I love an action-packed queer memoir, and the Amazing Race-esque reality TV competition at the heart of this one took our protagonists to a ton of thrilling locations. The stakes of fake dating are even higher when you're nationally broadcast and trying to win a million dollars, and the romantic tension between Asher and Theo drew me in right from the start. Winging It with You makes for a perfect summer read!

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. What do you do when your partner of 7 years dumps you at the airport check-in counter before traveling to the reality show competition for which he convinced you to train and prepare over the past few years? Steal a pilots friendship mozzarella sticks and use them as leverage to get him to pretend to be your boyfriend so you can still compete, of course.

Chip Pons's rom-com is about two men who pose as a couple to compete in a reality show contest. Asher Bennet and his boyfriend are at the airport on the way to complete on a reality show, when his boyfriend breaks up with him. Asher wants to compete. He’s drinking his worries and panic away at the T.G.I.Friday’s when he overhears Theo Fernandez (a pilot!) complain he has been grounded for flying too much. (That does happen!). Yes, you guessed right somehow Asher talks Theo into competing with him.

Adorable, and spicy …perfect summer reading. I laughed and cringed, fell in love with Asher and Theo (well not Theo because I’ve been banned from liking pilots, kidding love him since he isn’t a real life human pilot)


Thank you NetGalley & G.P. Putnam's Sons #WingingItwithYou #NetGalley.

Winging it With You is charming, sexy, and full of heart. This is my first Chip Pons book, and I really enjoyed his voice and writing style. I found this rom-com with it’s reality travel competition backdrop (think The Amazing Race) to be a fun, spicy twist on fake dating with a heaping helping of queer joy throughout. I read queer books all year long, but if you’re looking for a romance to read as part of celebrating PRIDE, you won’t go wrong with this one.
Asher Bennett and Theo Fernandez come together over a mozzarella stick meet-cute in an airport bar, and the next thing you know, they’re on a world wide adventure travel reality show pretending to be madly in love. The slow burn of this love story builds to tighten the tension with a sizzling shower scene that I didn’t see coming, all the way to the ultimate payoff that is both erotic and sweet. I love a well written slow burn that keeps me hooked like this.
Winging it With You is a joyful, messy, neurotic, erotic delight, and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and Chip Pons for the ARC opportunity.

I fell for the reality TV drama of this book. I was so entranced with what was going to happen every step along the way. I was instantly empathetic to Asher’s situation and the airport meet cute with Theo was so much fun! I understand that extreme situations can cause a lot of emotions very quickly, but I think we blew through the recovery of a long term relationship, but it was somewhat addressed so I give half credit. I do feel like we entered into almost a different style book when we reached the third act break up that was much more emotional- while it was touching, it also felt a bit jarring experiencing the sudden shift.

Overall this story was adorable, I loved the characters immensely, and think this should be required reading during Pride Month!

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I love a joyful queer romance. ☺️ This was very sweet! Add on a reality tv set up ala Amazing Race?! I am IN. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, flirty, fun book this summer then add this to your list.

Theo and Asher were so cute! I loved their airport meet cute! I would have been 100% okay if this book was a bit longer just so we could get more of the travel and challenges. Read if you like the amazing race, strangers to friends to lovers, and fun side characters.

HAPPY PRIDE! 🏳️‍🌈
Thank you to Chip Pons, NetGalley, and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fabulous read the entire way through! Asher is our first MMC who finds himself set up to participate in an international couples competition to appease his long time boyfriend, Clint. When Clint decides he doesn’t want to do ~this~ with Asher anymore— Asher keen to continue the adventure out of spite. *Enter Theo*, our secondary MMC, a workaholic pilot who just found himself arguing over mozzarella sticks in an airport bar after being told he’s on personal leave from the chief pilot. Being married to a mainline commercial pilot myself, I loved the representation of the lifestyle. So many elements were 100% spot on when it comes to the pilot way of thinking, behaving, and elements of their career. I loved their relationship development and how it seemed like they were really comfortable and open with each other from the get go. The 3rd act conflict had me MAD but thank god for the ending. I’m only deducting a star because I simply WANT MORE! I wish we could’ve had more of a peek of what’s to come in their lives together and incorporating more of Asher’s family’s feelings and reactions. Definitely a fabulous read and highlights important struggles the LGBTQIA+ community (specially military members) face!

3.5 rounded up. Although romance is not normally my go-to genre, I really enjoyed this rom-com about two men who, through unexpected events, end up paired together in a reality show a la The Amazing Race. Is it silly at times? Yes. But also adorable. And quite graphically steamy a few times. I found myself rooting for the couple and wanting them to succeed not only in the competition but in life.

A note to the author: Buenos Aires is not on the ocean. It sits on the shore of the Rio de la Plata.

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Chip Pons and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of Winging It with You!

Winging It with You is a fast-paced and heartwarming romance that kept me turning the pages, even if it didn’t fully deliver in every area. I really enjoyed the character development. Both leads felt emotionally grounded, with compelling personal arcs that unfolded naturally throughout the story. Their romance had great chemistry and genuine warmth, and I appreciated that the author allowed each character to grow individually alongside their relationship.

However, the reality show setting felt more like a loose backdrop than a fully developed part of the story. The competitive reality show angle had a lot of potential for drama and humor, but the execution didn’t delve as deeply as I had hoped (I'm really particular about reality show books!!). A few subplots were introduced and toyed with, but didn't feel like they had conclusions, which left some storylines feeling unfinished.

Still, this was a fun and easy read with characters you’ll root for. If you're in the mood for something charming and low on angst with a sweet emotional core, this book delivers. It offers an enjoyable escape with a satisfying romance at its center.

Thank you again for the ARC!

“I don’t want to pretend with you.”

As a travel-loving, Amazing Race-consuming, romance-reading girlie, I was beyond excited for Winging It With You, and let me tell you: Chip Pons DELIVERED!

This book was filled with so much joy, banter, depth, emotion, and a heat that I delightedly devoured. I felt like I was right next to Theo and Asher the whole way — through the highs, lows, and everything in between — and I simply didn’t want it to end.

Whatever you do, do not sleep on this angsty dream of a romance!
—

this and that:
♡ Amazing Race style competition
♡ airport meet cute
♡ bocce ball
♡ dual pov
♡ elephant sanctuaries
♡ fake dating
♡ food fights
♡ lqbtq+ (mm romance)
♡ one bed
♡ open door spice
♡ queer joy
♡ reality tv
♡ slow days by a lake
♡ strangers-to-teammates-to-lovers
♡ travel adventures

triggers:
☞ toxic breakups (not between MCs)

Winging It with You was such a fun queer rom com - I am so thankful I got to be an early reader! Asher and Theo both had their struggles but were such loveable characters with such depth. The third act breakup was a bit much for me and the book was just a touch too long BUT this is still the perfect summer romance to add to your bag! I had a fantastic time while reading this and finished it in only a few sittings. Can't wait to share this book with my friends & followers. Thanks Penguin Group Putnam and GP Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

Ahh such a sweet story!! The premise of the reality TV show was so fun and I loved how Asher and Theo met by chance and jumped right on in to a crazy adventure. I loved both POVs and seeing how their love developed throughout the crazy stunts in the show. Also absolutely loved learning more about Theo in the second half of the book and everything he went though.

This is packed with genuine heart and plenty of steamy moments, making for a truly swoon-worthy experience. This delightful story offers a perfect blend of emotion and charming romance. If you’re looking for a heartfelt and engaging read, this one is a definite must-read.

Winging It With You is a heartwarming, emotional, and adventurous romance that had me hooked from the very first mozzarella stick! Chip Pons has crafted a story that’s as fun and fast-paced as the reality show it draws inspiration from—The Amazing Race—while grounding it in meaningful character growth and authentic emotional stakes.

The premise is instantly compelling: Asher Bennett is dumped at the airport just before competing on a worldwide travel reality show, The Epic Trek, and in his heartbreak-fueled despair (and hunger), he stumbles into the path of grounded airline pilot Theo Fernandez. A plate of mozzarella sticks, a mimosa, and one impulsive decision later, the two find themselves fake dating for the cameras while racing across the globe.

The chemistry between Asher and Theo? Electric. Their banter, vulnerability, and the slow unfurling of something real beneath the fake-dating premise had me swooning. Both men are working through personal baggage—Theo learning how to live outside of work, and Asher rebuilding trust and rediscovering his worth—and their arcs are handled with such tenderness and emotional honesty. I loved watching them grow individually and as a couple.

The backdrop of global locations added a dynamic, cinematic feel to the romance, and the reality show element gave the story an exciting, high-stakes vibe that never overwhelmed the heart of the narrative. And yes, there’s steam—but it’s balanced beautifully with emotional resonance. So many moments hit me right in the heart.

Theo and Asher are everything I want in a romance couple—complicated, funny, soft, and brave. I rooted for them every step (and flight) of the way.

If you love queer romance, travel-centric stories, emotional depth, and the fake-dating trope with real feelings at the core, I highly recommend Winging It With You.

Asher Bennett finds himself dumped at the airport and about to board a plane to compete on the Epic Trek (think the Amazing Race) without a partner. Even worse, his ex is the one who wanted to enter the competition in the first place. Enter Theo Fernandez, a pilot who has just been voluntold to take a vacation. Both men find themselves at the airport TGI Fridays, a last resort watering hole of mozzarella sticks and desperation. Theo needs to find something to do, and Asher needs Theo. Soon, they’re on a plane together and headed for an epic trek around the world that might offer more than a TV love story.

This was a fun one, for reality TV fans, and those of us who have ever been subjected to our singledom in situations less than ideal. It plays it fairly to trope, fake-dating meets real-feelings, but has enough charm to entertain and put a smile on your face. Chip Pons is a master of this type of light-hearted love story and Asher and Theo are game players in a game they can both win. Fresh off a break up, Asher is a bit more guarded, and I enjoyed watching Theo lower his walls. Easy, breezy, and more than enough heart to fill any romance reader’s cup.

This story was cute and I enjoyed several aspects of it. From the mozzarella meet-cute to fake dating, it perfectly captures all the fun tropes one loves to see in a romcom. I’d recommend it to fans of reality tv shows and pure, queer joy.

The balance between Theo and Asher’s quickly blossoming relationship and the reality tv show plot was done well. I never felt like one overshadowed the other. Theo and Asher were perfectly sweet and clearly made for each other yet, I still found it challenging to truly connect with them. Perhaps this was because distinguishing whose perspective I was reading became difficult due to the similarities in their characterization and voice.

It was a fine, medium-paced read up until the 80% mark where I feel it slowed considerably. It took some effort to get through it after the inevitable third act breakup. While it was overall charming and enjoyable, it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

This is still a strong 3.5, and I’d recommend it to romance readers as a fun, bingeable read.

I have so much to say about Winging It with You.. first off… Theo?????????????????? Honestly, what else is there to say?

Hehe I’m jk I’m jk. WIWY follows Asher, who was literally dumped by his boyfriend at the ticketing counter just as they are about to head to LA to join the Epic Trek, an Amazing Race inspired reality show… WHO DOES THAT? men am I right?? So while Asher is drowning his sorrows (literally), he gets a mozzarella stick craving (as one does when they’re drunk and in the mood for cheesy/greasy food). Enter Theo, who has been told he is grounded and to go live his life for a few weeks (honestly, cc’ing my boss). Before he can go live said life, him and his work bestie stop at the airport TGI Fridays as is routine after a flight, to share a plate of mozzarella sticks (cute), BUT the kitchen just closed :( so Theo honestly does a totally unhinged thing and approaches the sad looking drunk man at the bar (Asher) and DEMANDS his mozz sticks.. Okay not really but he does offer to buy them for $20 which tbh is totally unhinged behavior. If I were Asher I’d be like “are you being totally fr right now?” but he doesn’t do that because he gets struck with an unhinged idea that tricks the super hot, muscley, pilot into being his partner on the Epic Trek! Theo asks very few questions and just hops on a plane with Asher to head to LA.. it’s alarming how people can go through life without anxiety LOL.

Anyways what kicks off is an EPIC adventure that starts as a fake relationship (we’ve got a situation with the gays! iykyk) and turns into something beautiful and real. These two imperfect beans must learn to cohabitate (one bed we love to see it), and also trust each other as they’re competing to win. There is definitely a learning curve (ben & jerry’s competition ya feel me) but they come to a mutual understanding over a pint of icecream & a list of rules (no sex! They didn’t stand a chance). What we see develop between Theo and Asher, is a beautiful and tender type of relationship filled with banter and soft looks, and the occasional cheese stick thrown in. WIWY takes us to the Ben & Jerry’s graveyard in Vermont, to the La Tomatina Festival in Spain, and to Bali where Theo and Asher share A PERFECT DAY with elephants. Argentina, Italy, Colombia, and Portugal are the backdrop to some epic (see what I did there) competitions, and even more epic moments between Theo and Asher. Ugh I love them so much.

Winging It With You is everything I love about romance and is a perfect representation of queer joy. We need books like this now more than ever and I can’t wait to see this book take off this summer and soar! Theo and Asher remind us that nobody is perfect and no love is perfect. But if you’re lucky, home can be a person.

ARC Review of “Winging It With You” by Chip Pons

⭐ 4.5/5 Stars

I had such a good time with “Winging It With You”! It’s got fake dating, forced proximity, a chaotic travel reality show, and two soft, emotionally guarded guys who fall hard for each other. From mozzarella sticks at the airport TGI Fridays to ~ swoony ~ confessions, this one had me smiling, kicking my feet, and even tearing up a little.

Asher and Theo were so easy to root for - complete opposites in all the best ways. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their emotional arcs? Heart. Wrenching. And healing. I especially loved how the book explored identity, grief, family pressure, and what it means to be truly seen by someone. Plus, the reality show setting was fast-paced and fun without ever feeling too over-the-top.

Sweet, tender, and totally worth the read. I am immediately a Chip Pons fan - I’m starting “You and I Rewritten” ASAP.

Thank you NetGalley, Chip Pons, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own ♡

Review posted on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7621057435
And StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/34f982da-37fc-4477-8dfe-e13a40878eff

Thank you Chip Pons and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Love a travel romance? Love the Amazing Race? Love Forced Proximity? This book is for you.

Asher is in a bind, looking for a partner to join him on a travel reality TV show that starts tomorrow. Theo is a pilot, who is currently grounded for the next 3 weeks for a mandatory break. Enter an adorable meet cute over mozzarella sticks and we have our story. I loved the chemistry between Asher and Theo. While their journey together around the world was so light hearted and fun, there was so much emotion in their quiet moments. Past traumas come to the surface that they help each other through. Ultiimately some unexpected detours in life lead us where we are meant to be. 5 Stars. Chip wrote an amazing debut that I cannot wait to have on my shelf.