★Pons, Chip. Dearly Departed. Putnam. Jun. 2026. ISBN 9798217179558. pbk. 400p. $20. LGBTQIA+ ROMANCE

The story of Hades gets a new lease on life—and death—in Pons’s (Winging It with You) contemporary paranormal romance. Hayden Harlow, once god of the underworld, is leading a quiet life as an immortal, small-town funeral director when his world is turned upside down by the town’s cute, cheerful florist, Levi Wilder. The pair is almost immediately smitten with one another, despite (or perhaps because of) their grumpy/sunshine vibes. However, dating an immortal former god is a complex undertaking. While Hayden works to rediscover his purpose in life and perhaps reclaim his throne, Levi is quietly struggling with his own issues with death and grief. The book is chock full of steamy scenes and squeal-worthy romance, but Pons also spends plenty of time exploring the complicated, tangled lives of his lovingly crafted lead characters. They may fall fast for each other, but Hayden and Levi have to work on themselves and work together to make their love last. Readers will likely seek out this book for the sensual paranormal romance, but the affecting story will stick with them long after the final page. VERDICT A sexy, romantic, and heartfelt twist on a familiar myth.