I ended up reading a library copy of this book but posting my review here for posterity (and because I know I'm behind on Netgalley reviews):

I have many thoughts on this book — definitely more than the book itself warrants, given that it's not at all profound (aside from some nice queer representation — though that doesn't make this novel deep or important just because of that.)

The Pairing is easily 100-200 pages LONGER than it needs to be. I also though Red, White, and Royal Blue could have been trimmed 100 pages so that tracks.

The premise is a twist on a fairly classic romance novel trope but leaves room for wild sexploits: Four years after a messy break-up as a result of a typical romance novel miscommunication (which is to say, the couple did NOT have a proper conversation), queer exes Theo and Kit embark on the same 3-week culinary tour of Europe.

Instead of putting on their adult pants and revealing their lingering feelings for one another, though, whiny nepo baby Theo instead decides to challenge Kit to a hook-up competition and see who can acquire the most European lovers on vacation.

It's a PREPOSTEROUS concept. Honestly, an even bigger fantasy than Kit and Theo living their HEA is that wildly somehow basically every stranger they encounter on vacation is not only queer but also specifically interested in sleeping with one (or both) of them. a

Of course, had Theo and Kit admitted their feelings to each other right away, we wouldn't have need for the entire book.

On a positive note: I LOVED the food, wine, and tourist site descriptions. McQuiston clearly did RESEARCH for this book. I now desperately want to traverse through Europe again myself and drink wine, eat pasta, and see art (special shout-out to All'Antico Vinaio in Florence for the best caprese sandwich I've ever had — and for its mention here). The descriptions are delectable — and it's convenient that Theo is an aspiring somm and Kit is a pastry chef.

Aside from their belief that every single person in Europe wants to sleep with them, Theo was annoyingly immature and insecure. The first half is Theo's POV, the second is Kit's. But it all really feels about Theo. I don't think Theo really grew at all — but Kit honestly didn't really push them to grow. The mutual acceptance and love Theo and Kit have for one another is sweet, but they both really got to remain immature and reasonably selfish. And though the couple reaches their romantic and culinary dreams, I don't think either of them "grew up" at all in this novel.

Tl;dr I enjoyed the food, wine, and European sightseeing descriptions throughout this novel — they gave it a unique flavor. This is also great queer representation, but I didn't care that much about the MCs Theo and Kit — and their loving acceptance of each other's queer identities doesn't negate that, aside from their vast knowledge of wine and pastry, neither of them is that interesting or mature.

Casey McQuiston does it again! They are an auto-buy author for me, and this was yet another delight to read. Theo and Kit were such rich, decadent characters. It was a joy to join them on their foodie tour across France and Italy, two places I hope to explore myself. This is a heavily character-driven book, as the main plot driver is the tour group moving from one city to another. There is a steady stream of steam, food, and travel that repeat and repeat- enjoyable to read, albiet a bit repetitive over time. The writing also brilliantly explores gender and sexual fluidity in such a respectful and supportive way as well. You can tell that so much love went into this book, both into the characters themselves and also in all of the research. Reading this book is to ignite all of your senses. Overall, I'd highly recommend this as a delightful summer romp across Europe. And if you haven't already, be sure to check out the character-inspired playlists that Casey created on Spotify- they're a delight to listen to!

"I tell myself to be satisfied with this too. If this is all there ever is with us, I can make it enough. I can learn how to touch them without telling them all the rest."

"How will I keep my soul from touching yours?"


The Pairing might be my favorite book by Casey McQuiston.

I don't know why I'm always surprised by how much I love a Casey McQuiston novel. I've loved every single one, and The Pairing is no exception. I could not get enough of Kit and Theo. I loved the distinct personalities of each character, but I also loved how well they fit together. My favorite part was after reading about the breakup from Theo's POV, who was very much still in love with Kit, you are immediately thrown into Kit's POV, full of the yearning and love he still felt for Theo. I could not get enough of them and the European food and wine tour they were on. I'm impressed by Casey McQuiston's knowledge of it all. I hope it's real because I would love to go on one!

Casey McQuiston's writing makes me happy, and this book is no exception. They wrote this book with two POVs, which I enjoyed. I also thought the switch in pronouns halfway through the story made for a compelling "twist" and a really emotional lens. If anything, I was frustrated by how much of a slow burn the romance is, with both parts of the couple running off to hook up with other people. I'll be watching out for Casey's upcoming books!

THE PAIRING • Casey McQuiston • Pub Date: August 6, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Caveat: I opted to listen to the audiobook, post-publishing date.

Abridged Goodreads Synopsis: Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. After a brutal breakup on the transatlantic flight to their dream European food and wine tour, they exited each other's lives once and for all. All that remains is the unused voucher for the European tour that never happened, good for 48 months after its original date and about to expire. Four years later, it seems like a great idea to finally take the trip. Solo. Separately. It's not until they board the tour bus that they discover they've both had the exact same idea, and now they're trapped with each other for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy. It will be fine...right?

I have adored everything that I have read by this author, so I assumed this book would be no exception. Unfortunately, I was wrong. This book was just WAY too long. Had I not been listening to this one, I think it is very likely I would never have finished it. I also really struggled to like these characters. Despite being close to my age, they acted like spoiled teenagers who, despite having been raised together, still do not know how to communicate with each other. Oh, and somehow everyone on the planet is obsessed with them/wants to have sex with them? Cue the cringe-worthy sex bet. Honestly, the more I brainstorm points for this review, the more unkind thoughts I have about Theo and Kit, so I'll just stop here.

I will say, the descriptions of food, wine, and European vistas did have me staring forlornly at my work schedule and bank account, wishing I could take three weeks off to travel Europe. I also loved seeing Kit fully embrace Theo's identity. From everything I have read, the author really did an excellent job with creating a story that so seamlessly incorporates queerness and nonbinary-ness.

So, was this book for me? Sadly, no. Despite being packed to the brim with food, wine, and sex, I was bored and constantly checking to see how much longer the audiobook had left. However, that does not mean a different reader may feel differently! I will also still be reading McQuiston's next release, without question.

Thank you to St Martin's and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

I am so conflicted about this book. Starting with the personal likes and dislikes, this book was way more about sex than I thought it was going to be. That's my bad tbh, who wouldn't have thought about a hookup competition as being heavily about sex? Apparently me.

I also wished that I could have seen more of Theo's point of view instead of just a split from first half being Theo and second half being Kit. I wanted so badly to see Theo's growth and how they developed self-love and confidence, but of course Kit's POV couldn't give the depth of that. I think it would have made the romance stronger for me, because it felt like the book was essentially Theo being upset about feeling like they are a failure and then Kit just randomly being obsessed with them. Kit had more growth than anyone, right at the end, but I wanted more depth from that.

I did love the nonbinary representation and the support that Theo gets on so many levels. There was a depth to that that felt like the most genuine thing in the book, which I really appreciated.

I just wanted *more* from this book than what it had to give.

I don't care what anyone says, I LOVED this book. It was such a fun and vibrant story of second chance love, exploration and food. The two main characters are exes, bisexual, and just so happen to attend a trip across several European countries together. During this, there are several spicy competitions, deep conversations and lots of food. I really enjoyed the characters and how midway through the POV changes.

This is more than a 5🌟 book. I've brought The Pairing by Casey McQuiston home from the library multiple times and each time returned it unread. I chose the book because I know that McQuiston is an amazing author. I didn't read it because of the cover. I think it is blah and it doesn't give a hint of what the book is about. It did not pull me in and in my opinion it does the book a disservice.
The remainder of my review is on Instagram..
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGs80sKpta0/?igsh=MWk5OWc0djE1djQ1bw==

What a unique story, and not to mention, super steamy. Had a fun premises with their competition with each other. The other characters in the book were great as well, and the traveling aspect was super interesting and really enjoyed reading about all of the places. While some was stereotypical, I didn't mind it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer

I quite enjoyed Casey's previous book, Red, White, & Royal Blue. I loved the humor and the two main characters, so I was really excited for this book. However, the miscommunication trope isn't for me. Theo and Kit couldn't have one honest and productive conversation with each other, so I was really frustrated. I was also not fan of the sleeping around just to make the other person jealous.

Sadly, this book wasn't for me.

Ughhh I'm so so sad about this, but I'm DNFing. I'm just bored and not really connected to either character. I'm also really struggling with the other characters, all the horniness, and how many times I'm seeing the word "f*ck." Also, I can't with miscommunication. Grateful for the ARC, but this one isn't for me.

I truly have nothing to say about this book. I have absolutely loved all of McQuiston's other work, but this one fell majorly short. I truly wanted to love this one way more than I did and I am sad I didn't.

If you were looking for a story that has a plot, then don't bother reading this one. If you're looking for a story just about traveling and sex, look no forever. I know McQuiston traveled Europe and did research to put into this book. but this feels liker her personal travel guide with a cute relationship thrown in. The miscommunication of Theo and Kit breaking up pissed me the hell off. I know they eventually talk it, but goddamn, I just rolled my eyes the first time they mentioned why they weren't seeing each other anymore. A text or a call could have resolved a lot. Yes, they grew up together, but their relationship isn't mature enough to continue on and besides sex, they don't have chemistr.y

This is a whole lot of book where towards the halfway mark, I barely cared anymore. The over-explaining of food and tourists sights only gets so far. This book shouldn't have been 400+ pages. but it was because we had to go from one city to another with food, drinking, and sex. It gets boring and by the time I finished the book, I was relieved it was over.

Overall, this book was just okay. Even though I was bored, the book did make me hungry and I enjoyed the side characters a lot more than the main ones.

DNF - I attempted to start this book and it just did not hold my interest. This may be a book I come back to in the future.

Kind of undecided on this one, not sure how I feel. I love CMQ’s writing so much and this story was beautiful, complex, and for the most part entertaining! Only thing for me was I just didn’t love Kit and Theo…I never really got attached to either character which is where this fell a bit flat for me. Their relationship was HOT and the banter and chemistry I enjoyed but without spoiling I just didn’t love the way everything played out. I think the characters just lacked something for me that I normally get in her other books, that have me feeling everything for them and not wanting their story to end! I think romantic aspect was sadly lacking which is where it lost me.

I love a second chance romance, so this was fun to see, as well as a unique structure that led to the perfect encapsulation of growth, love, and that perfect summer trip.

Kit and Theo were meant to be, having known each other for their entire lives. Until one day, they weren’t. Their paths didn’t match any more. However, as they split right before their big European food and wine tour, they each got a voucher to use within 48 months, so they ended up rescheduling at the same time for the same tour.

This story was written in dual POV, however it was Theo’s perspective for the first half of the book and trip, and then Kit’s perspective. This worked in the favor of the book. It truly made it understand each of the characters, without being revealing.

I struggled with the ebook for the longest time, but the audiobook was the way to go! Highly recommend, as both narrators were fabulous!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

MxQuiston's fans will enjoy this book. Lush descriptions of food and European locations and emotional resonance will make this a popular book for people who like contemporary romance and food culture.

where do i even begin with this review?

i feel like once i started reading this, it was as if i’d been waiting for this book my whole life without knowing—which is how all of casey’s books feel to me; a beautiful homecoming i never knew i needed.

theo and kit firmly attached themselves and their four syllables to my heartbeat. their journey across europe and through themselves makes a lump form in my throat whenever i think about it. casey’s superb one-liners shine here with moments such as “you look like you suck dick at caesar’s palace” and the entire scene with the sheep in dover and “you look like they shoot you out of a cannon at a circus for gay people” and “this is just like ratatouille”. also buttfuck pinnochio.

i make collage art, and this one feels the most collage-like of casey’s works. paper tickets and receipts and wine labels and brochures and floral scented perfume samples et cetera et cetera

i just. i think i kept forgetting to write this review because i didn’t know how to properly convey my love. it’s everything to me. a superbloom, if you will.

Duplicate info from my audiobook review This was really cute.

The audio book was decently done, but I hated the intros to every chapter.

I also had trouble buying into an almost sommelier spending time in Bordeaux at la cité du vin 🍷 as a former resident, #BordeauxMaVille this is implausible.

Well, I received this book so long ago and finally dove into it. I liked it, but it did not pack the emotional punch that I like in a romance. Theo and Kit's characters were well written but I felt that their romance was lacking. 3 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Pairing is about Theo and Kit, two childhood best friends turned lovers turned exes as they reunited unexpectedly on a food and wine tour through Europe. They have to come to terms with their unresolved pasts and feelings for one another while dining their way through parts of France and Italy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book but I’m not sure I loved what I got. It was a fun and sexy book to read (I mean who doesn’t want to read about eating and fucking your way through Europe) but it lacked some depth for me. The main conflict in the story felt more about each character and not the relationship. To the point that at the end I wasn’t sure it made sense for them to end up together. Some of the development definitely happened off page ( especially with the POV shift) so we just didn’t get insight into it.

All in all, it was a fun read but didn’t pack the emotional punch I wanted it to.

One of the few things I loved was Theo’s exploration of gender. It was wonderful to get into their head about their process and identity. And then to hear Kit’s POV on the parts of them he has always loved.