters learn what grief means and how it has impacted their lives for years really adds a human quality to the entire plot. It highlights the complexity of emotions related to death and loss, and I loved that.
It will be hard to top Winging It With You, so this book had its work cut out for it -- and while that remains my favorite of Chip's 3 novels, Dearly Departed really gave it a run for its money!
Thank you to NetGalley / Chip Pons for an eARC of this lovely book!
March 6, 2026
☆ 4.5 stars
“Stars wouldn’t shine without darkness to hold them,” I whisper gently. “Maybe darkness isn’t emptiness. Maybe it’s what makes the light matter.”
Dearly Departed by author Chip Pons is an achingly tender queer romance that masterfully highlights the fragility of life and the importance in searching for your joy amidst the shadows in the dark. Grief is an ever present theme throughout the entire story and I really appreciated the emphasis that was put into the reality that we cannot love in life without experiencing loss. One cannot exist without the other and this story was a gentle reminder that we cannot shelter ourselves from experiencing great love out of our fear over what is perceived as an ending, whereas instead could be recognised as the beginning of something anew. We cannot predict what life has in store for us but what truly makes life worth living is the people and the connections that we get to meet throughout our journey. The found family elements were a huge highlight to me as I found myself in awe at how greatly each individual side character shined through the pages in their distinction and significance. I loved that each side character wasn’t reduced as decoration but instead served a clear purpose that added so much depth and vitality to the story. Dearly Departed was unputdownable from the very first page and I had the best experience getting to explore how the inspiration taken from Greek mythology could correlate into a seemingly mundane, modern day human experience. This is a not only a story built on budding love and connection… but also in the exploration of self-identity and vulnerability. Everything about this beautiful tale felt innately human and relatable to me as a reader, and I cannot wait to read more works from this author after this unforgettable experience.
Levi Wilder is a botanist enthusiast and florist shop owner whose soul-deep kindness and love for nature shines through the pages. His entire personality and demeanour is sunshine personified which makes perfect sense with the assumption that his character is inspired by the myth of Persephone, goddess of spring and queen to the underworld. Levi exudes warmth and a rare sense of openness that felt refreshing to experience as he is unafraid of authenticity and often wears his emotions on his sleeve for the entire town to see. I adored getting to explore his character on a much more emotionally intimate level as his experience with grief allows us to recognise just how much of his persona is a facade as a means to shelter others from his own pain and suffering. My heart broke for Levi as the truths of his burdens comes to light and we are forced to bare witness to the breaking down of his character before inevitably being built back up with the helping hand from the community that adores him without condition. Levi’s love of community is at the core of his character which we see come into effect time and again with his refusal to give up on the hope that he harbours when doors are slammed in his face. His ability to adapt and willingness to lean upon his peers for support was wonderful to see, and I adored getting to experience just how loved and respected this treasure of a man is. Levi gives so much of himself to the people around him, often to his own detriment, so I was relieved to see him find a partner that would willingly step in to fill the gaps and stand at his side as an unwavering presence of strength and stability.
Hayden ‘aka Hades’ Harlow is the retired god of the underworld turned funeral director who has spent centuries existing in a self-imposed solitude as a means of denial and protection. My intrigue was immediately piqued by his character and the mysterious origins surrounding what brought him (and his two brothers) to the mortal plane after living a life being revered as gods. Unfortunately this wasn’t properly explored nor explained with any sense of finality for me… which has me hoping in my delusion that we will get the opportunity to return to this universe for the love stories of the other two brothers where this will also be expanded upon more fully. Outside of this I absolutely adored Hayden and the ultimate unravelling of his character as he finds his spark of light within the dark. I found it really interesting to witness how grief has been his closest companion for centuries due to his profession and the softness that he exudes for those in need of it as a result. Hayden is gruff and broody on the outside, but internally? That’s a secret softie if I’ve ever seen one. His capacity for both gentleness and searing passion felt well balanced as we witness Hayden step up for Levi as a romantic partner time and again. He’s a caretaker at heart and I adored getting to witness Hayden begin to step out of his shell and realise that there is a full life waiting to be lived should he feel brave enough to let go of the past and embrace the present. Hayden’s personal battle with grief was really interesting to explore as it was rooted in the loss of identity and familiarity. I really appreciated the conversations surrounding his time as ‘Hades’ as this highlighted how he essentially mourns what was taken from him and the abandonment he feels from his brothers in the aftermath of what led to towards living amongst humans. Hayden was a wonderfully rich and compelling character that found himself on an impactful journey of recognition and healing, and I adored getting to see him find a community of people that loved and respected him after spending so long hiding within the shadows. The way that they also sought to remind him how wanted he is as an individual and not just as Levi’s partner? That nearly had me sobbing. Hayden’s journey was emotional from beginning to end and I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion to his story.
Only the greatest of love stories begin with a disagreement surrounding a flower bouquet intended for a funeral service… as proven by both Hayden and Levi when their first proper interaction involves said disagreement in Levi’s place of business. Immediately I was swept away by their addictive dynamic and electric chemistry that was fuelled by quick wit and longing glances. The development of their relationship felt steady and written with purpose as both characters take the time to emotionally connect alongside the acknowledgement of their mutual attraction. Hayden and Levi both undergo deeply emotional and personal developments as individuals and I loved getting to witness the respective support and compassionate approach that both characters take for one another. I loved that they not only began to grow as a budding romantic pair but also in friendship. The trust that was forged felt unshakeable and it was beautiful to recognise how hard earned this development was worked towards. Their chemistry as a couple had me fanning my face on multiple occasions, especially when Hayden’s shadows came out to play, and I was especially thrilled to see a ‘prep scene’ included prior to an intimate scene as this added another layer of relatable realism for the reader to connect with. Most of all my favourite aspect to Hayden and Levi’s relationship was the recognition that life is so much fuller and hopeful when they spend it together. They truly invest the time and patience needed to make their relationship work, and I adored getting to witness both characters learn how to better communicate and strengthen as a couple overall. Hayden and Levi’s story was a delight from beginning to end and I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion to their story.
Dearly Departed was my first book by author Chip Pons and it will most definitely not be my last. This was an unputdownable delight that had me feeling every kind of emotional possible in such a short space of time. I was smiling and cheering, swooning and squealing, and wiping away tears all within the one book. I was gripped by not only our two main characters but also the endearing cast of side characters, even Hayden’s loyal feline, and I would be morose to learn that we will never see them again. I cannot wait to go back and read Pons earlier works… but I also sincerely hope that the introduction of Porter and Zane is an indicator that there is more love stories still to be told.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
“Stars wouldn’t shine without darkness to hold them,” I whisper gently. “Maybe darkness isn’t emptiness. Maybe it’s what makes the light matter.”
Dearly Departed by author Chip Pons is an achingly tender queer romance that masterfully highlights the fragility of life and the importance in searching for your joy amidst the shadows in the dark. Grief is an ever present theme throughout the entire story and I really appreciated the emphasis that was put into the reality that we cannot love in life without experiencing loss. One cannot exist without the other and this story was a gentle reminder that we cannot shelter ourselves from experiencing great love out of our fear over what is perceived as an ending, whereas instead could be recognised as the beginning of something anew. We cannot predict what life has in store for us but what truly makes life worth living is the people and the connections that we get to meet throughout our journey. The found family elements were a huge highlight to me as I found myself in awe at how greatly each individual side character shined through the pages in their distinction and significance. I loved that each side character wasn’t reduced as decoration but instead served a clear purpose that added so much depth and vitality to the story. Dearly Departed was unputdownable from the very first page and I had the best experience getting to explore how the inspiration taken from Greek mythology could correlate into a seemingly mundane, modern day human experience. This is a not only a story built on budding love and connection… but also in the exploration of self-identity and vulnerability. Everything about this beautiful tale felt innately human and relatable to me as a reader, and I cannot wait to read more works from this author after this unforgettable experience.
Levi Wilder is a botanist enthusiast and florist shop owner whose soul-deep kindness and love for nature shines through the pages. His entire personality and demeanour is sunshine personified which makes perfect sense with the assumption that his character is inspired by the myth of Persephone, goddess of spring and queen to the underworld. Levi exudes warmth and a rare sense of openness that felt refreshing to experience as he is unafraid of authenticity and often wears his emotions on his sleeve for the entire town to see. I adored getting to explore his character on a much more emotionally intimate level as his experience with grief allows us to recognise just how much of his persona is a facade as a means to shelter others from his own pain and suffering. My heart broke for Levi as the truths of his burdens comes to light and we are forced to bare witness to the breaking down of his character before inevitably being built back up with the helping hand from the community that adores him without condition. Levi’s love of community is at the core of his character which we see come into effect time and again with his refusal to give up on the hope that he harbours when doors are slammed in his face. His ability to adapt and willingness to lean upon his peers for support was wonderful to see, and I adored getting to experience just how loved and respected this treasure of a man is. Levi gives so much of himself to the people around him, often to his own detriment, so I was relieved to see him find a partner that would willingly step in to fill the gaps and stand at his side as an unwavering presence of strength and stability.
Hayden ‘aka Hades’ Harlow is the retired god of the underworld turned funeral director who has spent centuries existing in a self-imposed solitude as a means of denial and protection. My intrigue was immediately piqued by his character and the mysterious origins surrounding what brought him (and his two brothers) to the mortal plane after living a life being revered as gods. Unfortunately this wasn’t properly explored nor explained with any sense of finality for me… which has me hoping in my delusion that we will get the opportunity to return to this universe for the love stories of the other two brothers where this will also be expanded upon more fully. Outside of this I absolutely adored Hayden and the ultimate unravelling of his character as he finds his spark of light within the dark. I found it really interesting to witness how grief has been his closest companion for centuries due to his profession and the softness that he exudes for those in need of it as a result. Hayden is gruff and broody on the outside, but internally? That’s a secret softie if I’ve ever seen one. His capacity for both gentleness and searing passion felt well balanced as we witness Hayden step up for Levi as a romantic partner time and again. He’s a caretaker at heart and I adored getting to witness Hayden begin to step out of his shell and realise that there is a full life waiting to be lived should he feel brave enough to let go of the past and embrace the present. Hayden’s personal battle with grief was really interesting to explore as it was rooted in the loss of identity and familiarity. I really appreciated the conversations surrounding his time as ‘Hades’ as this highlighted how he essentially mourns what was taken from him and the abandonment he feels from his brothers in the aftermath of what led to towards living amongst humans. Hayden was a wonderfully rich and compelling character that found himself on an impactful journey of recognition and healing, and I adored getting to see him find a community of people that loved and respected him after spending so long hiding within the shadows. The way that they also sought to remind him how wanted he is as an individual and not just as Levi’s partner? That nearly had me sobbing. Hayden’s journey was emotional from beginning to end and I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion to his story.
Only the greatest of love stories begin with a disagreement surrounding a flower bouquet intended for a funeral service… as proven by both Hayden and Levi when their first proper interaction involves said disagreement in Levi’s place of business. Immediately I was swept away by their addictive dynamic and electric chemistry that was fuelled by quick wit and longing glances. The development of their relationship felt steady and written with purpose as both characters take the time to emotionally connect alongside the acknowledgement of their mutual attraction. Hayden and Levi both undergo deeply emotional and personal developments as individuals and I loved getting to witness the respective support and compassionate approach that both characters take for one another. I loved that they not only began to grow as a budding romantic pair but also in friendship. The trust that was forged felt unshakeable and it was beautiful to recognise how hard earned this development was worked towards. Their chemistry as a couple had me fanning my face on multiple occasions, especially when Hayden’s shadows came out to play, and I was especially thrilled to see a ‘prep scene’ included prior to an intimate scene as this added another layer of relatable realism for the reader to connect with. Most of all my favourite aspect to Hayden and Levi’s relationship was the recognition that life is so much fuller and hopeful when they spend it together. They truly invest the time and patience needed to make their relationship work, and I adored getting to witness both characters learn how to better communicate and strengthen as a couple overall. Hayden and Levi’s story was a delight from beginning to end and I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion to their story.
Dearly Departed was my first book by author Chip Pons and it will most definitely not be my last. This was an unputdownable delight that had me feeling every kind of emotional possible in such a short space of time. I was smiling and cheering, swooning and squealing, and wiping away tears all within the one book. I was gripped by not only our two main characters but also the endearing cast of side characters, even Hayden’s loyal feline, and I would be morose to learn that we will never see them again. I cannot wait to go back and read Pons earlier works… but I also sincerely hope that the introduction of Porter and Zane is an indicator that there is more love stories still to be told.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
March 23, 2026
six. goddamn. stars.
F**K.
I’m crying so many happy tears right now. CHIP🫵 PONS🫵
1)how dare you?
2)how DARE you?
3)GODTHATWASSOFREAKINGBEAUTIFULANDHOTHOWDAREYOU?!?!?!!
let’s start with the friendships. levi, dominic, and elijah have the sweetest, most beautiful friendship and you can tell they all know what the other needs and are always there for each other. the conversations were everything from hilarious to heartfelt and just made you wipe tears from your eyes either way. then we have naomi, beautiful, intelligent, miracle worker naomi!!!! i love how she just stepped in and helped levi run his flower shop seamlessly and easily folded into the friend group. she was so supportive and you can tell levi loved watching her shine too!
now, hayden and levi. i can’t be normal about them. the grief that they’re both facing with their pasts, how they’re both able to fully see each other and be what the other needs. levi, being able to be at peace, not have to smile all the time with hayden; and hayden, having a warm, soft, loving place to land when he’s feeling so much.
I am obsessed with this book. Please read it, please pre-order it, tell putnam how much you love it and everyone tell chip how talented and lovely he is!!! 🫵
thank you so much to Putnam Books and Netgalley for the ARC, I am forever grateful to be apart of the Putnam influencer program!!!🥰
F**K.
I’m crying so many happy tears right now. CHIP🫵 PONS🫵
1)how dare you?
2)how DARE you?
3)GODTHATWASSOFREAKINGBEAUTIFULANDHOTHOWDAREYOU?!?!?!!
let’s start with the friendships. levi, dominic, and elijah have the sweetest, most beautiful friendship and you can tell they all know what the other needs and are always there for each other. the conversations were everything from hilarious to heartfelt and just made you wipe tears from your eyes either way. then we have naomi, beautiful, intelligent, miracle worker naomi!!!! i love how she just stepped in and helped levi run his flower shop seamlessly and easily folded into the friend group. she was so supportive and you can tell levi loved watching her shine too!
now, hayden and levi. i can’t be normal about them. the grief that they’re both facing with their pasts, how they’re both able to fully see each other and be what the other needs. levi, being able to be at peace, not have to smile all the time with hayden; and hayden, having a warm, soft, loving place to land when he’s feeling so much.
I am obsessed with this book. Please read it, please pre-order it, tell putnam how much you love it and everyone tell chip how talented and lovely he is!!! 🫵
thank you so much to Putnam Books and Netgalley for the ARC, I am forever grateful to be apart of the Putnam influencer program!!!🥰
January 22, 2026
“Stars wouldn’t shine without darkness to hold them,” I whisper gently. “Maybe darkness isn’t emptiness. Maybe it’s what makes the light matter.” 💫
Chip Pons, is a beautiful genius. He crafted these characters to be so achingly broken yet longing for love that I am afraid my soul is never going to be letting them go. 🫶🏼
“You say broody; I prefer delightfully grumpy with a surprisingly gooey center.”
Hayden ‘Hades’ Harlow, broke the mold for grumpy shadow daddy. At his core he is a man that has spent his entire existence trying to belong. In a world where he is only ever known as an omen of death, all he needed was a ray of pure sunshine to bring him back to life. This man had a cloak of grey surrounding him, but slowly he let Levi in and once you see the real Hayden, he’s EVERYTHING!
“Levi, you’ve shown me what it means to live again. Truly live. Out of the shadows, out of the rules I chained myself to.”
Levi, our sunshine boy, was so dang sweet. He was also very dynamic because no one can be sunshine all the time. It is often the ones that shine the brightest that have internal struggles hidden away. Seeing Levi consumed by his grief, but learning to face it and stand in with Hayden by his side was incredibly special.
“Grief doesn’t come with an expiration date, baby. It doesn’t finish. You just learn to live with the hole it leaves.”
Now, it’s time to talk about the spice. Holy heck y’all. These men are so insanely consumed with each other that the chemistry sizzles off the page. An added bonus? Hayden’s shadows like to actively participate! I mean come on, what’s hotter than that? 🫠❤️🔥
“My good boy. Look at you . . . taking both of us. Taking it all for me.”
I really enjoyed Chip’s take on the gods & the fates! It’s a very bureaucratic society. The fates especially, with their constant antics and meddling, were a trip to read about. I am keeping my fingers crossed Hayden’s brothers get books of their own, because I am beyond curious of their mortal lives!
If you are ready to experience queer joy that will consume you completely, add Dearly Departed to your summer TBR! I can’t wait to listen to this one on audio one day!
“Under their light, with him warm in my arms, I don’t feel forgotten. I feel kept.”
Tropes:
🌻 Grumpy x Sunshine
☠️ Retired God of the Underworld
🏳️🌈 Queer Joy
🤭 Shadows That Love to Participate
🏠 Small Town
❤️🩹 Overcoming Grief & Loss
🫶🏼 Caretaking
❤️🔥 Spicyyy
🪡 Meddling Fates
Chip Pons, is a beautiful genius. He crafted these characters to be so achingly broken yet longing for love that I am afraid my soul is never going to be letting them go. 🫶🏼
“You say broody; I prefer delightfully grumpy with a surprisingly gooey center.”
Hayden ‘Hades’ Harlow, broke the mold for grumpy shadow daddy. At his core he is a man that has spent his entire existence trying to belong. In a world where he is only ever known as an omen of death, all he needed was a ray of pure sunshine to bring him back to life. This man had a cloak of grey surrounding him, but slowly he let Levi in and once you see the real Hayden, he’s EVERYTHING!
“Levi, you’ve shown me what it means to live again. Truly live. Out of the shadows, out of the rules I chained myself to.”
Levi, our sunshine boy, was so dang sweet. He was also very dynamic because no one can be sunshine all the time. It is often the ones that shine the brightest that have internal struggles hidden away. Seeing Levi consumed by his grief, but learning to face it and stand in with Hayden by his side was incredibly special.
“Grief doesn’t come with an expiration date, baby. It doesn’t finish. You just learn to live with the hole it leaves.”
Now, it’s time to talk about the spice. Holy heck y’all. These men are so insanely consumed with each other that the chemistry sizzles off the page. An added bonus? Hayden’s shadows like to actively participate! I mean come on, what’s hotter than that? 🫠❤️🔥
“My good boy. Look at you . . . taking both of us. Taking it all for me.”
I really enjoyed Chip’s take on the gods & the fates! It’s a very bureaucratic society. The fates especially, with their constant antics and meddling, were a trip to read about. I am keeping my fingers crossed Hayden’s brothers get books of their own, because I am beyond curious of their mortal lives!
If you are ready to experience queer joy that will consume you completely, add Dearly Departed to your summer TBR! I can’t wait to listen to this one on audio one day!
“Under their light, with him warm in my arms, I don’t feel forgotten. I feel kept.”
Tropes:
🌻 Grumpy x Sunshine
☠️ Retired God of the Underworld
🏳️🌈 Queer Joy
🤭 Shadows That Love to Participate
🏠 Small Town
❤️🩹 Overcoming Grief & Loss
🫶🏼 Caretaking
❤️🔥 Spicyyy
🪡 Meddling Fates
February 2, 2026
First of all, thank you Chip and NetGalley for this ARC!
Second of all, I have so many things to say about this book (all good obviously) but to its core this story is beautiful. I felt so seen in both Levi and Hayden and it’s very rare for me to see traits of myself in both MMC’s of a book. Chip has created a story that’s not only about love but about finding yourself, sitting with grief, and letting life be messy and rolling with it anyway.
Some things I want to highlight that really stuck out to me:
-flirty texts (I love flirty texts in books)
-queer joy
-the prepping scene (thank you Chip for showing that it does take work and you wrote it in a fun way that wasn’t clinical or boring)
-the grumpy/sunshine of it all
-no third act break up
-Levi and Hayden both knowing what the other needs without the other having to say anything
-the friend group (I love found family)
-the shadows (why were they so sexy???)
Okay I really could go on and on about how much I love this book. Chip continues to out do himself and I cannot wait for you all to read this! Out 6/16/26
Second of all, I have so many things to say about this book (all good obviously) but to its core this story is beautiful. I felt so seen in both Levi and Hayden and it’s very rare for me to see traits of myself in both MMC’s of a book. Chip has created a story that’s not only about love but about finding yourself, sitting with grief, and letting life be messy and rolling with it anyway.
Some things I want to highlight that really stuck out to me:
-flirty texts (I love flirty texts in books)
-queer joy
-the prepping scene (thank you Chip for showing that it does take work and you wrote it in a fun way that wasn’t clinical or boring)
-the grumpy/sunshine of it all
-no third act break up
-Levi and Hayden both knowing what the other needs without the other having to say anything
-the friend group (I love found family)
-the shadows (why were they so sexy???)
Okay I really could go on and on about how much I love this book. Chip continues to out do himself and I cannot wait for you all to read this! Out 6/16/26
January 16, 2026
move over, xaden riorson, there’s a new shadow daddy in town
April 24, 2026
Review coming soon
Read
March 6, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Publishing for the ARC of Dearly Departed! I was so excited for this one and want to say up front how much I adore Chip Pons.
Unfortunately, I’ve decided to DNF at around 50%. I really tried to push myself to finish, but I just couldn’t find the motivation to keep going. I felt like a lot of elements were thrown together and not fully fleshed out, which made it hard for me to know what to focus on. Because of that, the stakes felt pretty low and I didn’t find myself invested in the relationship between the two MCs.
I also felt like the romance leaned a bit too insta-lovey for my taste, which made it harder for me to connect with their dynamic.
I know this will absolutely work for a lot of readers, and it genuinely pains me to DNF because I was so excited going in. But I’d rather step away than force myself through it and leave a harsher review. Thank you again for the ARC!
Unfortunately, I’ve decided to DNF at around 50%. I really tried to push myself to finish, but I just couldn’t find the motivation to keep going. I felt like a lot of elements were thrown together and not fully fleshed out, which made it hard for me to know what to focus on. Because of that, the stakes felt pretty low and I didn’t find myself invested in the relationship between the two MCs.
I also felt like the romance leaned a bit too insta-lovey for my taste, which made it harder for me to connect with their dynamic.
I know this will absolutely work for a lot of readers, and it genuinely pains me to DNF because I was so excited going in. But I’d rather step away than force myself through it and leave a harsher review. Thank you again for the ARC!
March 21, 2026
🪦 Dearly Departed 🪦
Ugh I loved this book so much ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
The spice was 🔥🔥 but also really tender and sweet 🥰🥰🥰
I wasn’t expecting the themes of grief and loneliness, but I felt like the author handled them really well. It added a lot of depth to the story, and of course I loved the redemption arc.
Overall, this book was equal parts tender, spicy, and emotional. I already know I’m going to need the audiobook 👀🎧
🖤 What to Expect
• MM romance
• Hades inspired MMC
• Grumpy funeral director
• Sunshine florist MMC
• Forced proximity
• Second chances
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4.5 ⭐
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2026
📝 Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Ugh I loved this book so much ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
The spice was 🔥🔥 but also really tender and sweet 🥰🥰🥰
I wasn’t expecting the themes of grief and loneliness, but I felt like the author handled them really well. It added a lot of depth to the story, and of course I loved the redemption arc.
Overall, this book was equal parts tender, spicy, and emotional. I already know I’m going to need the audiobook 👀🎧
🖤 What to Expect
• MM romance
• Hades inspired MMC
• Grumpy funeral director
• Sunshine florist MMC
• Forced proximity
• Second chances
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4.5 ⭐
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2026
📝 Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
January 29, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of this story is that the former god of the underworld is living as a funeral director in New Jersey. He is a sort of town mystery because he never goes out and always wears black, blah blah blah. He meets Levi, owner of local flower shop and a very sunshiny personality. Grumpy/sunshine to the max. In my eyes, their relationship escalated pretty quickly. There were long passages and conversations in this book that felt really unrealistic and like real people would not be saying those things. I understand that grief was a big part of this book but overall it was taking itself too seriously. Like, Hades is living in Jersey? That’s silly and fun. Not a bad story, but it was too long and the tone didn’t feel quite right.
The concept of this story is that the former god of the underworld is living as a funeral director in New Jersey. He is a sort of town mystery because he never goes out and always wears black, blah blah blah. He meets Levi, owner of local flower shop and a very sunshiny personality. Grumpy/sunshine to the max. In my eyes, their relationship escalated pretty quickly. There were long passages and conversations in this book that felt really unrealistic and like real people would not be saying those things. I understand that grief was a big part of this book but overall it was taking itself too seriously. Like, Hades is living in Jersey? That’s silly and fun. Not a bad story, but it was too long and the tone didn’t feel quite right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
Hayden Harlow is looking for a loophole. An ACT presented by the fates, signed by him and his brothers has left him in an immortal yet mortal and mundane existence as the towns grumpy funeral director.
Hayden has spent years trying to figure out a way to get back to his old self - you know… a God and ruler of the underworld.
Enter Levi Wilder. A sunflower in human form who shows Hayden maybe mortality isn’t so bad when you have someone to spend your life with. 🥹🥹
I loved absolutely everything about this book!! It tackled the hard topic of grief in such a beautiful way as well as being so lighthearted and funny throughout with the PERFECT amount of spice. Hayden’s unintentional comedic timing was absolutely top tier and everyone needs the golden ray of sunshine that is Levi Wilder in their lives.
Oh and did I mention Hayden has sentient shadows that LOVE Levi and enjoy bedroom shenanigans? 🤭
Hayden has spent years trying to figure out a way to get back to his old self - you know… a God and ruler of the underworld.
Enter Levi Wilder. A sunflower in human form who shows Hayden maybe mortality isn’t so bad when you have someone to spend your life with. 🥹🥹
I loved absolutely everything about this book!! It tackled the hard topic of grief in such a beautiful way as well as being so lighthearted and funny throughout with the PERFECT amount of spice. Hayden’s unintentional comedic timing was absolutely top tier and everyone needs the golden ray of sunshine that is Levi Wilder in their lives.
Oh and did I mention Hayden has sentient shadows that LOVE Levi and enjoy bedroom shenanigans? 🤭
Want to Read
February 11, 2026preread: umm okay you're telling me i got the arc?? assdfghjk-
April 9, 2026
“Maybe darkness isn’t emptiness. Maybe it’s what makes the light matter.”
Thank you so much to Chip Pons and Putnam Books for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!! First time reading a book by Chip Pons too and I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!
Dearly Departed made me cry no less than 3 times while reading. This book…beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe my experience as a reader. The exploration of grief, loss, queer joy, and love seriously warmed my little disaster bi heart. I also feel like this book was so healing to read too. Hayden and Levi are so wonderfully balanced as characters. Where one character ends, the other begins and they compliment each other so effortlessly.
Levi is warmth personified- the sun, brightness, life. The way Levi connects with others is like being enveloped in a hug. You are drawn in like a magnet. Yet, even the brightest beings in our lives carry heaviness within them- Levi is no different, but he tries to hide that.
Hayden is quiet strength- the night, holding up the stars. He brings calmness and peace during moments of grief. However, that can sometimes be quite solitary, and that solitude can get overwhelming— especially when you’ve lived as long as Hayden.
The chemistry between these characters was STEAMY and SPICY in all the best ways. The shadows???? The greenhouse scene????? The witty banter???? Don’t even get me started on the quiet intimacy moments between the two of them. I was SO invested. Also, I need to point out how freaking funny this book managed to be while also exploring such deep and serious topics like grief and loss. I do have some questions about the brothers though…was…was that foreshadowing?? Did I clock this right? 😏
Even if it wasn’t, I simply adored Dearly Departed and can’t wait to see what Chip Pons has in store for us next!
Thank you so much to Chip Pons and Putnam Books for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!! First time reading a book by Chip Pons too and I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!
Dearly Departed made me cry no less than 3 times while reading. This book…beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe my experience as a reader. The exploration of grief, loss, queer joy, and love seriously warmed my little disaster bi heart. I also feel like this book was so healing to read too. Hayden and Levi are so wonderfully balanced as characters. Where one character ends, the other begins and they compliment each other so effortlessly.
Levi is warmth personified- the sun, brightness, life. The way Levi connects with others is like being enveloped in a hug. You are drawn in like a magnet. Yet, even the brightest beings in our lives carry heaviness within them- Levi is no different, but he tries to hide that.
Hayden is quiet strength- the night, holding up the stars. He brings calmness and peace during moments of grief. However, that can sometimes be quite solitary, and that solitude can get overwhelming— especially when you’ve lived as long as Hayden.
The chemistry between these characters was STEAMY and SPICY in all the best ways. The shadows???? The greenhouse scene????? The witty banter???? Don’t even get me started on the quiet intimacy moments between the two of them. I was SO invested. Also, I need to point out how freaking funny this book managed to be while also exploring such deep and serious topics like grief and loss. I do have some questions about the brothers though…was…was that foreshadowing?? Did I clock this right? 😏
Even if it wasn’t, I simply adored Dearly Departed and can’t wait to see what Chip Pons has in store for us next!
January 20, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
Huge thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Dearly Departed early. I am still thinking about this one.
Hayden Harlow, once the god Hades himself, has been stripped of immortality and sentenced to a very mortal existence running a funeral home. Bitter, guarded, and stuck in the shadow of who he used to be, Hayden feels like a man frozen in time. Enter Levi Wilder, a florist with a sunshine soul, an artist’s heart, and an uncanny ability to find beauty in grief. When a disastrous sunflower arrangement brings them face to face, sparks fly immediately, and I was hooked.
This opposites-attract dynamic worked so well. Hayden’s darkness and restraint paired with Levi’s warmth and charm created a tension that felt electric on the page. Chip Pons is a god when it comes to writing sensual M/M romance—pun intended. The chemistry is unreal, the spice absolutely delivers, and the greenhouse scene? Let’s just say shadows are officially a major turn-on now.
What truly elevated this story for me, though, was the emotional depth woven throughout. Beneath the romance is a thoughtful, tender exploration of grief, loss, and how differently those experiences live inside each of us. I loved every character and found myself especially excited whenever they were all together, waiting to see what would happen next.
Dearly Departed is romantic, emotional, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt. It has everything I want in a queer romance. The book hits shelves on June 16, 2026, and this is absolutely your sign to preorder it now. And whoever is planning Chip Pons’s book tour… Massachusetts better be on that list.
#ChipPons #DearlyDeparted #MMRomance #ARCReview #NetGalley
Huge thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Dearly Departed early. I am still thinking about this one.
Hayden Harlow, once the god Hades himself, has been stripped of immortality and sentenced to a very mortal existence running a funeral home. Bitter, guarded, and stuck in the shadow of who he used to be, Hayden feels like a man frozen in time. Enter Levi Wilder, a florist with a sunshine soul, an artist’s heart, and an uncanny ability to find beauty in grief. When a disastrous sunflower arrangement brings them face to face, sparks fly immediately, and I was hooked.
This opposites-attract dynamic worked so well. Hayden’s darkness and restraint paired with Levi’s warmth and charm created a tension that felt electric on the page. Chip Pons is a god when it comes to writing sensual M/M romance—pun intended. The chemistry is unreal, the spice absolutely delivers, and the greenhouse scene? Let’s just say shadows are officially a major turn-on now.
What truly elevated this story for me, though, was the emotional depth woven throughout. Beneath the romance is a thoughtful, tender exploration of grief, loss, and how differently those experiences live inside each of us. I loved every character and found myself especially excited whenever they were all together, waiting to see what would happen next.
Dearly Departed is romantic, emotional, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt. It has everything I want in a queer romance. The book hits shelves on June 16, 2026, and this is absolutely your sign to preorder it now. And whoever is planning Chip Pons’s book tour… Massachusetts better be on that list.
#ChipPons #DearlyDeparted #MMRomance #ARCReview #NetGalley
January 24, 2026
Thank you so so much to the author and Putnam for an early copy of this book.
I feel like I don’t have the words or skill to properly explain how fantastic this book is, but I’m sure going to try.
I was immediately gripped by the blurb of this story, but woefully unprepared for how much this book would make me feel. The author is an absolutely fantastic writer. He paints such vivid descriptions, not just of settings and characters, but of emotions. The highlighter function on my kindle has never worked so hard.
This story was so balanced in all aspects. There’s a fun backstory, a cute setting, delicious spice, and wonderfully well rounded characters. And it’s all wrapped up in a writing style that gives us depth, humor, and joy. There are so many clever and funny moments in this story bookended by whimsy & joy and grief & sorrow. And through it all, Dearly Departed is a beautiful romance showcasing queer joy and found family.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the shadows (ofc) because Hayden is THE shadow daddy for me. He is the perfect grumpy and shadows to Levi’s sunshine and freckles.
What I thought was going to be a fun spin on a Hades story, left me feeling vulnerable and raw in the best way. The discussion on grief this story provides came to me at a perfect moment. I don’t think I’ll be able to shut up about this book for a long time. What happens when you find your top read of the year before January is even over???
I cannot wait until this becomes available in audiobook format later this year because I absolutely will be rereading when it does.
I feel like I don’t have the words or skill to properly explain how fantastic this book is, but I’m sure going to try.
I was immediately gripped by the blurb of this story, but woefully unprepared for how much this book would make me feel. The author is an absolutely fantastic writer. He paints such vivid descriptions, not just of settings and characters, but of emotions. The highlighter function on my kindle has never worked so hard.
This story was so balanced in all aspects. There’s a fun backstory, a cute setting, delicious spice, and wonderfully well rounded characters. And it’s all wrapped up in a writing style that gives us depth, humor, and joy. There are so many clever and funny moments in this story bookended by whimsy & joy and grief & sorrow. And through it all, Dearly Departed is a beautiful romance showcasing queer joy and found family.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the shadows (ofc) because Hayden is THE shadow daddy for me. He is the perfect grumpy and shadows to Levi’s sunshine and freckles.
What I thought was going to be a fun spin on a Hades story, left me feeling vulnerable and raw in the best way. The discussion on grief this story provides came to me at a perfect moment. I don’t think I’ll be able to shut up about this book for a long time. What happens when you find your top read of the year before January is even over???
I cannot wait until this becomes available in audiobook format later this year because I absolutely will be rereading when it does.
January 19, 2026
This was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! Everything about this made my heart SO incredibly happy!! I’m having a hard time processing that!!! It was so tender and sweet and full of so much joy and navigating grief in a way that both consumes you and sets you free. Chip captured it all so well. I am so so grateful to have found him and his books they are full of so much love, so much joy, so much queer joy!! This is a beautiful place to be.
Hayden and Levi are EVERYTHING to me. they are the most beautiful opposites attract pair. Levi is literal sunshine and Hayden is literally from the underworld and they just WORK. Watching them fall together so easily, so seamlessly, but also taking the time to get to know each other, to feel comfortable with each other was SO beautiful. And they were fun together! Levi really brought so much sunshine to Hayden’s life in so many different ways and it changed them both for the absolute best.
I also love love love the little family Levi has for himself and how easily Dominic and Elijah folded Hayden right into the chaos! There is nothing I love more than a found family and this one was perfect!!
I love this book! I can’t believe it’s not out for six months!!! I will be thinking about it (and likely rereading it) very free moment that I can until then!!!
Thank you so much to Putnam for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!
Hayden and Levi are EVERYTHING to me. they are the most beautiful opposites attract pair. Levi is literal sunshine and Hayden is literally from the underworld and they just WORK. Watching them fall together so easily, so seamlessly, but also taking the time to get to know each other, to feel comfortable with each other was SO beautiful. And they were fun together! Levi really brought so much sunshine to Hayden’s life in so many different ways and it changed them both for the absolute best.
I also love love love the little family Levi has for himself and how easily Dominic and Elijah folded Hayden right into the chaos! There is nothing I love more than a found family and this one was perfect!!
I love this book! I can’t believe it’s not out for six months!!! I will be thinking about it (and likely rereading it) very free moment that I can until then!!!
Thank you so much to Putnam for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Something about me? I loooove me a retelling. And my favorite kind is a Hades one. While this isn't a retelling (more so just Hades-inspired), it brings just as much satisfaction as one. Maybe even more so. This story has such a unique premise and I loved every second of it.
Hayden, formally known as THE God of the Underworld (Hades himself), is living among mortals in the small town of Stonevale. A funeral director because, well, how fitting. He's content in solitude. Or at least he's safer there. While looking for a possible way out. But everything changes when he walks into Full Bloom and meets Levi. Levi is the sunshine-y florist and, let me tell you, I love him.
These two are precious. Fit together so well. Levi gives Hayden something he didn't think he'd ever have again. And it turns Hayden's world upside down. Throws his priorities for a loop.
I think it's also very important to point out Hayden's shadows. Which basically appear as a side character throughout the book. Hell, they sure love ✨ participating ✨ which I can't say I've read before in a book. But I'm not complaining. 👀 Like... Not at all. I think I teared up at one point because of the shadows. Enough said.
I seriously already miss Hayden and Levi. My only regret is missing the chance to get a physical ARC. Because I will be needing a shelf trophy immediatelyyyy and June is so far away 😭
Hayden, formally known as THE God of the Underworld (Hades himself), is living among mortals in the small town of Stonevale. A funeral director because, well, how fitting. He's content in solitude. Or at least he's safer there. While looking for a possible way out. But everything changes when he walks into Full Bloom and meets Levi. Levi is the sunshine-y florist and, let me tell you, I love him.
These two are precious. Fit together so well. Levi gives Hayden something he didn't think he'd ever have again. And it turns Hayden's world upside down. Throws his priorities for a loop.
I think it's also very important to point out Hayden's shadows. Which basically appear as a side character throughout the book. Hell, they sure love ✨ participating ✨ which I can't say I've read before in a book. But I'm not complaining. 👀 Like... Not at all. I think I teared up at one point because of the shadows. Enough said.
I seriously already miss Hayden and Levi. My only regret is missing the chance to get a physical ARC. Because I will be needing a shelf trophy immediatelyyyy and June is so far away 😭
January 22, 2026
I fell in love with Winging It With You last summer — Theo, Asher and mozzarella sticks had my whole heart. Now I’m completely in love with Levi and Hayden. Dearly Departed is perfect. A slow burn that crept up on me and stole my soul. Huge thanks to @booksovrbros for the early ARC of this stunning book.
Romantasy isn’t usually my thing, but I’d read a shopping list if Chip wrote it — so I dove in headfirst. What I found was a deeply heartwarming story of love, loss, grief and chosen family. The exploration of grief hit me harder than I expected and completely took me by surprise. It’s rare to see grief captured so honestly — how it lingers, how it shapes you, no matter how much time has passed. The way Chip handles grief and loss in this book is breathtaking, and I’ve never felt more seen.
Dearly Departed is fun, epic and emotionally raw. It has heart, it has spice (hello, shadow daddy), and it celebrates queer love loudly and unapologetically. This is a book that will stay with me. Chip is officially an auto-buy author, and I cannot wait to see what he does next. Dearly Departed hits shelves on 16 June.
Romantasy isn’t usually my thing, but I’d read a shopping list if Chip wrote it — so I dove in headfirst. What I found was a deeply heartwarming story of love, loss, grief and chosen family. The exploration of grief hit me harder than I expected and completely took me by surprise. It’s rare to see grief captured so honestly — how it lingers, how it shapes you, no matter how much time has passed. The way Chip handles grief and loss in this book is breathtaking, and I’ve never felt more seen.
Dearly Departed is fun, epic and emotionally raw. It has heart, it has spice (hello, shadow daddy), and it celebrates queer love loudly and unapologetically. This is a book that will stay with me. Chip is officially an auto-buy author, and I cannot wait to see what he does next. Dearly Departed hits shelves on 16 June.
February 9, 2026
Review: I absolutely adored this book. I thought the way that Pons addresses grief and love and letting go was so real and so honest. I loved the dynamic between Hayden and Levi, and I loved how at different times they were each other's comfort zone and strength. This book had everything I wanted it to: humor, heart, and heat. I HIGHLY recommend this book and I'll be thinking about it for a long, long time. Bravo, Chip!
Synopsis: Hayden Harlow, once the mighty Hades, has spent centuries quietly resenting his fall from immortality. Stripped of his godhood by the allegedly irreversible Immortal Retirement Act, he now runs Harlow and Sons Funeral Home—a front for his eternal sentencing among mortals, and a bleak reminder of the purpose he’s lost. Still, he’s determined to claw his way back…if only the Fates at City Hall would stop toying with him.
Enter Levi Wilder: a florist with an artist’s heart, an infectious smile, and a gift for finding beauty in life’s messiest moments. When Hayden storms into Levi’s shop to complain about a bouquet of sunflowers—an offensive choice for a funeral, in his opinion—their worlds collide. Hayden is all restraint and shadows; Levi is all sunshine and charm. But beneath the clash lies an undeniable spark neither can ignore.
As their connection blossoms, Hayden finds himself caught between the life he once knew and the bright future Levi dares him to imagine. But trusting Levi means risking the walls he’s kept in place all these years—and it’s not just his heart on the line. Because in the threads of fate, one choice can change everything.
Synopsis: Hayden Harlow, once the mighty Hades, has spent centuries quietly resenting his fall from immortality. Stripped of his godhood by the allegedly irreversible Immortal Retirement Act, he now runs Harlow and Sons Funeral Home—a front for his eternal sentencing among mortals, and a bleak reminder of the purpose he’s lost. Still, he’s determined to claw his way back…if only the Fates at City Hall would stop toying with him.
Enter Levi Wilder: a florist with an artist’s heart, an infectious smile, and a gift for finding beauty in life’s messiest moments. When Hayden storms into Levi’s shop to complain about a bouquet of sunflowers—an offensive choice for a funeral, in his opinion—their worlds collide. Hayden is all restraint and shadows; Levi is all sunshine and charm. But beneath the clash lies an undeniable spark neither can ignore.
As their connection blossoms, Hayden finds himself caught between the life he once knew and the bright future Levi dares him to imagine. But trusting Levi means risking the walls he’s kept in place all these years—and it’s not just his heart on the line. Because in the threads of fate, one choice can change everything.
Did Not Finish
April 4, 2026Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for an eArc of this book!
DNF @ 46%
Reading the synopsis of the book when it was posted on Instagram a few months ago immediately had me interested and the cover is gorgeous. This was one of my most anticipated reads and it just didn't hit for me.
I'll start with the good things! The lore behind Hades becoming Hayden is extremely innovative and unique. The quaint little town the book takes place in is cute (even if it's in Central Jersey and not the far superior South Jersey). I like the little quirks the town and its people have - especially the soup competition. There is extra care taken to discuss safe sex practices which is extremely refreshing.
However, I just could not get into the story. I found the characters somewhat boring and felt I didn't know much about them other than their names and jobs. And then I got to the first intimate scene which included "the sensation of him breeding me" which is what made me finally put this down.
I look forward to reading other books by this author in the future!
DNF @ 46%
Reading the synopsis of the book when it was posted on Instagram a few months ago immediately had me interested and the cover is gorgeous. This was one of my most anticipated reads and it just didn't hit for me.
I'll start with the good things! The lore behind Hades becoming Hayden is extremely innovative and unique. The quaint little town the book takes place in is cute (even if it's in Central Jersey and not the far superior South Jersey). I like the little quirks the town and its people have - especially the soup competition. There is extra care taken to discuss safe sex practices which is extremely refreshing.
However, I just could not get into the story. I found the characters somewhat boring and felt I didn't know much about them other than their names and jobs. And then I got to the first intimate scene which included "the sensation of him breeding me" which is what made me finally put this down.
I look forward to reading other books by this author in the future!
April 6, 2026
Dearly Departed follows the story of funeral director/former god of the underworld/certified shadow daddy, Hayden and sunshine-adjacent (this is a compliment, he manages to maintain a positive outlook while still seeming like a real person) floral shop owner, Levi as they fall in love/help each other process the trauma from their respective pasts. It’s a rom-com about grief, but trust me it just ✨works✨.
In the plus column: excellent found (and real - looking at you, Zane and Porter) family, a fun but straightforward “fantasy” world (but also it’s set in New Jersey, so…), lovable but real characters, several swoony moments
4.5 stars because of the third act drama that was a little too close to miscommunication trope for my preferences, but rounding up because I really enjoyed the rest of the story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Ps. I know this shadow daddy & red-head pairing is the closest I will ever get to an on-page Azriel and Eris and that makes me simultaneously delighted to have read it and sad that my delusions will continue to be… well, you know…
In the plus column: excellent found (and real - looking at you, Zane and Porter) family, a fun but straightforward “fantasy” world (but also it’s set in New Jersey, so…), lovable but real characters, several swoony moments
4.5 stars because of the third act drama that was a little too close to miscommunication trope for my preferences, but rounding up because I really enjoyed the rest of the story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Ps. I know this shadow daddy & red-head pairing is the closest I will ever get to an on-page Azriel and Eris and that makes me simultaneously delighted to have read it and sad that my delusions will continue to be… well, you know…
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What to Expect:
Paranormal
Small Town
Grumpy Sunshine
Found Family
Queer Joy
Healing
I knew I loved Chip Pons's writing since Winging it with You, but Dearly Departed solidified his auto-buy status. This story was such a beautifully written story and I could not put Hayden and Levi down once I started their journey. The magic woven into the journey these two were on will keep my heart happy for a long time after I finish the final page.
It all starts when the local florist sends over a bouquet of sunflowers for a funeral. Frustrated about the change in his order, Hayden heads over and confronts Levi about the order. And just like that, these two were in a dance that would forever change their lives. Hayden might be an ex-God and current shadow daddy, but his existence was lonely and endless. Until the sunlight of Levi. I loved how Hayden and his shadows fell for Levi. They were just perfection, even as he was trying to fight the inevitable fall.
And Levi. This sunshine of a man loved loudly but held tightly his pain. The way he opened up to Hayden and found comfort in him had my heart melting and my feet kicking. I loved the flirty text messages and how Levi drew out Hayden and his heart. Add in the side family that Levi welcomed Hayden into and I could not get enough. Also Hayden at trivia? Such a fantastic moment.
This book was exactly what I wanted and needed reading the blurb. Chip sprinkled a little magic and a whole lot of spice in an emotional and beautiful story, and I am forever grateful that I was able to read Levi and Hayden.
Thank you so much to Chip and Netgalley for the early copy of Dearly Departed! I cannot wait to see what story Chip tells next!
Paranormal
Small Town
Grumpy Sunshine
Found Family
Queer Joy
Healing
I knew I loved Chip Pons's writing since Winging it with You, but Dearly Departed solidified his auto-buy status. This story was such a beautifully written story and I could not put Hayden and Levi down once I started their journey. The magic woven into the journey these two were on will keep my heart happy for a long time after I finish the final page.
It all starts when the local florist sends over a bouquet of sunflowers for a funeral. Frustrated about the change in his order, Hayden heads over and confronts Levi about the order. And just like that, these two were in a dance that would forever change their lives. Hayden might be an ex-God and current shadow daddy, but his existence was lonely and endless. Until the sunlight of Levi. I loved how Hayden and his shadows fell for Levi. They were just perfection, even as he was trying to fight the inevitable fall.
And Levi. This sunshine of a man loved loudly but held tightly his pain. The way he opened up to Hayden and found comfort in him had my heart melting and my feet kicking. I loved the flirty text messages and how Levi drew out Hayden and his heart. Add in the side family that Levi welcomed Hayden into and I could not get enough. Also Hayden at trivia? Such a fantastic moment.
This book was exactly what I wanted and needed reading the blurb. Chip sprinkled a little magic and a whole lot of spice in an emotional and beautiful story, and I am forever grateful that I was able to read Levi and Hayden.
Thank you so much to Chip and Netgalley for the early copy of Dearly Departed! I cannot wait to see what story Chip tells next!
March 2, 2026
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and it absolutely did not disappoint! Despite being a story about retired gods, it felt very real and grounded, as if you could walk into this small town at any time and find this characters waiting for you.
I loved the dynamic between Hayden and Levi and Levi's found family is just lovely. The book does deal with some heavy topics but it's handled beautifully. As we learn more about Hayden and Levi, we start to see just how similar their fears and desires really are. I loved watching their relationship grow and was rooting for that HEA.
Overall, a wonderful read and will definitely be recommending it to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved the dynamic between Hayden and Levi and Levi's found family is just lovely. The book does deal with some heavy topics but it's handled beautifully. As we learn more about Hayden and Levi, we start to see just how similar their fears and desires really are. I loved watching their relationship grow and was rooting for that HEA.
Overall, a wonderful read and will definitely be recommending it to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
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