Winging It WIth You by Chip Pons -I was really excited for this premise, fake dating/partners on a nationally televised Amazing Race type reality show. When Asher is dumped by his long term boyfriend, he recruits pilot Theo to be his partner. They immediately take off to stop one for the show, which is supposed to last weeks as long as they don't get eliminated - good thing Theo was just told he needed to talk mandatory time off for working too many hours.Unfortunately, this fell really flat for me. The dual POV had such similar voices that I couldn't remember who was narrating most of the time. The chapters hop around from location to location because of the tv show, but we get the bare minimum about most of the actual happenings from The Epic Trek, yet we are reminded again and again how exhausting it is and how tired they are, but from what? We're being told instead of showing how their trust and connection and partnership is growing, we're being told that they've grown close with Jo, and then the passing of time is not clear - I couldn't really tell if it had been four days or four weeks. The third act break up was also hard to get through because even though I didn't feel the biggest connections between Theo and Asher, the way it was handled still felt really extreme. There were a few plot points left completely open that also had me scratching my head. I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn't work for me. Thanks, Putnam, for the arc in exchange for a review.

ARC Review
Winging It with You by Chip Pons

Theo and Asher were absolutely wonderful in this book. It was so freaking cute.
We have Asher who is slated to be on a reality show similar to The Amazing Race with his significant other, however, he gets dumped at the airport. This leads to a meet-cute with Theo, the grounded, work-a-holic pilot over some mozzarella sticks at an airport bar. They decide to fake date for the cameras and compete for the show.
While on the surface this was a cute and fluffy story, it also discusses some bigger personal issues.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
* Fake dating
* Reality show shenanigans
* Only one bed
* Black cat x golden retriever
* Spicy scenes

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

So in love with this one. Theo and Asher were perfect! This was such a wonderful story of fake dating until it turns real, opposites attract and finding your person in crazy circumstances.

✨ Fake Dating
✨ Reality Show
✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
✨Queer Joy
✨ One Bed
✨ “ Good Boy “

It was such a cute plot too with a chance meeting and these seeet me. Competing on a reality show. I loved the antics, the side characters and Theo and Asher were both so damn easy to swoon over.

And Theo had some unexpected Daddy energy that I was absolutely here for. The spice the swoon, just everything was perfect.

This was a heartfelt, adventurous strangers to lovers, dual POV, forced proximity, reality tv show romcom from a fav bookstagrammer turned author that has Asher, a contestant on an Amazing Race type contest getting dumped by his boyfriend and partner right before the show is set to start.

When he runs into Theo, an airline pilot forced to take time off for putting in too many hours, Theo agrees to step in as Asher's partner and 'fake' boyfriend. Cue lots of hijinks, amazing chemistry, excellent emotional depth and vulnerability and great insights into life in the military as a queer person and a depressive episode that follows when Theo is outed against his will.

You can see a lot of the author in these characters and the writing shines with how much of himself he poured into the pages. It was also great on audio and perfect for fans of books like The charm offensive by Alison Cochrun. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished physical copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

5/5 Stars 3/5 Spice

Tropes:
Travel Romance
Forced Proximity
Fake Dating
Only One Bed
Opposites Attract
“Good Boy”

🎧 Narration: 2.5x - Dual: Lee Osorio & Michael Crouch
the way these two absolutely crushed this audio. their expressive performances had me giggling & kicking my feet with the tension & swoon. i cannot recommend this audio enough. 10/10

team #thasher forever. i loved chip’s debut & had no doubts going into this one that i would like it but gah it blew me away. these two & the pining & the tension & the complete chaos that follows them had me HOOKED. asher was such a lovable mess. protect him at all costs. but the little spanish moments from theo were so endearing & every time he said baby 🫠 i’ll probably never be over it. that “good boy” still has me sat honestly. this book was just a complete delight & truly you should do yourself a favor & dive in immediately.

Asher and Theo are my faves! Such a cute queer romance for pride month! So much fun. Loved the reality tv show atmosphere to it. The supporting characters were fun to read about as well! No notes. The spice was spicing.

Winging It With You by Chip Pons is a heartwarming, fake-dating queer romance that brings together a grounded pilot (literally) and a recently single man with something to prove—on reality TV, no less. It’s sweet, funny, and full of the kind of emotional depth that sneaks up on you between the witty banter and staged kisses.

Theo, a pilot temporarily benched from flying, is adrift. Asher, fresh off a breakup, needs a partner for a televised competition that requires couples. Enter the classic fake-dating setup—with cameras rolling and feelings creeping in.

Their dynamic is irresistible: Theo is charismatic and steady under the surface, and Asher is determined but vulnerable. Their chemistry unfolds with the perfect mix of awkwardness, flirtation, and emotional honesty. Pons does a lovely job building their bond while also exploring personal growth, grief, and what it means to choose your own future—even when it’s messy.

My only minor critique is that the pacing occasionally drags, and a few emotional beats felt a little drawn out. But the payoff is well worth it. The romance is sincere, the found-family vibes are strong, and the finale hits that reality-TV-meets-real-feelings sweet spot.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! Winging It With You is the kind of queer rom-com that leaves you smiling—and maybe just a little teary-eyed too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Chip Pons and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ability to read Winging It with You in exchange for an honest review. This is my first Chip Pons book and it was such a refreshing read. I was captivated from the opening scene, and the adventures that followed kept me on my toes. The story revolves around Asher and Theo, who meet by coincidence and are suddenly thrust into a reality TV adventure show while also pretending they are a couple. Asher and Theo were excellent leads with complex backgrounds that readers are able to peel with each chapter. The adventure aspects were so entertaining and informative. I am pretty sure I added most of these destinations, if not all, to my bucket list. It was such a lovely experience getting to read just how Asher and Theo grow as individuals and as a couple. The way they supported each other during the challenges captured how Chip was building their relationship with such care. The supporting characters were entertaining but not distractive and the family dynamics were relatable. All in all, I loved Winging It with You so much I purchased the audiobook to listen to it from Asher and Theo's perspectives. This was my first gay rom-com for Pride Month and such a great introduction for the others in my TBR. Love stories should be inclusive and I'm so happy to support!

What a sweet story!! I went into it blind and was nervous I wouldn’t like it when I realized it was based on a reality show, but I was wrong. I loved it! The two characters are so adorable, yet still mature and accomplished adults. Also the spice was SPICING but in the best ways! Immediately ordered a shelf trophy for myself!

This was such a warm hug of a book. Sweet loving Queer Joy. Fun adventures with the reality tv show like Amazing Race. Fun and supportive side characters. Theo and Asher were so lovely to watch slowly step into a relationship and watch them both figure out their past broken feelings. Then find the joy with each. It’s so nice to see normal gay love. Highly recommend.

I will note I gave it four stars but there were times the story felt very slow. And also it felt like 4 weeks was not enough time to fall for each other AND for a reality tv show to be filmed. Was a little odd feeling. I skim read just a little in some slow parts.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

REVIEW: Winging It With You by Chip Pons 4.5 Stars

Asher was persuaded by his boyfriend, Clint, to apply for a reality TV Show called Epic Trek (think like Amazing Race). Begrudgingly, Asher agrees, and they begin training for the show. The day they are leaving to fly out to LA for the show, Clint decides he doesn’t want to do the show or date Asher anymore. Asher wants to continue despite Clint, but needs to resolve the issue with a missing partner. Over an argument about mozzarella sticks, Asher meets Theo, a pilot, who agrees to fake date him and to be on the show.

Winging It With You is a heartfelt, funny, and spicy romance that you won’t want to put down. I was engaged in the story right from the beginning and just wanted to keep going. I loved the premise of being on an Amazing Race-type show because it brings a multitude of fun and engaging situations to the story. I also enjoyed Theo and Asher as characters. They both underwent significant character development throughout the story, and each had their trauma to work through. Asher and Theo both had fantastic chemistry. Even though they only knew each other for a short time, they had a strong connection with each other, both emotionally and physically.

The one thing that didn’t quite do it for me was how the conflict arose and the fact that a conversation could have easily resolved it. It just seemed rushed and could have had a better conflict and solution.

Overall, I loved Winging It With You. The story makes you fall in love with and care deeply for the characters, while also laughing and swooning along with them. You will enjoy this romance if you’re a fan of one-bed, slow-burn, and fake-dating tropes.

Thank you, Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

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“Winging It With You” was one of my most anticipated reads of this summer, and it did not disappoint! Pons writes such a witty, and heartfelt story of new beginnings and learning that the past doesn’t define your future. Theo and Asher are such a joy to read about and you just want nothing but the best for both of them.

This book has all my favorite topics :
✈️ Fake Dating
🛩️ Reality Television
✈️ One Bed
🛩️ Mozzarella Sticks

Not only does this book have such heart and joy in its story, but Pons knows how to right a scene to make you swoon! Two words : “Good Boy”! *fans self*

If you love fake dating, reality television, and mozzarella stick meet cutes, this book is for you! Please add it to your summer reading list.

Thank you @netgalley and @putnambooks for this gifted copy.

Asher is living his worst nightmare: he is getting dumped at the airport. Even worse? Him and his now ex are supposed to be on a travel reality tv show, the Epic Trek. Luckily as he’s drowning his sorrows at the airport TGIF, he meets Theo, a pilot who is in desperate need of a vacation. Nothing like bonding over mozzarella sticks! Will their relationship take off or have a lot of turbulence?

This book had me laughing out loud multiple times! Asher and Theo are the friends I wish I had. Super cute and a quick read!

Yes, the main characters are gay. If you can’t read it, grow up. It’s 2025.

Thanks to Net Galley, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Random House, and Chip Pons for the ARC! Out now! Pub date 6/10/25

This was such a charming, feel-good read! The writing was warm and engaging, and I really enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters. Their banter was fun, the romance felt natural, and there were some genuinely sweet moments that made me smile. As someone who is a huge fan of the Amazing race, this had such a similar vibe and I loved that so much.

I especially appreciated how the story balanced humor with more emotional, heartfelt scenes—it gave the book real depth without ever feeling too heavy. The supporting characters also added a nice touch of warmth and community.

The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is that I wanted just a little more development in certain parts of the story or with the characters’ emotional arcs. But overall, it was a delightful, uplifting read and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Perfect if you’re in the mood for something cozy, funny, and full of heart.

Chip Pons's "Winging It with You" had me wanting to jump on a plane and transport myself to numerous settings featured.

Asher thinks he's "flying" by in life, until his boyfriend dumps him in the airport lobby on the way to compete in The Epic Trek. Knowing he can't give up, he hangs out in the airport TGI Friday's with mozzarella sticks. Luck would have it, he ends up with the right sticks that lead him to having pilot Theo be his partner on the show. Theo prefers his routine of flying. His company prefers him putting himself first sometimes. Saying "f it", he says yes to going on the show with Asher and being his "fake" boyfriend. But why does "winging" feelings turn into real ones that make both men realize they can't live without one another?

Winging It With You was a delight to read as a) it transported me to whimsical locations and b) brought out real emotions with some of the conversations had. I found myself googling some of the fun scenes (tomato throwing) that occurred and yearning for both men to make their feelings known to one another. Filled with memorable side characters and "oh snap" moments, pick up this book TODAY.

I loved this book so much! The audio was perfection.

This is such a fun read. Theo and Asher meet at the airport and take off on an adventure together, fake dating on a reality TV show. There's so many twists and turns with the various challenges of the show that it keeps the book fun, however in between, as they're really starting to get to know each other, we also get the emotional depth that I loved seeing between these two. There were also so many funny moments that made me laugh out loud.

Read if you love:
- M/M romance
- Forced proximity
- Reality tv (think Amazing Race)
- Fake dating

I highly recommend!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre: ❤️Romance
Recommend:✅

If you’re in the mood for a light, fun romance, “Winging It with You” fits the bill! Will I remember this one years from now? Probably not. Was it a fun four hours reading this? Yep! Definitely well written and engaging.

The plot revolves around Theo and Asher, who are thrown together to compete in a travel based reality show when Asher’s boyfriend leaves in stranded at the last minute. Asher is able to quickly recruit a stranger, Theo, at the airport to join him and pretend to be his boyfriend. Obviously they fall for each other, blah blah blah. I really enjoyed the conceit of the show and found the travel and “challenges” fun as well as the other contestants.

Fake dating is my least favorite romance trope but the facade was over here so quickly it didn’t bother me at all!

You’ll love this book if you love:
✅Male/Male Romance
✅Travel
✅Light Reads

All the fun of the perfect feel-good rom com + a filthy-mouthed pilot ready to take a huge leap (and break your back around the world) + a sprinkle of comfort and healing = a must for your TBR.

Chip’s debut, You & I Rewritten, had me sobbing, but also flipping back through the pages for comfort when I needed all I could get. Expect similar warm hugs in Winging it With You and a fantastic good time if you crave the com in your rom.

The competition scenes were so fun to watch as Theo and Asher navigate being thrust in front of the cameras to perform for the masses and convince the audience their relationship is the real deal. But my favorite moments came when their connection developed offscreen and their chemistry became too irresistible.

You’ll Find —
Reality TV Competition
Fake Dating
Only One Bed
Queer Joy

If you loved the vibes of The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochran, The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn, and the soft tender moments of Red, White, and Royal Blue — then grab your passport, and a copy of Winging it With You!

Thankful for the opportunity to read early!

Chip Pons delivers a delightful and spirited romance in Winging It with You—a story that feels tailor-made for Pride Month reading. Equal parts heartfelt and sizzling, this novel brings together all the right ingredients for an irresistible romantic escape.

While the premise may echo familiar themes, Pons injects fresh energy through a clever competition-driven plot and undeniable chemistry between the leads. The result is a story that balances steamy moments with genuine emotional depth, offering both fun and feeling in equal measure.

What truly sets this book apart is its vibrant tone and celebratory spirit. Winging It with You is more than just a romance—it’s a joyful, affirming read that embraces love, self-expression, and the thrill of unexpected connection. A perfect pick for readers looking to laugh, swoon, and cheer their way through a story that knows how to have fun.

Angsty meet-cute in an airport over mozzarella sticks? Say less.

The premise of this was fun - an Amazing Race-esque game show in which Asher and Theo fake-date-to-real-date their way through. Honestly, my favorite part of this was Asher and Theo back at Theo's parents' house (okay, and some of those hotel room scenes 👀). I would have loved more of a glimpse into their day-to-day life after the game show!

This was heartfelt, funny and I loved seeing Asher grow into himself and Theo battle some of those demons he was burying by overworking himself. A super sweet MM rom-com for the summer. 💕