Winging It With You by Chip Pons

Thank you @putnambooks for the finished copy and to @prhaudio for the audiobook! #putnampartner #prhaudiopartner

Can I just say that I LOVED this book?

@booksovrbros hit it out of the park with this one. I giggled so much while reading, and I think it’s absolutely the perfect romance for summer!

And what’s even better is I got to listen to Chip talk about all things writing, reading, and books thanks to @booked.with.allie and the Booked with Babes bookclub! Thank you so much to @kayimreading for making it happen!

If you’re looking for your next read, I seriously urge you to pick this up!

There are some books you stumble into at just the right moment, and Winging It with You by Chip Pons felt like one of those happy accidents for me. I picked it up expecting a sweet, lighthearted romance, and what I got was exactly that—plus a little more heart and depth than I had anticipated.

At its core, this is a friends-to-lovers romance with a healthy dose of “we’re making this up as we go along.” The story follows two characters navigating both the awkwardness and the thrill of taking a friendship to the next level. What I appreciated most was how Pons captured the messiness of relationships—the missteps, the hesitations, and the moments where you just have to trust that winging it might be enough. It’s not all sweeping grand gestures or flawless communication (though there are some swoon-worthy moments too); instead, it feels grounded and real.

The characters were where the book truly shone for me. They’re flawed but endearing, and I found myself rooting for them from the very first chapter. Their banter had me smiling, and their vulnerabilities felt refreshingly human. Pons clearly has a knack for dialogue—so many of the conversations felt like ones I could overhear between my own friends, equal parts playful and heartfelt. There’s a genuine warmth that threads through the book, like spending time with people who make you laugh even when life feels uncertain.

That said, there were a few moments where the pacing slowed down a bit more than I would’ve liked. The middle section, in particular, dragged in places, and I found myself wishing the momentum would pick back up. Some secondary characters also felt a little underdeveloped, and I wanted to see more of how they fit into the larger story. None of this ruined the experience, but it did keep the book from being a five-star read for me.

Stylistically, Pons writes with an easy, conversational flow that makes the book a joy to read. It doesn’t try to be overly polished or dramatic, which actually worked beautifully for the story’s theme—sometimes life isn’t scripted, and sometimes you have to lean into the imperfect. That idea lingers long after you close the book, which I really loved.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s heartwarming without being saccharine, funny without being forced, and real without being heavy, Winging It with You is worth picking up. It’s the kind of story you curl up with on a cozy afternoon and finish with a smile, feeling a little lighter and maybe a little braver about embracing uncertainty in your own life.

Overall, I’d give it four solid stars. It’s not flawless, but it doesn’t need to be—just like its characters, the book shines in its willingness to embrace imperfection. And in that way, it’s a reminder we could probably all use: sometimes, winging it really is enough.

Winging It with You (eARC) — 3 ⭐️

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 —
🥸 Fake Dating
📺 TV Competition
🔥 Slow Burn Romance
🔓 Open Door Romance
🐾 Golden Retriever x Black Cat

I adore Chip Pons on bookstagram so much, so when I saw his book on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to read it ASAP! While I enjoyed the writing, plot, and characters, I couldn’t get into the story for some reason. Mainly, I think the pacing felt off? But it’s likely my moodreader-ness that got in the way of me fully enjoying it. Regardless, it was a cute and fun read, and I’ll continue to read anything Chip publishes!

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, for providing me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

⋆˙⟡ CHIP DID THAT!!! ⋆˙⟡

I loved reading Winging It with You. It was SO MUCH FUN! The perfect summer book to be honest. You travel around the world, be part of a reality TV competition, there's fake dating, slow-burn romance, and so much more. I seriously recommend it to every single person who loves romance books - you'll adore it.

My heart swooned for Theo and Asher, two people who suddenly meet at an airport. Asher has been dumped by his boyfriend and just after embarking on this competition. He's flying to LA... but he needs a partner. Here comes Theo, a pilot, who just got notice that he needs to take forced vacations because he works too much.

Theo is the Golden Retriever boyfriend of your dreams while Asher is sort of a black cat, for sure. I think they literally found the perfect person to be with it, in each other. Opposites attract, you know! And they match so well, you'll see it with their soft touches, care for each other, thoughts when they're apart, and slow-burning romance that go from strangers to soulmates.

I can't wait to read more of Chip! I l o v e d this one so much.

🗺️⁀જ✈︎

I liked the characters, the writing, and the premise of the story. I was really hopeful that this would be the first reality show book I would enjoy, but I really don't think it's the plot for me. Even though the plot seemed like it would be fast paced with the nature of the show, I felt like the pacing was off. I'll definitely be trying this author again with a different book!

How cute was this book?! Fake dating, and a competition reality game show - sign me up! #Thasher

This book was recommended to me, and I started reading it as an ARC then finished it as an audiobook. Both were great experiences. Pick this book up if you want to read about two men finding love after meeting in an airport restaurant... because who hasn't wanted a random stranger to approach you in the airport and it be your soulmate!

this book was super cute and fun, i absolutely loved the way the theo and asher met. really loved the travel and competition aspect of it, & the tender moments between the MCs were so so sweet.

DNF at 62%

It felt like the plot and romance was dragging and I couldn't really understand what was happening plot wise and setting wise. The whole premise of the reality show competition was cool at first but I quickly became very confused on what it was about or what the challenges were- it felt unfinished in a way. It got to a point where if I felt like I was going to enjoy this read, that I had to ignore all the confusion and questions and miscommunication and it just wasn't working for me.

However! I think that there's an audience that would love this book and could look past the vagueness of the reality show setting, so if you want to read a cutsie romance book about a fake dating plot with two strangers as they travel the world on this reality show, this is for you!

Two strangers team up for a reality travel show (and some fake dating), only to find themselves connecting for real.

Let’s kick things off with the unforgettable meet-cute between Theo and Asher. Who knew a bet over mozzarella sticks could spark such chemistry? From that moment, I was all in for Team Thasher! These two are incredibly relatable, and their journey is an absolute delight.

The slow burn between Theo and Asher is everything! Watching them evolve from mere acquaintances to each other’s safe haven is so heartwarming. Their bond is so genuine, filled with tenderness and electrifying chemistry that pulls you right into their world.

And can we talk about the Epic Trek reality show? This Amazing Race fan loved how a similar show was included. What a fantastic backdrop for hilarious antics and swoon-worthy moments! The dynamic with their quirky found family adds so much depth and fun to the story, a shoutout to producer Jo, cameraman Arthur, and fellow competitors Jenn and Ellie.

This book had me laughing, smiling, and thoroughly enjoying every page. If you’re looking for a charming read that mixes humor, romance, personal growth, and adventure, grab Winging It with You and join the fun!

This started out SO STRONG, but by the 50% mark it lost me. It became overly repetitive, the pacing was off, and tbh the competition aspect got old real quick.

I liked both Theo & Asher a lot, but overall this was just ok. It felt so long for what it was and at points I was extremely confused about the direction the plot took.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the arc.

I DNF'ed at 20%.

I don't know if it was just me, but I couldn't care less about this story.

The premise was great, but the execution was not what I expected. Sorry Chip.

I have to preface this by saying that I have followed Chip Pons on Instagram for a long time, and he is pure sunshine in human form. I couldn’t wait to read Asher and Theo’s story from the day he announced it.

And it more than delivered. Asher Bennett is in the airport with his longtime boyfriend ready to take off on a new adventure - competing on a reality game show - when he suddenly finds himself single, alone, and in need of a partner. Theo Fernandez is a pilot and workaholic who is told in no uncertain terms he needs to take a break from work, and that the only way he’ll be able to fly again is if he provides proof of that break. When the two end up meeting over a dubious order of mozzarella sticks (iykyk), Theo ends up accompanying Asher on the adventure of a lifetime as his “pretend” boyfriend… but we all know from the moment they quibbled over fried cheese that “pretend” wouldn’t last very long.

I squealed SO many times throughout this book. Asher and Theo complement each other so perfectly - each one brings something out in the other that they are either too shy or too unaware to bring out in themselves. And there is no insta-love here. Their relationship is so genuine from the beginning. You can really feel them falling for each other between the pages. It was equal parts cinnamon roll and spicy queso. I loved it.

This book was wonderful in so many ways. One of the things that made me put my hand to my heart and go “aww” a million times was the little pieces of realness sprinkled in here and there. The military aspect brought tears to my eyes - I won’t give away any details or spoilers, but there is a part of Theo’s story that I’m pretty sure is an echo of a personal experience of the author and his husband, and it left me emotionally shattered until Asher picked up the pieces and helped Theo heal.

Now more than ever, we need more own voices stories and we need more LGBTQ representation, especially in the romance genre. Chip Pons knocked it out of the park with this book, and I cannot wait to see what he brings into the literary world next. His voice is unique and genuine, and I am so glad it exists. I hope he continues to share his gift with readers for years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The premise is so interesting, but I felt bored for a lot of it. I love a book about queer joy and that shines through well. The competition show was poorly developed though. The other contestants were stereotypes from other reality competition shows. I understand stereotypes on the show, but this was even when the characters were interacting offscreen.

I also expected more locations and more descriptions of the ones selected since travel was such an important part of the story. Also, they spent so much time in Bali but barely described the setting. I’m probably biased because I had my honeymoon there, but you could write about the food, the coral reefs, the fact that lizards are everywhere.

Theo and Asher were very sweet together and the banter was good. The miscommunication during a pivotal scene at the end of the competition made me roll my eyes though. I loved Theo’s family, but wanted to know more about Asher’s. Overall, the story was fine but it felt slow.

This is a perfect fake dating romcom. I love the way that Theo and Asher meet up. The shenanigans that they get up to is hilarious. I loved watching them grow closer and open up to one another. The banter between them and the other characters is wonderful. The plot had me crying. I am rabid for more from this author.

4 - 4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book, it was so fun and cute and I really loved the idea of these two strangers meeting in an airport and competing on a reality show – as boyfriends! And Chip Pons really does deliver with this journey!

Theo and Asher are so perfect for each other – even as total strangers they just click and it only gets better as they open to each other. I totally fell for these two – hard! I really liked the flow of this book, the mix of action as they compete on a reality show while getting to know each other, the funny moments, the swoony moments and the ones that got me right in the feels! Yes, it’s fun and exciting but also has great growth and emotion – for sure a must read!

Okay I just got through my SECOND read through of this book, I just loved it so much the first time that I had to go back for seconds! I would scream it from the top of the Ben and Jerry’s graveyard how this has instantly become one of my favorite queer romances this year!

I have always been a fan of the amazing race, and of course forced proximity and fake dating, which the combination of all three is pure perfection! Theo and Asher are literally the type of couple I would be watching every week on tv, and probably shipping the entire time

I want to thank the author and NetGalley for the advanced copy read! I can’t wait to suggest it to all my friends looking for their next romance book!

What to expect:
- MM romance
- fake dating
- fast-paced rom-com
- adventurous competition-style reality TV show (a la The Amazing Race)
- perfect, joyful summer romance

I love fake dating, it’s one of my favorite tropes! Also I love reality tv / dating so I was really excited for this one!
It just felt okay to me. The POVs got confusing because neither character had strong personalities. It did feel heartwarming and fun though. I’d for sure try this author again!

Chip Pons has officially stolen my heart with Winging It With You. This book is the perfect blend of charm, humor and the right balance of flirtation(and spice)!

When Asher is dumped at the airport, he meets pilot Theo, who agrees to fake date Asher in order to compete on the tv show, The Epic Trek (think Amazing Race-ish). From the very first chapter, I was hooked by their chemistry, banter, and the underlying ache of two men learning how to let love in — even when it’s scary.

Chip Pons writes characters that are complex, but so lovable, and so easy to root for. #thrashers romance felt so authentic and was tender, playful, and absolutely swoon-worthy.

It’s the kind of love story that reminds you it’s okay to be soft, to take risks, to fall hard. this book delivers!!!

P.S. likely will be one of my favorites for the year. Obsessed. ✈️💙

**Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC and chance to read and review. All opinions are my own**

Winging It with You was a fun and quick read! The premise of the book with the Amazing Race-style game was unique and was honestly ideal to see how the two MCs would interact with each other. The conflict at the end felt a little unrealistic, but overall I still really enjoyed the book, and loved Asher and Theo. I will say, I did have a harder time keeping whose POV each chapter was since they were both males referencing another male, and I'm more used to opposite-sex dual POV rom-coms, but that's completely a me thing 😂

Overall I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a solid book that is fun but still has some emotional depth. It's a perfect summer read!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

3.75/5