Reviews

Winging It With You by Chip Pons

romancewithem's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I really enjoyed this epic adventure that we went on with these characters - it was so fun, although I'm not sure I'd like to do any of the challenges that they did

- fake dating
- forced proximity 
- LGBTQ romance - MM
- competing on a TV show

I loved these two characters and how real they felt, I love how open they were with each other and supported each other through the hard times

The first spicy scene is living rent free in my head - it was so unique

I was shocked over the thing that led to the third act conflict - I wasn't expecting it at all and it was so good

I will say there was a couple of times I got confused over where we actually were - the chapter headers does show it but as the characters move around so much (ik this is fictional but who approved that travel plan it was all over the place) I did get confused and have to double check and remind myself

Overall I enjoyed this book and it would make the perfect poolside reading this summer

Thank you to Dialogue Books for the eARC - all opinions are my own

emsaigh's review

Go to review page

5.0

HUGE thank you to Chip Pons himself for this ARC. This was undoubtedly one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I was giggling, kicking my feet, and hollering at the love (and let’s be real, the SPICE BABY) that flowed through this one. I’ll leave it at that for now, and I gotta say - this is a MUST-ADD to your tbr when it comes out in June. Do it, you won’t be sorry!

hollyreadsromance's review

Go to review page

5.0

THIS BOOK IS PERFECT. Like so perfect in a way that just makes my heart SO HAPPY! It was such a fun concept!! I LOVE fake dating, and fake dating with a stranger who you’re going on this wild  traveling reality TV show??? And they were just TWO SOFT BOYS WHO WANTED TO BE HAPPY! and truly they found each other and it changed everything for them!!!

I LOVED THEO AND ASHER SO MUCH. From the second they met I knew it was going to be such a good time. They were opposites in the best ways, they really brought out the best in each other. I LOVED watching them learn so much about each other in such a short amount of time. They became SO in tune with each other! And really they FELL so hard!! And even though fought HARD to keep their rules in place, they were meant to be in the best way!

I really appreciated both of their backstories. Chip clearly put so much heart into them, and it really showed up on the page. And despite all the heartache and baggage, they were really able to find JOY with each other and it was SO beautiful.

Asher was confronted with the fact that he became a version of himself FOR someone else. he lost himself and throughout the book he really was able find it again, with the help of Theo and just from having new perspectives. And Theo really cut himself off from his family, because he was so scared of being too much and not enough at the same time. His reconciliation with his family and himself really had me in tears in the absolute best way. They both really became such a safe place for each other, they really saw each other in a way no one has before! I just loved everything about them so much.

I’ve been following Chip for a while, and I haven’t read his debut 🫣 I know I’m so so sorry, but I WILL! And I will say I’m a fan for life, and I cannot wait for whatever comes next!!

Thank you so much to Putnam for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

esmcnamee's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Theo and Asher’s story was such an adventure! I was hooked from the first page and needed to know how this wild ride played out, and along the way had such a great time watching Theo and Asher fall in love. The traveling and challenges were so fun-there were moments I gasped audibly at the challenges and events of The Epic Trek. Such a fun read!

jsmith98's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This my first book by Chip Pons and I was blown away. Definite 5 stars for me.

It had a the MCs travelling and competing in a reality show competition spanning multiple weeks which is something I've never read in a book before so felt very unique. 

Theo and Asher have to fake date through the show and as they do slowly get closer while learning more about each other throughout and it had me giddy. I adore these two. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Arc. 

kristie_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

finnelyslibrary's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read Winging It With You e-arc. This was such a fun read, while also holding space for some heavy life things.

 
There were some discrepancies that made it hard to follow the shows rules. Like, some contestants had access to a phone always, when Theo and Asher didn't. Then in chapter 26 Ellie left Jo's phone in his room so he can have a chance to look at socials and then Jo shows up outside of his room on her phone at the same time as Asher has her phone. One million is also a really big prize for this type of reality/social media show
Those details kinda threw me off a bit, but all in all Winging It With You was a really cute read. 

persephoneautumn's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

His smile widens, and I think the sight of it rushes all my blood to my head. Or maybe this is just the Theo Fernandez Effect.

Winging It With You is the perfect slow burn romance woven in with an epic adventure. Flirty, sweet, entertaining, and full of joy, I absolutely loved Asher and Theo, aka #Thasher 🩵

”I don’t know… just a version of myself who I barely recognize anymore. Someone who strategically molded themselves into what they thought was the perfect partner. Someone who said and did all the right things to make sure they didn’t inadvertently cross some imaginary line. Someone who made sure to let everyone else shine. And yet somehow, all that could never be enough. But I see the relationship for what it was. And more importantly, what it wasn’t.”

Chip wrote Asher and Theo’s pasts with such tenderness and strength. So much heart and depth. And as they grew closer and opened themselves to one another, Chip handled Theo and Asher and their hearts with so much care.

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 love feel-good romance with a hefty dose of adventure, the perfect amount of steam, and a dash of fake dating, Winging It With You should be your next read.

emjhs's review

Go to review page

4.0

Winging it With You was absolutely charming. The writing, characters and the world setting immediately drew me in. The story follows two guys as they take a risk to travel the world together as strangers. The journey was fun and silly at times and serious in others.

I felt there were some dropped plot points that I was excited to read and at times there were scenes that went nowhere. There’s a really hot scene that never gets revisited with the guys. That disconnect made the dialogue and story feel less realistic at times.

I recommend this for people into hot romance, sweet connections and strong character growth. Chip is talented and I am excited to read what’s next!

fformisano's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

CHIP PONS DOES IT AGAIN! I am in love with Asher and Theo. Their story is so special and one I will read over and over again. The fake dating trope is one of my favorites and this didn't disappoint. The reality TV show aspect was well done and a fun twist to the story. Also, a mozzarella meet-cute? Say less. 

I think my favorite aspect of the story was the character development in both Asher and Theo as the book went on. Both took huge steps in self-discovery and growth and it was so well written. I felt like their friend and was so so proud of both of them at the end of the book. 

If you are a fan of fake dating, only one bed 😏, reality TV, spice, MM romance and romcoms, definitely add this book to your TBR. You will not be disappointed!