As a huge CMQ fan i was excited for this one, but i have to say it was definitely not my favorite of theirs. I didn't hate it by any means, it just was a bit repetitive at times (which i understand is going to be the case when the entire setting is a food and wine tour). thankfully, i really enjoy hearing the culture and descriptive explanations of all the foods and drinks, so i didnt get too bored with it, but it was a lot of the same. I will make note that it did take me FOREVER to get through (LONG chapters and nothing dragging me back to want to rip through it).

I enjoyed the characters and especially their growth through the book ( I wont lie i found Theo slightly annoying in the beginning). I will say, slutty bisexuals traveling the world is a great premise and i did overall enjoy it more than i didnt, and of course as a CMQ novel there were some incredible quotes - WHICH Theo's coming out scene to Kit was written so beautifully and i really loved that.

This review is kind of all over the place but so were my thoughts. So.

Thank you St Martins and CMQ for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Reading a book following two bisexuals on a European food and wine tour, sign me up. But after getting into this book, I found it way too long. It didn’t need to be this long. You could have cut out half of it and the story still would have flowed. 2 people who have a bet to see who can hook up with the most ppl, is not my idea of a good time.
Rating it a 2.5, but rounded up

A summer vacation European tour that includes wine, complicated love, and experiences that will last a lifetime.

If you're looking for a vacation book, and love listening to people talk about wine and food and their past relationship exploits, this is the book for you. It is positively queer, filled with tension, extra spicy, and will probably make you salivate (in more than one way).

There's also a nonbinary perspective which I had yet to read before and now feel comfortable and more informed. It's sensitive but honest, and I love that McQuiston doesn't stray from these topics.

McQuiston clearly did their research and I appreciated the historical scenery and backdrop to this sultry European tour. Also, if anyone spoke French or just another language around me, I too would be unable to fall head over heels.

This book had such long chapters, it make them drag on so much. I enjoyed the characters a lot more than the story line, I thought there was way too much information on the places they traveled too and it made this book way longer than it needed to be. Not a bad read, but probably my least favourite from this author, only because I am not a fan of slow moving books.

Theo and Kit booked an extravagant food and wine tour around Europe but before they could even get started, they both thought they had left one another in the airport, a misunderstanding that led to the eventual break up of their relationship. They both had received a pass that they would have to use within a few years. After their breakup, they hadn't talked to one another since the airport debacle and when they re-booked their European food and wine tour they both end up on the same trip, again.

Both Theo and Kit agree to see who hooks-up with the most people while on this tour to save them from actually finding the love they had for one another still festering inside each of them. The more time Theo and Kit spend together, the more they realize that they might not be over each other after all and they must admit that to themselves or let it burn out since their lives are so very different.

This was the first MM romance book I have read but anything by Casey McQuiston is a win in my book. Although Theo (non-binary, trans F to M) had me very confused because the author didn't come out and exclusively say the gender or non-gender (which in my opinion is fine with me but had me questioning a lot since I was listening to this book on audio), but it was honestly so obviously romantic and painful to listen to both Theo and Kit have feelings for one another and not say anything until the very end.

Although, it is a very happy ending (IMO) there was a lot of dread for the reader because you didn't know where they both stood with one another. Obviously, you have to read this book and find out yourselves and I highly recommend you do so.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book and giving me access before it was published.

CMQ knocks it out of the park again with Theo and Kit. I loved the central theme of food and drinks bringing people together. I loved the competitive nature between these two obviously still in love exes. The yearning and longing for each other was top tier. I also loved that the sex between these two queer characters, one of whom is AFAB, was also very queer sex and didn't default to heteronormativity for the spicy scenes. 10/10 as usual. CMQ is an auto-buy author for me and I would read their grocery lists.

I really enjoyed getting the full arc of each character through the dual POVs. I thought that helped with the tension as well! It was a fun mix of romance and travel - perfect summer pool book!

This was my least favorite of Casey McQuiston’s works. Unfortunately I had a hard time getting through it because I didn’t like/connect with either of the main characters. I still give it 3 stars for the story/writing - but second chance romances where the characters are terrible at communicating make me mad and I couldn’t get past that.

I am a huge Casey McQuiston fan and have loved every book they've written. As a fellow bisexual I was hoping to love this book but it fell flat for me. I didn't vibe with the main couple much and I hate when a second chance romance doesn't solve the issues of what made the couple end in the first place and it felt like they didn't have any chemistry at all.

Second chance romance isn’t usually my favorite but when it done well I’ll read it. And in this case it was done great! I loved both characters and the setting in Europe. I would recommend to anyone who wants to read a book with queer characters and loves rom coms.

Thank you NetGalley, Casey McQuiston, and St. Martin’s Griffin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Sadly, I couldn’t get into this one, and I’m not sure if or when I will pick it back up. I’ve seen some good reviews for it from my friends though, so if it sounds like something you’d like be sure to pick it up!

DNF @15%

I need more yearning. I think where The Pairing shines is in the youthful joy of drinking too much and flirting with everyone around you. And I love that this book exists for people who want to experience that through the pages of this book. It is not, however, for me.

I am normally not a huge fan of MM/MM books but I just adored The Pairing. I was amazed at the reviews because I thought it was cute! I mean they both had their issues but the whole point is to work through them and get to the good stuff.

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.