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Dearly Departed
Hope 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
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Chip Pons
5 books954 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 1,008 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
June 23, 2026
Dearly Departed is a small town MM romance following sunshiny florist Levi, and Hayden, the grumpy former god of death and current undertaker; as the two meet and form an instant connection. This was such a beautifully written romance, full of charm and emotion! I loved how Hayden and Levi fell into each other and couldn’t help but orbit around one another. Their romance was so full of tension and attraction, and I loved how that played out in their lusty relationship and slow burn commitment. Not to mention all the found family that surrounded the two, it was so warm and the perfect balance to the emotion that came with exploring the grief of loss woven throughout the book. Altogether, this tender and charming romance was well worth the read; every page is bursting with a magical blend of heart, humor, and steam.
~Many thanks to Putnam for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
~Many thanks to Putnam for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
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 book is a love letter to the readers 🩷 hayden and levi are everything to me 🥹.
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!
June 25, 2026
Big fail. Seem to be one of the very few who did not enjoy the book at all.
I could not get behind the writing style. For me personally, it was too cheesy, full of hackneyed words and phrases throughout. I was so frustrated with the overuse of some of the words, like finding ‘ undone, undoing..’ in every second sentence. And I think I hate the word broody now. I do.
The dialogues felt extremely fake, trying to be snarky, witty and clever at the expense of coming off as completely manufactured and unnatural. And the overuse of figurative speech in dialogues, constant use of punchy, metaphor-laden one-liners made me physically cringe. Some examples:
I could not get behind the writing style. For me personally, it was too cheesy, full of hackneyed words and phrases throughout. I was so frustrated with the overuse of some of the words, like finding ‘ undone, undoing..’ in every second sentence. And I think I hate the word broody now. I do.
The dialogues felt extremely fake, trying to be snarky, witty and clever at the expense of coming off as completely manufactured and unnatural. And the overuse of figurative speech in dialogues, constant use of punchy, metaphor-laden one-liners made me physically cringe. Some examples:
“Make yourself comfortable. There’s plenty of cheese and cynicism to go around.”
“We throw this anti-Valentine’s party every year. Black hearts, bitter cocktails, possible regrets.”
“When I first imagined the community garden, it was just a patch of earth and a hopeful idea.”
“That’s why I believe in this project. It’s not just a garden, it’s…” I pause, searching for the right words. “It’s a promise.”
I groan, dragging a hand through my hair. “Ugh. I can’t believe I forgot. Thanks for saving my ass.” “Job description,” she says, eyes twinkling. “Right between ‘organizing floral arrangements,’ ‘grant babysitting,’ and ‘managing boss’s calendar.’ ”
No one talks like that.
I felt like these characters had boxes and they were somehow just fit into it- one hot grumpy, broody bloke, one rainbows and sunshine MC, a super efficient, can manage anything perfectly intern, two friends who did not seem to have any other job than being always around, always throwing winks, and the ever-ready ‘sarcastic and snarky’ comebacks.
And what a mess of Greek mythology. There was no Greek mythology. It was like taking a small piece of such a large, complicated and detailed mythos to somehow make a romance story out of it. There is so much more to that than the author even attempted to bring up. Zeus and Poseidon were also so difficult to read about, and completely unrealistic. The characters felt flat, and the grief element just did not make sense to me. Levi's resentment towards his parents did not seem to make sense, and if it was to be brought up like that, I would have liked more substance there. Nothing was realistic, just elements taken from everywhere, without making much sense- just put together for the sake of the plot, or lack thereof.
June 16, 2026
Happy publication day! Resharing my review from last November.
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!
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!
November 11, 2025
SHADOW. DADDY.
Read
June 5, 2026Dearly Departed was SUCH a good time! I’ve been looking forward to this release for ages now; it’s one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 and I’m so beyond excited that I received an early copy through Netgalley.
I love the character development both our MCs go through; Hayden learns how to let others in and experience true happiness and Levi learns that it’s okay not to be okay all the time (how relatable, am I right?). I love the found family, grief representation (heavy part of the plot – read with care, you know you best), and fantastical world. The side characters are also fantastic; I love the representation within the pages! The Fates, as much as I love them (I actually have a Fates inspired tattoo lol) truly drove me nuts, though. They had such good intentions, but they really were wildin for most of the plot hahaha. I ate Dearly Departed up – if I could have read it in only one day, I would have, but I unfortunately have IRL responsibilities that kept me from living in the pages like I would have preferred.
I think my only critique would be that Levi expects Hayden to be fully vulnerable and open with him, but does not extend the same courtesy. (Example would be after the club the first time when Hayden left early and Levi expected an apology and an explanation when he didn’t accept his accountability in the issue). I think he gets better about it as the plot goes on, but it was a little frustrating in the early days of the plot (at least for me, this could absolutely be a me problem, not one from the book, please take this with a grain of salt).
Needless to say, Chip Pons is now an auto-buy author for me and I cannot wait to read his backlist asap!
I love the character development both our MCs go through; Hayden learns how to let others in and experience true happiness and Levi learns that it’s okay not to be okay all the time (how relatable, am I right?). I love the found family, grief representation (heavy part of the plot – read with care, you know you best), and fantastical world. The side characters are also fantastic; I love the representation within the pages! The Fates, as much as I love them (I actually have a Fates inspired tattoo lol) truly drove me nuts, though. They had such good intentions, but they really were wildin for most of the plot hahaha. I ate Dearly Departed up – if I could have read it in only one day, I would have, but I unfortunately have IRL responsibilities that kept me from living in the pages like I would have preferred.
I think my only critique would be that Levi expects Hayden to be fully vulnerable and open with him, but does not extend the same courtesy. (Example would be after the club the first time when Hayden left early and Levi expected an apology and an explanation when he didn’t accept his accountability in the issue). I think he gets better about it as the plot goes on, but it was a little frustrating in the early days of the plot (at least for me, this could absolutely be a me problem, not one from the book, please take this with a grain of salt).
Needless to say, Chip Pons is now an auto-buy author for me and I cannot wait to read his backlist asap!
June 19, 2026
How was this was just my first read from this author?! I definitely need to read more from Chip Pons now! This was so so good. Small town, grumpy x sunshine, funeral director x florist, Hades-inspired!
Hayden is literally Hades and has been spending centuries grumpily as a funeral director after his (and the other gods) fall from immortality. One day he meets Levi, the local florist and immediately they are pulled to one another. This book felt like finding your person, learning things about yourself, and all the magic that both of those things bring. I loved the yearning, the characters, the way gods and fates were in this, the angst, the way grief is in this, their connection together, and just all the feels! So so good. Just like Hayden’s shadows, this book wraps around you in the most loving way and makes everything better. Highly recommend, audiobook was chef’s kiss too.
Hayden is literally Hades and has been spending centuries grumpily as a funeral director after his (and the other gods) fall from immortality. One day he meets Levi, the local florist and immediately they are pulled to one another. This book felt like finding your person, learning things about yourself, and all the magic that both of those things bring. I loved the yearning, the characters, the way gods and fates were in this, the angst, the way grief is in this, their connection together, and just all the feels! So so good. Just like Hayden’s shadows, this book wraps around you in the most loving way and makes everything better. Highly recommend, audiobook was chef’s kiss too.
June 5, 2026
This was such an absolute delight to read- easily 4.5 stars for me! I have always had such an interest in the Greek gods and though this didn't dive into the history of them by any means, I appreciated the twist on having Hades, Poseidon and Zeus all living on earth among us mortals. The man that Hayden Harlow AKA Hades is. His confliction on staying on the edge of society so as not to become attached and get feelings. How he tries to avoid Levi but realizes how futile it is, and then once he realizes this the way that he dotes on him was just so so perfect! Hayden was of course the town grump but more so because he was a recluse. I loved how Levi was a literal sunflower and how much they gravitated towards each other. I loved how slowly but surely Hayden opened up and peeled back his layers despite knowing how much more he would feel the grief of the people around him. I loved how much Levi was himself and how confident he was while at the same time recognizing the grief he hadn't ever really dealt with. I loved how being with Hayden helped him realize how much he had been holding and that it was ok to lean on someone with that weight. Ultimately, I loved watching Hayden embrace his humanity. These two were just SOOO perfect for each other, and I had a blast watching them fall in love.
Hayden has never really been a part of a friend group. He has learned the hard way that if he opens himself up to that, everything in his world becomes heavier. Until Levi Wilder decides to come into his life and ignore the brush offs that Hayden keeps trying to give him. The crazier thing is that Hayden finds himself NOT wanting to give him any brush offs. He finds himself completely captivated by everything about Levi. The way he exudes sunshine. The passion he has for his plants and his friends. The way he LIVES. And so Hayden decides to give in to Levi a bit. He decides to step out of his comfort zone and see what happens. And he starts to realize that hiding behind the scenes hasn't really been fulfilling. He realizes how much he has been missing out but also realizes that he may have unconsciouly been waiting for LEVI. Levi who makes him smile. Levi who he feels comfortable talking about who he really is with. Levi who his shadows respond to. Levi who makes him question the goal he has been working towards for years. Levi who breaks his heart when Hayden realizes the grief he has been carrying. The more time he spends with Levi the stronger their connection gets. And when Hayden's brothers come in town to finalize a way back to their lives as Gods, Hayden realizes his dreams have shifted. He just hopes Levi is on the same page.
Levi realizes how much he has been looking for more than the casual hookup. He wants true connection. So when Hayden Harlow, the recluse funeral director, catches his eye, Levi decides to push it a bit. Hayden tries to push him away, but there is something about him that Levi can't stop thinking about. And clearly Hayden has changed his mind because they find themselves kind of orbiting each other. So Levi makes the first move. Levi invites him out. He wants to push the grump to see what kind of reaction he can get out of him. And the more he is around Hayden the more he realizes how much MORE he hides behind his mask. How much he WANTS to feel but is scared too. Levi continues to push him slowly but surely. The connection he feels with him is so much more than he could have expected. And then when Hayden starts courting him in a way, all of his pushing is worth it. And then when Hayden lets him in even more, when he tells him he was the god of the underworld, it's like a key clicked into the lock. Somehow nothing about this scares him. If anything it makes sense. So when they finally have a night together, euphoria is what they experience. Hayden's shadows are what Levi experiences. It's unforgettable and cements Levi's feelings. But what Levi hasn't shown the world is his grief for his past. And though he tries to hide it, Hayden lets him lean on him during his time of sadness for what he misses. And though Hayden may not have told him all of his secrets just yet, Levi realizes he wants this man in his life forever.
This was such a wonderful book yall! I can't gush on it enough. As I said, I love greek mythology and I love hints of magical realism- this book had both. Hayden and Levi were so perfect together. The spice was OH SO HOT!! Shadow daddy to the core with a dirty mouth but also SUCH a sweet heart that was Hayden. And Levi just wanted someone to take care of him :) I also want to point out that this was my first Chip Pons' book, and his prose was so so pretty! Everything was so descriptive in a way that felt like a warm hug. I can't wait to read more of him and am secretly hoping that we will get stories about Poseidon and Zeus too???
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Hayden has never really been a part of a friend group. He has learned the hard way that if he opens himself up to that, everything in his world becomes heavier. Until Levi Wilder decides to come into his life and ignore the brush offs that Hayden keeps trying to give him. The crazier thing is that Hayden finds himself NOT wanting to give him any brush offs. He finds himself completely captivated by everything about Levi. The way he exudes sunshine. The passion he has for his plants and his friends. The way he LIVES. And so Hayden decides to give in to Levi a bit. He decides to step out of his comfort zone and see what happens. And he starts to realize that hiding behind the scenes hasn't really been fulfilling. He realizes how much he has been missing out but also realizes that he may have unconsciouly been waiting for LEVI. Levi who makes him smile. Levi who he feels comfortable talking about who he really is with. Levi who his shadows respond to. Levi who makes him question the goal he has been working towards for years. Levi who breaks his heart when Hayden realizes the grief he has been carrying. The more time he spends with Levi the stronger their connection gets. And when Hayden's brothers come in town to finalize a way back to their lives as Gods, Hayden realizes his dreams have shifted. He just hopes Levi is on the same page.
Levi realizes how much he has been looking for more than the casual hookup. He wants true connection. So when Hayden Harlow, the recluse funeral director, catches his eye, Levi decides to push it a bit. Hayden tries to push him away, but there is something about him that Levi can't stop thinking about. And clearly Hayden has changed his mind because they find themselves kind of orbiting each other. So Levi makes the first move. Levi invites him out. He wants to push the grump to see what kind of reaction he can get out of him. And the more he is around Hayden the more he realizes how much MORE he hides behind his mask. How much he WANTS to feel but is scared too. Levi continues to push him slowly but surely. The connection he feels with him is so much more than he could have expected. And then when Hayden starts courting him in a way, all of his pushing is worth it. And then when Hayden lets him in even more, when he tells him he was the god of the underworld, it's like a key clicked into the lock. Somehow nothing about this scares him. If anything it makes sense. So when they finally have a night together, euphoria is what they experience. Hayden's shadows are what Levi experiences. It's unforgettable and cements Levi's feelings. But what Levi hasn't shown the world is his grief for his past. And though he tries to hide it, Hayden lets him lean on him during his time of sadness for what he misses. And though Hayden may not have told him all of his secrets just yet, Levi realizes he wants this man in his life forever.
This was such a wonderful book yall! I can't gush on it enough. As I said, I love greek mythology and I love hints of magical realism- this book had both. Hayden and Levi were so perfect together. The spice was OH SO HOT!! Shadow daddy to the core with a dirty mouth but also SUCH a sweet heart that was Hayden. And Levi just wanted someone to take care of him :) I also want to point out that this was my first Chip Pons' book, and his prose was so so pretty! Everything was so descriptive in a way that felt like a warm hug. I can't wait to read more of him and am secretly hoping that we will get stories about Poseidon and Zeus too???
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 20, 2026
It is with deep regret that I report that this book didn’t live up to my expectations. Most of my disappointment comes from the underdeveloped world-building. Honestly, I think the paranormal aspect could have been removed altogether, because it raises so many questions that the internal logic of the story starts to fall apart.
My biggest question by the end was Hayden himself. He turns out not to be mortal, but an immortal living in the mortal world. He has powers, shadows, and apparently doesn’t age (which no one around him seems to notice). After finishing the book, I still have no idea whether he simply remains this way forever. Is Levi supposed to grow old and die while Hayden stays the same? And where are the other gods, and more importantly, the goddesses?
The relationship between the main characters was fine. Everything was sweet, cute, and fairly predictable, although the third-act breakup felt completely forced, as if it existed solely to add some drama. The spicy scenes were hot, especially the involvement of the shadows (it almost felt like Hayden was made a former god just so they could be included), but the dirty talk sounded like it had been copied from every other romance novel. It was practically identical.
Overall, the book wasn’t bad, but there was no wow factor. I read it and, unfortunately, I’ll probably forget about it in a week. I was hoping for something deeper, but even the themes of grief, loss, and loneliness felt like they were only scratched at the surface.
I am curious whether this will become a series, though, because Hayden’s brothers definitely have potential as future protagonists, if we conveniently forget some of the absolutely unhinged things Zeus and Poseidon got up to in Greek mythology lol.
My biggest question by the end was Hayden himself. He turns out not to be mortal, but an immortal living in the mortal world. He has powers, shadows, and apparently doesn’t age (which no one around him seems to notice). After finishing the book, I still have no idea whether he simply remains this way forever. Is Levi supposed to grow old and die while Hayden stays the same? And where are the other gods, and more importantly, the goddesses?
The relationship between the main characters was fine. Everything was sweet, cute, and fairly predictable, although the third-act breakup felt completely forced, as if it existed solely to add some drama. The spicy scenes were hot, especially the involvement of the shadows (it almost felt like Hayden was made a former god just so they could be included), but the dirty talk sounded like it had been copied from every other romance novel. It was practically identical.
Overall, the book wasn’t bad, but there was no wow factor. I read it and, unfortunately, I’ll probably forget about it in a week. I was hoping for something deeper, but even the themes of grief, loss, and loneliness felt like they were only scratched at the surface.
I am curious whether this will become a series, though, because Hayden’s brothers definitely have potential as future protagonists, if we conveniently forget some of the absolutely unhinged things Zeus and Poseidon got up to in Greek mythology lol.
June 16, 2026
I came for the hot god. I stayed for the emotional damage.
Dearly Departed is proof that sometimes the best romances involve a deity having an existential crisis because he accidentally caught feelings.
This book had everything I wanted: a cozy small-town setting, elite levels of flirting disguised as verbal combat, a cast of side characters I'd gladly commit minor crimes for, and enough sexual tension to power an entire electrical grid.
Hayden and Levi spent so much time roasting each other that I honestly wasn't sure if they wanted to kiss or fight. Turns out the answer was yes.
And listen. We need to have a conversation about the shadow play. Chip Pons knew exactly what he was doing, and frankly, so did I because I immediately highlighted it. Can confirm: I love shadow daddies, and maybe even a little more now.
But what really elevated this book for me was the emotional core. Watching a god experience the messy, beautiful, heartbreaking reality of mortal love was surprisingly profound. Beneath all the humor and swooning was a story about vulnerability, choice, and what it means to truly live when nothing lasts forever.
If you love queer romance with sharp humor, incredible chemistry, lovable side characters, and a healthy dose of emotional devastation wrapped in a very attractive package, put this book directly into your eyeballs.
Thanks so much to Putnam for the gifted advance copy!
Dearly Departed is proof that sometimes the best romances involve a deity having an existential crisis because he accidentally caught feelings.
This book had everything I wanted: a cozy small-town setting, elite levels of flirting disguised as verbal combat, a cast of side characters I'd gladly commit minor crimes for, and enough sexual tension to power an entire electrical grid.
Hayden and Levi spent so much time roasting each other that I honestly wasn't sure if they wanted to kiss or fight. Turns out the answer was yes.
And listen. We need to have a conversation about the shadow play. Chip Pons knew exactly what he was doing, and frankly, so did I because I immediately highlighted it. Can confirm: I love shadow daddies, and maybe even a little more now.
But what really elevated this book for me was the emotional core. Watching a god experience the messy, beautiful, heartbreaking reality of mortal love was surprisingly profound. Beneath all the humor and swooning was a story about vulnerability, choice, and what it means to truly live when nothing lasts forever.
If you love queer romance with sharp humor, incredible chemistry, lovable side characters, and a healthy dose of emotional devastation wrapped in a very attractive package, put this book directly into your eyeballs.
Thanks so much to Putnam for the gifted advance copy!
Want to Read
March 20, 2026OHHH THIS IS THE SMUTTY GAY HADESXMORTAL ROMANCE THAT I WANTED TO READ LIKE 3 MONTHS AGO
June 26, 2026
4.5🖤 An almost perfect book, but a 100% perfect audiobook!
I think what surprised me most about Dearly Departed is that it never treats Greek mythology as something grand or untouchable. It strips it of the marble statues and the epics and themes until all that's left are questions that have always belonged to ordinary people. How long do you grieve? How do you keep living after loss? At what point do you stop searching for a version of reality that no longer exists? And beneath the mythological leitmotifs, symbols, the shadows and the Underworld there is a story about accepting that love was never meant to outsmart death. Only to make it worth facing. But before I lose myself in blah blah…
Hayden absolutely owned this book! If you've been around, you probably know how much I love Hades as a mythological and literary figure. There hasn't been a single version, retelling, or reimagining that did not make me fall in love with him.🤷🏻♀️
I mean, there is something almost painfully tragic about a man who spent millennia guiding souls toward acceptance while being completely incapable of accepting his own circumstances. Here, everyone around him has moved on. The world has forgotten its gods. His brothers have accepted their fate. Yet Hayden keeps showing up week after week, convinced there has to be one sentence, one forgotten clause, one tiny loophole hidden somewhere inside eternity that will undo everything. It isn't really about escaping the contract. It's bargaining. It's ALWAYS BARGAINING with this one.
The same bargaining grief has always done. If I search hard enough. If I ask one more question. If I refuse to stop looking. Maybe I won't have to let go.
Then Levi walks into his life carrying flowers. Sunflowers. Joyous and full of sunlight!
I loved that Levi never falls in love with Hades. I was wondering how Chip would make this work. But he falls in love with Hayden. He doesn't care about ancient power or mythology or worship. He argues with him about funeral arrangements, sneaks apology lilies into his office, builds community gardens, worries about grant applications and somehow chips away at centuries of loneliness simply by treating him like another stubborn man in town. There is something incredibly beautiful about that. Hayden has spent centuries being remembered as a god and forgotten as a person. Levi unknowingly does the exact opposite. Chip Pons made me fall in love with Hayden as well.
The symbolism throughout this felt wonderfully natural. Flowers become memories. Gardens become acts of hope. Shadows stop representing fear and slowly become something protective instead. Even the funeral home itself transforms from a place that only marks endings into somewhere grief is allowed to exist without becoming your entire identity. Nothing ever feels like symbolism for symbolism's sake (cause I was waiting for it🤓). Every recurring image grows alongside the characters until it becomes impossible to separate one from the other.
I also appreciated how the Admin Ladies were written😂. They felt frustrating in exactly the way life often is.
Now, allow me one profoundly Sisyphean complaint about something that barely deserves complaining about: the final conflict. I completely understood why Hayden couldn't let go of the loophole, and Levi's frustration felt equally justified. Psychologically, every beat worked. Narratively, though, I think that emotional stalemate lingered just a little longer than it needed to before delivering the resolution, which then felt like taking two steps at a time.
Now, on to the audiobook because I have to mention the audiobook!
Kirt Graves and Simon Dornet could not have been cast any better. Simon Dornet brings so much warmth and effortless optimism to Levi, but Kirt Graves completely disappeared into Hayden. Every sarcastic remark, every exhausted sigh, every emotional beat, every tiny crack in Hayden's carefully constructed composure landed exactly where it needed to. It is one of those performances that quietly elevates an already excellent story into something even more memorable.
It's funny. Out of all the mythology, gods, contracts, and the grief, the image that stayed with me most was a garden. Gardens aren't built because flowers last forever. They're built because someone believes they're worth planting anyway. I have a feeling I'll be carrying that thought around for quite a while… Excuse me while I am a little emotional in my little corner.
I think what surprised me most about Dearly Departed is that it never treats Greek mythology as something grand or untouchable. It strips it of the marble statues and the epics and themes until all that's left are questions that have always belonged to ordinary people. How long do you grieve? How do you keep living after loss? At what point do you stop searching for a version of reality that no longer exists? And beneath the mythological leitmotifs, symbols, the shadows and the Underworld there is a story about accepting that love was never meant to outsmart death. Only to make it worth facing. But before I lose myself in blah blah…
Hayden absolutely owned this book! If you've been around, you probably know how much I love Hades as a mythological and literary figure. There hasn't been a single version, retelling, or reimagining that did not make me fall in love with him.🤷🏻♀️
I mean, there is something almost painfully tragic about a man who spent millennia guiding souls toward acceptance while being completely incapable of accepting his own circumstances. Here, everyone around him has moved on. The world has forgotten its gods. His brothers have accepted their fate. Yet Hayden keeps showing up week after week, convinced there has to be one sentence, one forgotten clause, one tiny loophole hidden somewhere inside eternity that will undo everything. It isn't really about escaping the contract. It's bargaining. It's ALWAYS BARGAINING with this one.
The same bargaining grief has always done. If I search hard enough. If I ask one more question. If I refuse to stop looking. Maybe I won't have to let go.
Then Levi walks into his life carrying flowers. Sunflowers. Joyous and full of sunlight!
I loved that Levi never falls in love with Hades. I was wondering how Chip would make this work. But he falls in love with Hayden. He doesn't care about ancient power or mythology or worship. He argues with him about funeral arrangements, sneaks apology lilies into his office, builds community gardens, worries about grant applications and somehow chips away at centuries of loneliness simply by treating him like another stubborn man in town. There is something incredibly beautiful about that. Hayden has spent centuries being remembered as a god and forgotten as a person. Levi unknowingly does the exact opposite. Chip Pons made me fall in love with Hayden as well.
The symbolism throughout this felt wonderfully natural. Flowers become memories. Gardens become acts of hope. Shadows stop representing fear and slowly become something protective instead. Even the funeral home itself transforms from a place that only marks endings into somewhere grief is allowed to exist without becoming your entire identity. Nothing ever feels like symbolism for symbolism's sake (cause I was waiting for it🤓). Every recurring image grows alongside the characters until it becomes impossible to separate one from the other.
I also appreciated how the Admin Ladies were written😂. They felt frustrating in exactly the way life often is.
Now, allow me one profoundly Sisyphean complaint about something that barely deserves complaining about: the final conflict. I completely understood why Hayden couldn't let go of the loophole, and Levi's frustration felt equally justified. Psychologically, every beat worked. Narratively, though, I think that emotional stalemate lingered just a little longer than it needed to before delivering the resolution, which then felt like taking two steps at a time.
Now, on to the audiobook because I have to mention the audiobook!
Kirt Graves and Simon Dornet could not have been cast any better. Simon Dornet brings so much warmth and effortless optimism to Levi, but Kirt Graves completely disappeared into Hayden. Every sarcastic remark, every exhausted sigh, every emotional beat, every tiny crack in Hayden's carefully constructed composure landed exactly where it needed to. It is one of those performances that quietly elevates an already excellent story into something even more memorable.
It's funny. Out of all the mythology, gods, contracts, and the grief, the image that stayed with me most was a garden. Gardens aren't built because flowers last forever. They're built because someone believes they're worth planting anyway. I have a feeling I'll be carrying that thought around for quite a while… Excuse me while I am a little emotional in my little corner.
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!
August 1, 2026
"Careful, Levi. You're starting to become a habit."
I enjoyed Winging It With You by this author for the most part, so I have no idea what the hell happened here. This book was bad. I really didn’t like the pacing of the romance—they were basically obsessed with each other after one interaction.
I also just wasn’t invested in the romance, I don’t see why these two like each other except Levi being a ray of sunshine and Hayden being hot and broody. It felt like they loved each other just because it was dictated by the trope that they had to.
My biggest issue with this book was the writing style, though. It’s awful, and it was incredibly frustrating to read. Almost every action is followed by a metaphor in an attempt to make it sound deep, and the metaphorical language just didn’t work because the writing beats you over the head with it.
It’s also extremely repetitive to the point of being ridiculous. Did an editor even go through this? There’s so many repetitions of the same sentence structure (Not [x], but [x], or No [x], just [x]) and once I noticed I started highlighting every instance of it and I ended up with ten pages of notes. TEN. At one point I had four pages of notes from reading 8% of the book.
I’m disappointed because I expected better based on my previous experience with this author. I only finished this book because it was a bookclub read and because I wanted to see how many repetitions I could catch.
I enjoyed Winging It With You by this author for the most part, so I have no idea what the hell happened here. This book was bad. I really didn’t like the pacing of the romance—they were basically obsessed with each other after one interaction.
I also just wasn’t invested in the romance, I don’t see why these two like each other except Levi being a ray of sunshine and Hayden being hot and broody. It felt like they loved each other just because it was dictated by the trope that they had to.
My biggest issue with this book was the writing style, though. It’s awful, and it was incredibly frustrating to read. Almost every action is followed by a metaphor in an attempt to make it sound deep, and the metaphorical language just didn’t work because the writing beats you over the head with it.
It’s also extremely repetitive to the point of being ridiculous. Did an editor even go through this? There’s so many repetitions of the same sentence structure (Not [x], but [x], or No [x], just [x]) and once I noticed I started highlighting every instance of it and I ended up with ten pages of notes. TEN. At one point I had four pages of notes from reading 8% of the book.
I’m disappointed because I expected better based on my previous experience with this author. I only finished this book because it was a bookclub read and because I wanted to see how many repetitions I could catch.
June 10, 2026
ARC Review - NetGalley
I enjoyed this story about grief and loneliness. I love the continuous reminders that the characters didn’t have to carry it alone. Levi is a ray of sunshine while Hayden lives with and in the shadows. A broody grumpy shadow daddy who got to experience love with Levi. Hayden was a God who has been existing among humans but not truly living. Levi strives to be everyone joy while drowning in his own grief. I loved the found and chosen family dynamics between Levi and his friends. The greenhouse spicy scene is going to stay with me for a long time. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves and support queer love. I gave this book 4 stars because it was entertaining and yet emotional.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this story about grief and loneliness. I love the continuous reminders that the characters didn’t have to carry it alone. Levi is a ray of sunshine while Hayden lives with and in the shadows. A broody grumpy shadow daddy who got to experience love with Levi. Hayden was a God who has been existing among humans but not truly living. Levi strives to be everyone joy while drowning in his own grief. I loved the found and chosen family dynamics between Levi and his friends. The greenhouse spicy scene is going to stay with me for a long time. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves and support queer love. I gave this book 4 stars because it was entertaining and yet emotional.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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.
June 17, 2026
2/5 - Yeah…this wasn’t for me. I liked Winging It With You from Chip Pons, but this missed the mark for me. The romance started off great, and I enjoyed the main characters. However, the love was instant and I wish there was more angst and yearning. I’m someone where if there is instant love and no conflict, that makes logical sense, it will lose me. The plot was basically nonexistent and I truly didn’t see a point to the story. This, unfortunately, felt like a chore finishing this. Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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.
June 26, 2026
I really tried to give this a shot, honestly.
I nearly quit when it was revealed that Hayden had been living in this itty bitty little town and working as possibly the only funeral director for 40 years, and yet people still did not question why he didn't age and claimed to know absolutely nothing about him, to the point of comparing him to Big Foot because he was so elusive and mysterious. Okay, but has no one in this town had someone close to them pass away and, therefore, need the services of a funeral home? Maybe none of the other people in the town have ever experienced this particular tragedy before, if we overlook that Hayden starts the book working on a funeral and then quickly meets another woman who needs to arrange services for someone.
Strike two was that this alleged slow burn had the characters meet (apparently for the very first time, even though one is a funeral director and the other is a florist who provides flowers directly to the funeral home) in the very first chapter and then they spent literally every chapter after that thinking of each other. In the middle of a conversation with your best friend? Better think about that hot dude who reprimanded me that one time. Trying to speak to your only employee about your actual job? Sorry, too distracted thinking about flowers and sunshine all of a sudden. It was like their only personality trait was daydreaming about the other one. But fine, this is a romance book, they're trying to fall in love or something.
But honestly, the killer for me was on page 78, where I had to read the phrase "magical little bussy" with my own eyeballs. No, absolutely not, you're done and now you're first on my Did Not Finish shelf.
I nearly quit when it was revealed that Hayden had been living in this itty bitty little town and working as possibly the only funeral director for 40 years, and yet people still did not question why he didn't age and claimed to know absolutely nothing about him, to the point of comparing him to Big Foot because he was so elusive and mysterious. Okay, but has no one in this town had someone close to them pass away and, therefore, need the services of a funeral home? Maybe none of the other people in the town have ever experienced this particular tragedy before, if we overlook that Hayden starts the book working on a funeral and then quickly meets another woman who needs to arrange services for someone.
Strike two was that this alleged slow burn had the characters meet (apparently for the very first time, even though one is a funeral director and the other is a florist who provides flowers directly to the funeral home) in the very first chapter and then they spent literally every chapter after that thinking of each other. In the middle of a conversation with your best friend? Better think about that hot dude who reprimanded me that one time. Trying to speak to your only employee about your actual job? Sorry, too distracted thinking about flowers and sunshine all of a sudden. It was like their only personality trait was daydreaming about the other one. But fine, this is a romance book, they're trying to fall in love or something.
But honestly, the killer for me was on page 78, where I had to read the phrase "magical little bussy" with my own eyeballs. No, absolutely not, you're done and now you're first on my Did Not Finish shelf.
June 16, 2026
˗ˏˋ 4 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
i'm so mad that i didn't pick this up as soon as the arc hit my email..
this was my first chip pons' book and definitely not the last! i'm defo going to go read his entire backlist when i have the time~
anyways i love them sm!! when hayden got every question right at trivia night, you just know he's the one. also he's got shadows! as expected, loved the greek mythology aspect and all that jazz!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶˗ˋ୨♡୧ˊ˗︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶
₊˚⊹♡ pre-read ♡⊹˚₊ ↴
umm okay you're telling me i got the arc?? assdfghjk- i just now i'm going to eat this shit up bc of the greek mythology loll
i'm so mad that i didn't pick this up as soon as the arc hit my email..
this was my first chip pons' book and definitely not the last! i'm defo going to go read his entire backlist when i have the time~
anyways i love them sm!! when hayden got every question right at trivia night, you just know he's the one. also he's got shadows! as expected, loved the greek mythology aspect and all that jazz!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶˗ˋ୨♡୧ˊ˗︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶
₊˚⊹♡ pre-read ♡⊹˚₊ ↴
umm okay you're telling me i got the arc?? assdfghjk- i just now i'm going to eat this shit up bc of the greek mythology loll
June 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC!
Chip Pons has a way with words. He has created a touching, heartfelt romance that makes you believe in soulmates and reminds you that there’s someone out there for everyone. His writing is beautiful, and I found myself highlighting countless passages because of how wise, insightful, and moving they were.
The story follows Hayden, formerly Hades—the God of the Underworld (yes, that Hades from Greek mythology). After centuries of living a mortal life, he has intentionally isolated himself and avoided forming meaningful connections. But his world is turned upside down when Levi, a local florist whose smile and energy shine brighter than the sun, bulldozes his way into Hayden’s carefully guarded life.
Both Levi and Hayden are battling their own demons. Hayden feels alone and has lost his sense of purpose. Levi is running from his grief, masking the pain of loss with smiles, jokes, and endless optimism.
Though they seem like an unlikely pair, they find themselves drawn to each other, offering unconditional support and love in a way neither has experienced before. They are the first people to truly see one another, and it feels completely natural that they fall fast and deeply in love.
Chip does an incredible job exploring grief, loss, loneliness, and healing. The story also highlights the importance of found family and community, and this book features one of the best found families I’ve read in a long time. I absolutely adored Dominic, Elijah, and Naomi.
But while this book is heartfelt and emotional, it’s also genuinely funny. I laughed out loud multiple times, and the romance and spice were perfectly executed. The intimate scenes were both swoony and steamy, and I couldn’t help but root for these two lover boys as they finally found the love they deserved.
My main criticism is that the story felt a little slow at times, and there wasn’t always a clear overarching plot. This is definitely a character-driven novel, so readers looking for a more plot-focused story may find the pacing a bit meandering.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Levi and Hayden. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that will make their heart feel full while also making them laugh, swoon, and maybe shed a few tears along the way.
Chip Pons has a way with words. He has created a touching, heartfelt romance that makes you believe in soulmates and reminds you that there’s someone out there for everyone. His writing is beautiful, and I found myself highlighting countless passages because of how wise, insightful, and moving they were.
The story follows Hayden, formerly Hades—the God of the Underworld (yes, that Hades from Greek mythology). After centuries of living a mortal life, he has intentionally isolated himself and avoided forming meaningful connections. But his world is turned upside down when Levi, a local florist whose smile and energy shine brighter than the sun, bulldozes his way into Hayden’s carefully guarded life.
Both Levi and Hayden are battling their own demons. Hayden feels alone and has lost his sense of purpose. Levi is running from his grief, masking the pain of loss with smiles, jokes, and endless optimism.
Though they seem like an unlikely pair, they find themselves drawn to each other, offering unconditional support and love in a way neither has experienced before. They are the first people to truly see one another, and it feels completely natural that they fall fast and deeply in love.
Chip does an incredible job exploring grief, loss, loneliness, and healing. The story also highlights the importance of found family and community, and this book features one of the best found families I’ve read in a long time. I absolutely adored Dominic, Elijah, and Naomi.
But while this book is heartfelt and emotional, it’s also genuinely funny. I laughed out loud multiple times, and the romance and spice were perfectly executed. The intimate scenes were both swoony and steamy, and I couldn’t help but root for these two lover boys as they finally found the love they deserved.
My main criticism is that the story felt a little slow at times, and there wasn’t always a clear overarching plot. This is definitely a character-driven novel, so readers looking for a more plot-focused story may find the pacing a bit meandering.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Levi and Hayden. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that will make their heart feel full while also making them laugh, swoon, and maybe shed a few tears along the way.
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!!!🥰
June 28, 2026
There’s something incredibly special about “Dearly Departed” by Chip Pons. This spicy MM paranormal romance follows Hayden Harlow, the former god Hades, who has spent centuries bitterly running a funeral home after losing his immortality, and Levi Wilder, a warmhearted florist whose optimism and kindness begin to crack through Hayden’s carefully built walls. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic is absolutely magnetic, with Hayden’s doom-and-gloom outlook contrasting beautifully against Levi’s infectious warmth. But what makes this romance work so well is the depth beneath those familiar tropes. Levi’s heartbreaking past is handled with so much care, while Hayden’s loneliness, longing, and struggle to find purpose made me ache for him from beginning to end. Watching their relationship slowly blossom felt hopelessly romantic, tender, and deeply earned.
This might honestly be Chip Pons’ best-written book yet. The prose is absolutely gorgeous, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously cozy, romantic, and bittersweet. Hayden’s history as Hades, his mythology, and his relationships with his brothers added so much richness and fun to the story, while the exploration of grief, loss, and learning to embrace hope was incredibly moving. The chemistry between Hayden and Levi is electric, and the spice is both sexy and wonderfully creative, let’s just say Hayden’s shadows prove to be extremely helpful. Every emotional moment landed, every romantic scene felt meaningful, and by the end I was completely swept away by these two characters who complement each other so perfectly. “Dearly Departed” is a beautiful, moving, and incredibly sexy paranormal romance that reminded me that hope can be terrifying, but it can also change everything.
This might honestly be Chip Pons’ best-written book yet. The prose is absolutely gorgeous, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously cozy, romantic, and bittersweet. Hayden’s history as Hades, his mythology, and his relationships with his brothers added so much richness and fun to the story, while the exploration of grief, loss, and learning to embrace hope was incredibly moving. The chemistry between Hayden and Levi is electric, and the spice is both sexy and wonderfully creative, let’s just say Hayden’s shadows prove to be extremely helpful. Every emotional moment landed, every romantic scene felt meaningful, and by the end I was completely swept away by these two characters who complement each other so perfectly. “Dearly Departed” is a beautiful, moving, and incredibly sexy paranormal romance that reminded me that hope can be terrifying, but it can also change everything.
June 19, 2026
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Happy Pub Day to Levi & Hayden!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dearly Departed was everything I love in a romance and then some.
This book absolutely nailed the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Hayden—former god of the Underworld, current funeral home owner, and certified shadow daddy—is delightfully grumpy, while Levi is pure sunshine with a heart as bright as the bouquets he creates. Their chemistry is instant, their banter is sharp and hilarious, and every interaction left me smiling.
I also loved the paranormal elements woven throughout the story. The mythology, the gods, the Fates, and the magical undertones added so much depth without overshadowing the romance. It felt whimsical, heartfelt, and completely unique.
But what really made this book shine was the heart. Beneath the humor and swoony romance is a story about purpose, healing, and learning to embrace the future instead of clinging to the past. Hayden’s journey was emotional and beautiful, and Levi was the perfect person to challenge him every step of the way.
Funny, charming, romantic, and surprisingly touching, Dearly Departed completely stole my heart. I loved everything about it.
Thanks to Chip and Putnam for an eARC of this book! 💚
3/5 🌶️
Happy Pub Day to Levi & Hayden!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dearly Departed was everything I love in a romance and then some.
This book absolutely nailed the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Hayden—former god of the Underworld, current funeral home owner, and certified shadow daddy—is delightfully grumpy, while Levi is pure sunshine with a heart as bright as the bouquets he creates. Their chemistry is instant, their banter is sharp and hilarious, and every interaction left me smiling.
I also loved the paranormal elements woven throughout the story. The mythology, the gods, the Fates, and the magical undertones added so much depth without overshadowing the romance. It felt whimsical, heartfelt, and completely unique.
But what really made this book shine was the heart. Beneath the humor and swoony romance is a story about purpose, healing, and learning to embrace the future instead of clinging to the past. Hayden’s journey was emotional and beautiful, and Levi was the perfect person to challenge him every step of the way.
Funny, charming, romantic, and surprisingly touching, Dearly Departed completely stole my heart. I loved everything about it.
Thanks to Chip and Putnam for an eARC of this book! 💚
July 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book, it is much appreciated!
If you are into MM romance and a small town setting with a little fantasy twist, then Dearly Departed is the book for you. This book follows Hayden, the very grumpy former God of death and the underworld and Levi, who is a very sunshine happy-go-lucky florist in the same town. I think the found family and side characters surrounding the main characters in this book really elevated the story and added so much love and community to the plot. I also felt like the romance between Hayden and Levi was so authentic and you could really feel the tension between the two of them. I would definitely read another Chip Pons book in the future. Easy 4/5 stars!
If you are into MM romance and a small town setting with a little fantasy twist, then Dearly Departed is the book for you. This book follows Hayden, the very grumpy former God of death and the underworld and Levi, who is a very sunshine happy-go-lucky florist in the same town. I think the found family and side characters surrounding the main characters in this book really elevated the story and added so much love and community to the plot. I also felt like the romance between Hayden and Levi was so authentic and you could really feel the tension between the two of them. I would definitely read another Chip Pons book in the future. Easy 4/5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
˚ ༘♡ pre-read:
╰┈➤ ˚ ༘♡ buddy read with stacey
I'm so excited for this!! hades x florist??? excuse me
⋆˚࿔ Dearly Departed review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
┆ ⤿ 2.75 stars
Chip Pons writes mm romance in such a realistic way, I loved the incorporation of safe sex practices and gay culture. However, the plot of this story truly never grabbed me. I loved the idea and what could have been but I never really felt enthralled or engrossed in the plot. Our main characters felt like they lacked depth with one another or even conflict.
For having Hades as a main character I felt like so many things could have been devolped more or discussed. Hayden felt like Hades on the surface but not on a deeper level. I did enjoy the look into grief that we get both from the "sunshine" Levi and from Hayden himself as a funeral director. Overall, I loved the concept and idea but kept wishing for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
╰┈➤ ˚ ༘♡ buddy read with stacey
I'm so excited for this!! hades x florist??? excuse me
⋆˚࿔ Dearly Departed review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
┆ ⤿ 2.75 stars
Chip Pons writes mm romance in such a realistic way, I loved the incorporation of safe sex practices and gay culture. However, the plot of this story truly never grabbed me. I loved the idea and what could have been but I never really felt enthralled or engrossed in the plot. Our main characters felt like they lacked depth with one another or even conflict.
For having Hades as a main character I felt like so many things could have been devolped more or discussed. Hayden felt like Hades on the surface but not on a deeper level. I did enjoy the look into grief that we get both from the "sunshine" Levi and from Hayden himself as a funeral director. Overall, I loved the concept and idea but kept wishing for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
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