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.

Winging It With You made me want to participate in a reality TV show and I usually hate these.

The writing was immaculate, I couldn’t put WIWY down and had to restrain myself from finishing it in one go. Theo and Asher have a special place in my heart and I’m definitely hoping to read more Chip Pons!

Anybody picking up this book is guaranteed all the cozy feelings from our main couple and a splash of tears after getting to know them and experiencing the third act break up. Buckle up 🩷

A fun combination of fake dating and reality competition television. I liked how the tale gets straight to the point with Asher having to scramble for a new partner to compete with on The Epic Trek when his boyfriend abruptly dumps him right before they embark for filming, which leads to Theo entering the picture over a fortuitous basket of mozzarella sticks. Although this problem in real life probably wouldn't be quite so easy to solve, I had no qualms about handwaving it away in favor of seeing the dynamic between these two virtual strangers play out while they posed as a couple for the show. The TV production details could have been a little stronger to help me get a better grasp on the gameplay involved, and that aspect of the book completely fell away after the third act conflict, which was a little disappointing given several intriguing kernels associated with it dropped along the way. Although I really appreciated exploring heavier topics through Asher and Theo's story, their connection didn't build quite as well as I would have hoped and it was often difficult to distinguish between both of their perspectives; it felt like the book could have used another pass to iron out some of these wrinkles to for it to flow a little better. Overall, though, I had a good time reading this.

First thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Asher and his long term boyfriend are all set to go on a reality tv competition show called epic trek when his boyfriend backs out at the airport. Asher convinces a pilot Theo to join him at the last minute and pretend to be his boyfriend. Will they win the prize or the ultimate prize?


What I liked : I’m a huge amazing race fan so was thrilled with the storyline. I also found Theo and Asher to be a great couple. Their chemistry was great and enjoyed their banter. The travel and competition provided such a good opportunity for the book and falling in love. It also made it seem more realistic and gave you more insight into both characters. It allowed for more vulnerability for the characters to open up about their past and past dating issues. I haven’t read anything by this author before but will definitely be reading more by him

Fans of reality television will enjoy this romantic adventure tale featuring two characters searching the world for a win as well as themselves.

4.75 stars

Ah what a fun read! I loved the growth both Theo and Asher had from the slightly broken men at the beginning to much more confident and happy by the end. They made each other better and more trusting despite facing such difficulties in their past relationships. And so often I found myself laughing at the antics or giggling at the romantic tension. A fantastic read and I think Chip has a great career ahead.

My only issue was I felt some of the challenges in the reality show were either hard to follow (I don't watch these types of shows so that might be on me) or felt a tad inconsistent (one second they were holding a good lead in a challenge then suddenly someone was there before them). Very minor but did stick out to me personally.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

A pilot walks into a bar and... nope, you've not heard this story before! A modern romcom with a twist-a wilderness competition that both hinders and brokers the romance. Enjoyed the character development, and there were some hot, racy scenes to keep the heart pumping. Good story, immersive background. Will read more from the author.

I absolutely LOVED this book! "Winging It With You" was a delight from start to finish. Chip Pons wrote the most tender love story here. The exploratory touches under the guise of fake-dating, the dual POV of each one second-guessing while secretly falling for the other, the building emotional intimacy and forced proximity. This is SUCH a great, slow burn with sexy tension from the get go! I loved the reality TV travel competition element of the book, too, and it gave the story a framework that worked beautifully for me as a reader. I'm such a big fan now & can't wait to read Chip's backlist.

Working on a carousel to post closer to pub day!

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to get this ARC because I rarely receive LGBTQIA+ ARCs, and I really enjoyed the premise of the book! I grew up watching The Amazing Race and was kind of obsessed with getting to read a romance version. I'm also a sucker for fake dating! If I wasn't already happily married, someone please drop me into a fake dating scenario!

I love the boys, and I found their characters to be distinct enough that I didn't have a hard time telling them apart throughout the story's dual POV!

I sped through this book and was genuinely engaged until about 70%. I'd say the 70%-85% portion dragged a little bit for me, but I did still finish this in less than 24 hours, so take that with a grain of salt! It was important character development—I just struggled with the placement of this development in the novel (but really, maybe it's my third-act breakup anxiety)!

I did feel connected to the characters and was bummed when I had to go to bed and couldn't finish in one sitting! I felt most connected to Asher because I could see myself in his shoes, but I feel readers will be able to connect with either of the characters or both. The realities of the characters were realistic, and their emotions matched that realism too.

There were a few quotes in the book that really drew me in and connected me to not only the author but the story. When I read books, I don't always love references to pop culture, but the One Tree Hill reference in the book sold me on the author. One Tree Hill fans will understand—it was a good pop culture reference that will make OTH fans fall even more in love with the story!

I was unfamiliar with Chip Pons prior to this novel but will be keeping an eye out!

4.5 Stars!

Asher and Theo were so beautifully romantic. Their love was so soft for each other. I really enjoyed the travel reality theme show aspect. Initially I rolled my eyes and didn't go into it expecting to love it but, here I am, loving it. Pons did a great job making the challenges unique and not letting them overshadow the rest of the story. Giving us just what we needed.

I took off half a star because I felt there were some elements that could have been fleshed out better. I had no clue Theo lived in Chicago. I assumed he lived in Boston like Asher, which knowing that he's a pilot maybe I should have known Boston wasn't his home base? What was the idea that Asher was wildly working on when Theo approached him at the bar? That had him so distracted he didn't notice Theo walk up? Small little items like that.

Overall, I knew I would love this and I'm so glad the Publisher approved me (almost immediately) for it. I can't wait for more Chip Pons romance!

Okay, wow. This was such a journey of queer joy and acceptance, with adventure, love, and incredible side characters I couldn’t get enough of. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down, and the entire time I just felt cozy. Peaceful. This was such a beautifully real MM romance and I cannot wait to see what the author does from here. I cannot recommend this enough!

Asher’s boyfriend leaves him at the airport on their way to a reality tv competition they’ve been planning for months. Asher still wants to go, so he has to find a last minute partner. Meanwhile, Theo, a pilot, has been grounded for exceeding his flying time. Asher and Theo meet over some TGI Fridays mozzarella sticks (the best kind) and flip a coin - heads: Theo gets the mozzarella sticks, tails: Theo has to do anything Asher wants… Cut to the plane where Theo and Asher decide to fake date because the competition show is expecting Asher to compete with his boyfriend. They decide they are just going to “wing it” when it comes to fake dating on a reality competition show.

This was so much fun! The challenges involved ice cream, sailboats, snakes, and seaweed. But there’s also a tomato fight and elephants! I loved following along with Asher & Theo’s journey.

Theo is cheeky and bold, while Asher is more reserved. I felt like they brought out the best in each other and Theo encouraged Asher to live in the moment and be spontaneous.

If you like competition reality shows and super sweet romance, read this ASAP!!

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There is no one like Chip Pons and WOW WE ARE SO LUCKY TO READ HIS WORDS!!!!!!!

The way Chip writes about love and life and the journey(s) of both is truly so so special - what an honor to be sent an ARC!

Winging It With You truly has everyyyyyything I could possibly want—banter, humor (I literally laughed out loud so many times), BELIEVABLE romance, and yep, spice too (insert chili pepper emoji). But it’s not all light and fluffy; there are plenty of moments that’ll tug at your heart and even break it a little (yes, I cried a LOT, it's fine). It’s this perfect mix of happy and heartbreaking - we love a romance read with depth!!!!

The dual POV was sooooo so good—getting inside both Theo and Asher’s heads made their story feel way more real. You see all the messy, vulnerable parts of them, and how they still manage to love each other through it all.

I truly CANNOT WAIT for this to be out in the world so that everyone else can fall in love with Theo, Asher, and CHIP the way I have!

Big thanks to NetGalley for the early copy—can’t wait for everyone else to read this!

How far did I get? After starting and stopping several times, I got a couple hours into the audiobook. Feeling disconnected from the story, I tried reading the ebook, but didn’t have much luck with that either.

Why did I stop? I just wasn’t feeling it, which is disappointing. The meet cute was fun and the concept is great, but there was something about the writing that didn’t grip me. I found myself getting pulled out of the story frequently. Thinking it was a mood issue, I tried to get back into the story on a few occasions and never had any more success.

Was I enjoying it initially? I went into this with some level of excitement, because I love a reality TV show backdrop in a romance and I’m a big fan of fake relationships. I’ve also heard nothing but good things about the author and the authentic M/M rep, which had me excited to dig in. I’m usually a little uncomfortable reading M/M romances written by women, so I’m happy Pons is reaching an underrepresented audience. I did like the foundation a whole lot, and I think there’s certainly a lot of good stuff within the pages.

Would I finish this? I would try another book from the author as his writing continues to grow. I know he’s still early in his career, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.

Who would I recommend this to? Fans of lighthearted rom coms who enjoy an opposites attract/fake relationship romance.

4.5 stars and my thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC!

You know how you read a book and you can just tell it was written as an #ownvoices? This was that book. The little things matter, and when it comes to gay male romances, it's those little things that aren't present when a cis-woman writes them, no matter how queer she is.

Asher Bennet is abandoned at the airport by his (now ex) boyfriend Clint as they are literally checking in on their way to compete in Epic Treks, an international competition game show ala Amazing Race. While drowning his sorrows in martinis and mozzarella sticks at the airport TGIFridays (which, I absolutely love that detail), he meets Theo Fernandez and convinces him to fake-boyfriend their way to the 1 million dollar winnings. The rules are simple, no kissing off camera, nothing intimate, and no falling in love. Simple!

I really loved this book and it was so funny and snappy right from the beginning. I thought Asher and Theo had such amazing chemistry and their banter back and forth felt so real. There's always a moment in fake dating romances where one or both think "oh, I want this for real" and it happening while they're scaling a huge hydroelectric dam made it so fun and new.


Slight spoiler:
The only thing keeping it from a full 5 stars is that I'm so tired of the 3rd act breakup because of miscommunication trope. They spent all this time in the book talking nonstop to each other about everything. And Theo can't wait 2 damn seconds?

There are fake dating romances, and then there’s Winging It with You—a high-altitude heartthrob of a novel that takes the well-loved trope and spins it into something fresh, adventurous, and deeply human. With whip-smart dialogue, travel-fueled tension, and tender emotional arcs, Chip Pons doesn’t just deliver a love story—he gives us a journey.

✈️ The Setup

Asher Bennett isn’t having a great day. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend in the middle of Boston Logan Airport just minutes before boarding a flight for The Epic Trek—a globe-trotting reality TV competition à la The Amazing Race—he’s stranded with a suitcase, a dream, and no teammate. Cue TGI Fridays, a mimosa, and a plate of stolen mozzarella sticks. Also cue Theo Fernandez, a drop-dead gorgeous, emotionally unavailable pilot who’s just been forced into taking time off work by an airline tired of his nonstop hours and lack of personal life.

Their chemistry is instant, the stakes are ridiculous, and before they know it, they’re fake-dating for the cameras as a couple competing to win a million dollars. Sounds crazy? It is. But Pons makes it work—and not just work, but sing.

🌍 The Adventure

The structure of The Epic Trek is more than just a clever hook. The constant movement—new countries, escalating challenges, high-stakes deadlines—keeps the plot buzzing with urgency, while also providing space for character growth. Whether the duo is navigating Rome’s alleyways or getting messy at Spain’s La Tomatina, the show acts as both pressure cooker and truth serum, forcing Asher and Theo to let down their defenses and get real.

Pons writes the competition scenes with vivid detail and just enough chaos to feel real without distracting from the romance. The whole setup is fun, cinematic, and immersive—but never overshadows the emotional core.

💘 The Heart

This book doesn’t rely on tropes alone. Yes, it’s fake dating. Yes, there’s only one bed. Yes, the slow burn turns spicy. But what makes Winging It with You resonate is the honesty of its emotional arcs.

Asher is recovering from a relationship that hollowed him out, learning how he shaped himself into what someone else needed—and how to unlearn that. Theo is the classic golden retriever in denial, deeply kind but emotionally armoured, still wrestling with what it means to be seen, to be vulnerable, and to be enough. Their backstories feel lived-in and grounded. Their flaws are tender and recognizable.

This isn’t just a romance where two people fall for each other; it’s a story about rediscovering your worth through connection. And watching these two men do that—not by fixing each other, but by showing up for each other—is what makes this book feel so authentic.

🔥 The Chemistry

The romantic and sexual tension between Asher and Theo is beautifully paced. Their connection builds slowly and believably, filled with humor, small gestures, and eye contact that does way too much. By the time the spice kicks in (and yes, it does), it doesn’t feel performative—it feels earned. Pons handles intimacy with realism and care, balancing steam with consent, emotion, and heat.

Also: that shower scene? Legendary.

🎧 The Audiobook

Narrated by Lee Osorio and Michael Crouch, the audiobook adds another layer of depth. Their performances make the banter sparkle and the quiet moments ache. Dual narration lets us live inside both characters’ heads—and it’s a perfect match for the dual POV format.

🛬 Final Thoughts

Winging It with You is not just a joy to read—it’s a deeply satisfying romantic arc wrapped in reality TV antics, gay longing, personal growth, and a whole lot of heart. Chip Pons is clearly a voice the romance world needs more of—funny, sharp, unapologetically queer, and full of heart.

It’s rare for a rom-com to pull off such a tightrope walk between laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and gut-punch emotional depth. This book does it with ease.

Read it if you love:
• Fake dating that turns all too real
• Strangers-to-lovers with slow burn tension
• Dual POVs with fully realized characters
• Found family dynamics and second chances
• Rom-coms with actual emotional stakes

Skip it if:
• You hate fun. (Kidding. Mostly.)

If you’ve ever rooted for a couple on a reality show and shouted “JUST KISS ALREADY!” at your screen, this book is for you. If you’ve ever doubted your own worth and slowly learned to love yourself again, this book is definitely for you.

Because while love may be chaotic and spontaneous, this book proves that sometimes winging it is exactly the right plan.

As someone who went from reading a draft of Chip’s indie debut prior to publication years ago, to now reading an ARC of his sophomore, traditionally published romance, I could not be prouder of him, his writing, and his growth! Winging It With You was everything I hoped it would be and had me smiling from ear to ear.

“If traveling the world together has taught me anything it’s that the feeling of home doesn’t always have to be a place… if you’re lucky, home can be a person.”

Theo and Asher are absolutely charming. I adored them both so much and for two people that meet by happenstance, they really were a perfectly balanced and fated match! As they compete in a reality travel show, we see each let go of past trauma and learn to be vulnerable for each other. I appreciated each character’s backstory and growth, which added a nice depth to this delightful and swoony romcom.

“Meeting you changed my life…My life is infinitely better because you came into it….Fate brought this man into my life when I needed him most.”

From traveling the world together to beautiful locations like Argentina, Portugal, Colombia, Rome, London and more, this is a dreamy (and steamy) armchair travel romance. There’s a food fight in Spain, a cute elephant sanctuary date in Bali, and with each location, Theo and Asher develop a deep, undeniable bond. There were so many beautiful layers to this romance, which made it a standout for me. The audiobook was expertly done and I loved the two voice actors who really brought Theo and Asher to life! I will be thinking of these two long after finishing this book and can’t recommend it enough! Congrats on this one, Chip, I’m so proud of you! 🤍

“As long as my morning start wrapped tightly in your arms and my nights end with your hand in mine I’ll be a happy man.”

•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ airport meet cute
+ whirlwind romance
+ fake dating
+ gorgeous location
+ last minute reality comp partners
+ mozzarella sticks
+ Ben & Jerry’s
+ sailing
+ one bed & forced proximity
+ Baby elephants in Bali
+ Kisses against Italian walls
+ queer mm romance
+ open door, spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
+ swoon level 😍😍😍😍

𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: June 10, 2025
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance • RomCom
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: 🎧 Audiobook (11h 18m)
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Lee Osorio & Michael Crouch
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: Must Read!

Thank you @prhaudio and @putnambooks for my #gifted ARC & ALC!

Chip Pons' 2nd MM romance, WINGING IT WITH YOU, is a high-octane, reality tv show serving, delight from start to finish. Asher and Theo are the perfect grumpy x sunshine "we met at an airport TGI Friday" insta-couple who need to take the world by storm as they compete on The Epic Trek (think Amazing Race) - while really not knowing each other and having to pretend to be in a deeply committed relationship.
This book is filled with equal parts funny, sweet and steamy moments as we follow Asher's journey from being dumped at the airport to meeting Theo and rediscovering himself and what he wants from life and Theo who recognzies he needs to come to terms with his own break-up to be able to explore the feelings he has for Asher fully.

I love how much heart Chip puts into his characters. From exploring the importance of being authentically oneself to find happiness, to what it means to be a gay man in the military, to coming out stories etc. This book was truly a pleasure to read!

Heyyyy, Chip! Once again, I am completely in love with your characters.

This is a spicy romance with SUCH a fun premise. A reality television competition, fake dating, and the sweetest love story.

I absolutely loved this one! I switched between eyeball reading and listening, both are wonderful experiences!