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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
24 people are currently reading
2166 people want to read
About the author
Chip Pons
3 books705 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
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
November 11, 2025
SHADOW. DADDY.
November 5, 2025
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!
January 16, 2026
move over, xaden riorson, there’s a new shadow daddy in town
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!!
October 22, 2025
GUYS I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! Chip Pons has been teasing us about this book and I can’t wait to read it. I know it’s going to be ELECTRIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars. Welcome to the stage, the new king of m/m romance - Chip Pons! Listen, WINGING IT WITH YOU was cute and sexy, but DEARLY DEPARTED has my heart. A small-town supernatural romance between Hades and an adorable flower shop owner? Hell yea. The king of the underworld and ultimate shadow daddy has been living on earth as Hayden, working as an undertaker at a funeral home in the quaint town of Stonevale, New Jersey. Enter Levi, the ray of sunshine and freckled face redhead that works at the flower shop around the corner. After their worlds collide, the immortal and mortal fall for each other in a way that transcends and defies any sort of mythological fate. Cute, right?
These two are so damn adorable - the juxtaposition of Hayden’s dark qualities and Levi’s bright qualities create a wonderful dynamic because as they say, stars don’t shine without the darkness. Levi reminds Hayden that life is messy and vibrant and doesn’t alway have to be lived in isolation and despair. They truly see each other for who they are and support each other in times of need, learning that to risk being known is to risk being understood. Luckily, they have the patience to get to thoroughly know one another. Their banter is actually so great and who knew that Grindr messages could be so charming? Usually I’m just getting pelted by dick pics when I’m on there. (Not that I’m complaining). There’s something so funny about Hades being on Grindr. Even Hades gets horny.
Speaking of, let’s talk about the spice. I love the nuances that come with an m/m romance being written by a gay man - the douching, the jocks, the poppers, the anal prep - it feels so real. And Chip, you took me out with that bussy lingo. There are some very hot scenes that combine lust with care and take place in various locations like green houses, flower shops and more. And did I mention that Hayden’s shadows have a mind of their own and might even partake in the fun? Purr. I too want a hot shadow zaddy to make me a charcuterie board dong out. And the fact that Levi has no problem with Hayden seeking clarity or checking in to feel better about their relationship status is such a green flag to me. Also the fact that Hades loves being on his knees. God, I wanna be wrecked and worshipped at the same time too. I need a boyfriend.
There are so many things that I adore about this rom-com. I love the emphasis on found family and friendship and how we should let ourselves be taken care of sometimes. While Levi’s besties might sound like annoying stock characters half the time, their intentions are always good and I can’t fault them for being constants in Levi’s life. There are also flamboyant men that sound exactly like them in the real world and we need that representation too. I love the family reconciliations that’s happen with both Levi and Hayden, and there’s something really fun about seeing Zeus and Poseidon in mortal form. Might need to see some spin-offs of their gay asses. Spice aside, I love that these two show up for one another, but also give each other the space to do their own thing, while still celebrating their individual successes. Healthy kings. The meditations on grief are very good and I loved that they learned that love isn’t about outrunning grief, but learning to live beside it.
Admittedly, the gardening metaphors do become a tad cheesy and played out, but I can respect that we’re in the world of a rom-com, it’s not that serious Linda. I'm not a fan of insta-love so that’s a trope I’m always going to have a hard time with, BUT I’m so grateful to Chip for sending me an early advanced copy of this book, and I can’t wait to fan boy over whatever m/m romance he writes next. Truly flattered to be one of the first to read this one. Chip could shape up to be the Abby Jimenez of m/m romances if he keeps it up! Oh, and bonus points for the inspirational lyrics from Dr. Taylor Alison Swift in the beginning of his romances - as a die-hard Swiftie, I respect it. Pick up DEARLY DEPARTED next summer, it’s the perfect beach read.
These two are so damn adorable - the juxtaposition of Hayden’s dark qualities and Levi’s bright qualities create a wonderful dynamic because as they say, stars don’t shine without the darkness. Levi reminds Hayden that life is messy and vibrant and doesn’t alway have to be lived in isolation and despair. They truly see each other for who they are and support each other in times of need, learning that to risk being known is to risk being understood. Luckily, they have the patience to get to thoroughly know one another. Their banter is actually so great and who knew that Grindr messages could be so charming? Usually I’m just getting pelted by dick pics when I’m on there. (Not that I’m complaining). There’s something so funny about Hades being on Grindr. Even Hades gets horny.
Speaking of, let’s talk about the spice. I love the nuances that come with an m/m romance being written by a gay man - the douching, the jocks, the poppers, the anal prep - it feels so real. And Chip, you took me out with that bussy lingo. There are some very hot scenes that combine lust with care and take place in various locations like green houses, flower shops and more. And did I mention that Hayden’s shadows have a mind of their own and might even partake in the fun? Purr. I too want a hot shadow zaddy to make me a charcuterie board dong out. And the fact that Levi has no problem with Hayden seeking clarity or checking in to feel better about their relationship status is such a green flag to me. Also the fact that Hades loves being on his knees. God, I wanna be wrecked and worshipped at the same time too. I need a boyfriend.
There are so many things that I adore about this rom-com. I love the emphasis on found family and friendship and how we should let ourselves be taken care of sometimes. While Levi’s besties might sound like annoying stock characters half the time, their intentions are always good and I can’t fault them for being constants in Levi’s life. There are also flamboyant men that sound exactly like them in the real world and we need that representation too. I love the family reconciliations that’s happen with both Levi and Hayden, and there’s something really fun about seeing Zeus and Poseidon in mortal form. Might need to see some spin-offs of their gay asses. Spice aside, I love that these two show up for one another, but also give each other the space to do their own thing, while still celebrating their individual successes. Healthy kings. The meditations on grief are very good and I loved that they learned that love isn’t about outrunning grief, but learning to live beside it.
Admittedly, the gardening metaphors do become a tad cheesy and played out, but I can respect that we’re in the world of a rom-com, it’s not that serious Linda. I'm not a fan of insta-love so that’s a trope I’m always going to have a hard time with, BUT I’m so grateful to Chip for sending me an early advanced copy of this book, and I can’t wait to fan boy over whatever m/m romance he writes next. Truly flattered to be one of the first to read this one. Chip could shape up to be the Abby Jimenez of m/m romances if he keeps it up! Oh, and bonus points for the inspirational lyrics from Dr. Taylor Alison Swift in the beginning of his romances - as a die-hard Swiftie, I respect it. Pick up DEARLY DEPARTED next summer, it’s the perfect beach read.
January 19, 2026
🛁 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 🛁
“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.”
Synopsis: Hayden Harlow, once the god Hades, has spent centuries resenting his fall from immortality after being stripped of his power by the Immortal Retirement Act and sentenced to run a funeral home among mortals. When he storms into a florist shop to complain about an “inappropriate” sunflower arrangement, he collides with Levi Wilder, a warm, optimistic artist who finds beauty even in grief. Opposites in every way, their unexpected chemistry forces Hayden to confront the life he lost and the future Levi dares him to imagine.
I’ve been a fan of Chip and his account, @booksovrbros, for a long time. So when I innocently slipped a “sharing is caring” gif into his thread about NetGalley widgets for his newest paranormal romcom, I was elated to find the link slid into my DMs by none other than the author himself. Thank you Chip and Putnam books for an advanced copy of this absolutely lovely and nuanced romance.
I loved basically everything about this books. The characters were fully realized and every single one - from mysterious and quiet Irene to Dominic and Elijah, our comic relief - had character development from the start of the book to the end. That’s not an easy feat when you’re writing a small town romance with tons of zany side characters, but the author managed to allow these characters to “bloom” naturally and authentically. It was beautiful to witness.
Next up: our main characters. Levi, the beautiful, bold, explosion of color and freckles, is both matched and heightened by our broody, retired god of the underworld, Hayden. The quote I chose above was the perfect way to express how they bring out the best in each other: light needs darkness to shine as bright as possible, and darkness needs light to guide them home. These two found home in one another, and it was stunning.
Outside of ALL of that, I loved the exploration of grief through something light like a romance. This book managed to make every conversation about it feel so genuine. It was truly so gorgeous and added an extra layer of depth to this story.
In addition, the spice was PHENOMENAL and abundant without being superfluous (the helm scene 🤤), the lore behind Hayden’s coming to be in Stonevale was perfectly fleshed out with no plot holes, and the queer joy and found family woven through this story will keep you coming back for more. I cannot wait to continue to read every book by Chip Pons, and for you to all meet Hayden and Levi when their story is finally published. ✨📚🛁
“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.”
Synopsis: Hayden Harlow, once the god Hades, has spent centuries resenting his fall from immortality after being stripped of his power by the Immortal Retirement Act and sentenced to run a funeral home among mortals. When he storms into a florist shop to complain about an “inappropriate” sunflower arrangement, he collides with Levi Wilder, a warm, optimistic artist who finds beauty even in grief. Opposites in every way, their unexpected chemistry forces Hayden to confront the life he lost and the future Levi dares him to imagine.
I’ve been a fan of Chip and his account, @booksovrbros, for a long time. So when I innocently slipped a “sharing is caring” gif into his thread about NetGalley widgets for his newest paranormal romcom, I was elated to find the link slid into my DMs by none other than the author himself. Thank you Chip and Putnam books for an advanced copy of this absolutely lovely and nuanced romance.
I loved basically everything about this books. The characters were fully realized and every single one - from mysterious and quiet Irene to Dominic and Elijah, our comic relief - had character development from the start of the book to the end. That’s not an easy feat when you’re writing a small town romance with tons of zany side characters, but the author managed to allow these characters to “bloom” naturally and authentically. It was beautiful to witness.
Next up: our main characters. Levi, the beautiful, bold, explosion of color and freckles, is both matched and heightened by our broody, retired god of the underworld, Hayden. The quote I chose above was the perfect way to express how they bring out the best in each other: light needs darkness to shine as bright as possible, and darkness needs light to guide them home. These two found home in one another, and it was stunning.
Outside of ALL of that, I loved the exploration of grief through something light like a romance. This book managed to make every conversation about it feel so genuine. It was truly so gorgeous and added an extra layer of depth to this story.
In addition, the spice was PHENOMENAL and abundant without being superfluous (the helm scene 🤤), the lore behind Hayden’s coming to be in Stonevale was perfectly fleshed out with no plot holes, and the queer joy and found family woven through this story will keep you coming back for more. I cannot wait to continue to read every book by Chip Pons, and for you to all meet Hayden and Levi when their story is finally published. ✨📚🛁
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quite the departure from Pons’ previous novels. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fun slow burn style romance that erupts into hotness, but it’s the supernatural (if that’s even the right word) that makes it different. As someone with little to no experience with mythology, I didn’t quite grasp the context of some of the characters which took away from my reading experience a bit. I spent a good chunk of the book confused about the Fates at City Hall and the threads that they kept talking about - perhaps a primer at the beginning or end could be helpful? There was such a meaningful message of embracing and working through grief as well as opening oneself up to love - I just wish I didn’t have the constant questions about mythology and immortality running on repeat in my head.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐
I came here to fix a mistake. And found Levi Wilder instead…a complication disguised as sunlight. Which is annoying. At best.
This book is so unapologetically queer and I'm here for it! It felt like such a fresh breeze and for me it was healing.
I thought I was done with 'Shadow daddies' but enter Hayden Harlow, or should I say Hades. He is the 2.0 version!
I fell in love with both Hayden and Levi instantly. It only took a chapter each. There was so many other lovely characters as well.
This book was a perfect small town romance with a mythological twist.
Thank you Chip Pons for this ARC!
I came here to fix a mistake. And found Levi Wilder instead…a complication disguised as sunlight. Which is annoying. At best.
This book is so unapologetically queer and I'm here for it! It felt like such a fresh breeze and for me it was healing.
I thought I was done with 'Shadow daddies' but enter Hayden Harlow, or should I say Hades. He is the 2.0 version!
I fell in love with both Hayden and Levi instantly. It only took a chapter each. There was so many other lovely characters as well.
This book was a perfect small town romance with a mythological twist.
Thank you Chip Pons for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Chip Pons redefines 'sex god' with this raunchy and emotional romantic epic. I fell hard for Levi and Hayden, and their heartfelt story left me shattered and begging for more. With its god-level spice and super-smart twists on Greek myth, Dearly Departed takes queer romance to exhilarating new heights. In a word: legendary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Levi and Hayden were everything. Chip has created something really beautiful here, weaving a modern, small town romance with mythology in this twist on God of the Underworld, Hades (Hayden). Queer joy is Chip's specialty and this book is perfectly executed. Shadow Daddy and Flower Boy forever.
December 7, 2025
Oh my gosh. You guys are not ready for this one 😮💨🥵
I'll talk about this more as it gets closer to release 🤭
I'll talk about this more as it gets closer to release 🤭
December 28, 2025
Impeccable 💜
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews