Casey McQuiston is such a comfort author for me that I would probably read their grocery list, so when I received an eARC of their new book, I literally screamed.

The Pairing features two bisexual exes who end up on the same European tour, four years after they broke up on the way to the same European tour. I really love that McQuiston focuses their books on the idea that people are messy, but they still deserve to be happy. Both Kit and Theo are very flawed characters and you get to see them work through why they broke up and the fact that neither of them really truly processed that not only was their partner gone but because they were childhood friend and their families were friends before they ever started dating, all of a sudden, there was a huge hole in their lives. This book very quickly sold me on these two characters and the emotions and baggage that comes with their situation. It also made me very nostalgic for my own travels abroad.

While I did really enjoy this book, I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. That being said, I could see this rating going up upon reread. I didn’t love the POV change halfway through the book and there were some small nitpicks I had with plot, writing, etc., but overall, I just thought this was a really fun book, and I look forward to reading it upon publication!

I usually adore Casey McQuiston novels, but this one just was not meant for me. I am glad it was written and I hope that the younger, cooler readers who pick it up will love it! I did love the pairings of food and wine in each city that our main characters match up. I felt the characters were shallow and immature, a topic that is broached by them later in the book, but it was a little late for me as I had already decided they weren't very likable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
netgalley arc

*bisexual rep & nonbinary rep
*second chance romance
*childhood friends to lovers to strangers to friends back to lovers
*loved the POV switch and the two main characters' differing voices
*a friendly "which ex can have the most sex with others" competition (always the best and healthiest solution for getting over each other)
*as such, there are on page ~relations~ with side characters
*pining
*angst
*so much wine and food talk
*more pining
*entertaining European misadventures

The dual point of view done in a 50/50 split manner was a unique, but I thought quite well accomplished way. I saw some people talk about how they struggled to get through Theo's POV, but I genuinely really enjoyed both of them. We haven't seen a dual POV from McQuiston before, but I genuinely think that they did a greta job with it and I would love to see them incorporate it into some of their future works.

The characters were well fleshed out and I am still thinking about them. I am actually a little insane about them if I'm being totally honest. Both of them had such good development and the conflict! As a known hater of the third-act breakup, I think the conflict in this was well done, and it made sense for the characters. There was no over dramatic ridiculous break up for no reason. Both characters stuck to their needs and their goals and it made sense for everyone involved. And it wasn't miscommunication! These people actually talked about their feelings! Perfect for me.

As a person studying art history, with a love of Renaissance art, I found the book to be quite entertaining but I did have to let myself go a bit or I would've gotten too caught up in the details. Because guys, Raphael died of syphilis. So like yeah the guy got around, but that wasn't quite what happened (I guess that depends on who you ask but that's my take). Still it was funny, and it was nice to read about Kit visiting all these wonderful art spots throughout Europe.

This is honestly probably one of my favourite Casey McQuiston books. I think it was a wonderfully interesting sort of change for them, and I look forward to seeing what else they're working on.

This book was well researched when it came to food and wine. Almost a little too well researched -- at some points I found myself skipping over the smells of wines. We get it -- Theo has an amazing sniffer.

As detailed as the food/wine and Europe were --- the characters were the opposite. Everyone felt flat. The authors past books have included robust full main and supporting characters so it was such a disappointment.

Theo and Kit were very confusing as characters and what motivations they each had. Watching Theo's big reveal through Kit's eyes missed the mark. We spend the first half of the book with only Theo's POV and only lightly touches on there may be more than exes on a trip trying to out sl*t each other and food/wine. Switching POVs midway through the whole thing off for me.

To the right person this may be THE BOOK but I was not the right person for this one.

McQuiston is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to their books every time one is coming out! Theo & Kit's story in The Pairing didn't inspire me in the same way as the love stories in McQuiston's previous books, but is worth the read for contemporary romance readers nonetheless! The descriptions of food, wine, and travel made me want to visit all of those places and try all of those foods!! I think I was slightly disappointed because of my own expectations for this book. And this book wasn't bad, by ANY means!! There are fun side characters, there are amazing descriptions throughout -- I just didn't understand the "why" of why Theo and Kit wanted to be together and that left me a little outside of the space rooting for their relationship. But, all that being said, I still highly recommend this book and I think it will do very well!

As a major Red, White & Royal Blue fan, I was over the moon to be permitted to read The Pairing as an ARC. Unfortunately, I had to DNF after two weeks of trying and trying and trying to read this book.

My biggest struggle was the "world building" and setting descriptions. As an American reader who has never traveled to Europe, I was excited to be transported on a Paris vacation through Casey's writing Based on the cover, I was looking forward to rich descriptions about food, wine, and the locations. What I was met with was a book I felt I needed to take French or Italian lessons for. The author was almost too immersed in the language that it made her writing impossible to understand unless I had Google Translate out. I've read other books that take place in other countries, time periods, etc. and was able to understand completely due to the author providing context clues, a map, definitions, etc. I've had easier times reading sci-fi novels that take place on made up planets. The "world building" of this novel was just non-existent. I couldn't visualize at all where the characters were at any point and therefore it made it difficult to be immersed entirely.

I did post this review on my Instagram stories but I will not be posting this review on Goodreads. While this novel may not have been for me, I'm looking forward to Casey's future works!

This was fun! I love the representation and the setting, very unique and fresh. I've had mixed feelings on this author's past works but this was a hit for me. I will continue to try in the future.

McQuiston does it again! Kit and Theo were childhood best friends who became lovers, but on a flight abroad to go on a food and wine tour of Europe they had a major fight. Once they landed in Heathrow, Theo booked them an immediate flight home, but Kit never made it on the plane. 4 years later Theo is cashing in their voucher for the missed trip only to discover that Kit had the same idea. Now stuck together on a bus tour the two are forced to speak to each other for the first time since that ill-fated trip. They decide to be friendly and then up the ante by having a competition to see how many people they can sleep with on the trip. But are their feelings for each other really gone? The first half of the book is told from Theo's point of view and the second half from Kit's.

This was such a fun read. Kit and Theo are perhaps my favorite of McQuiston's couples? I loved their banter so much. Also, the way the cities and the FOOD were described throughout the trip, my god I want to visit each and everyone of those places so badly now.

Praying to all the gods that this becomes a movie or mini-series!

Absolutely wonderful. I adored both Theo and Kit. I also now really want to go on a food and wine tour of France, Spain, and Italy, but only if Fabrizio is leading the tour.

I loved this novel! I wanted to smack Theo and Kit upside their heads! It was so obvious from the get go that they still loved each other. They were so adorable and frustrating at the same time.

4.5 stars
Holy moly this was a RIDE

This started out being so … tense. And honestly, Theo was kind of really un-likeable in the beginning. But oh MAN did they have a big character development
There was SO MUCH SEXUAL TENSION for the ENTIRETY of 20%-60% you could cut it with a DAMN KNIFFEEEE. DAAMMNN CASEY 😭😭
I loved Kit so so so much. He has a special place in my heart (although he’s super similar to Henry from RWRB, and Henry also has a special place in my heart so .. that’s probably why)

Towards the end, I was 🤏THIS CLOSE to throwing my kindle. I was angry, and I wanted to cry and throw up simultaneously. I went through way too many emotions in that last 15% of the book. I am UNWELL

The writing and verbiage used in this book is pretty different from McQuiston’s other books (One Last Stop & RWRB) so it definitely was an adjustment to get used to that, and it was maybe a bit hard to follow along with just how MUCH travelling and new sights they were seeing in the books … that’s it, that’s literally the only reason it isn’t 5 stars.

Everything else was so GOOD. Closer to the publication date I will be posting a review on Instagram and goodreads!

In Casey McQuiston's captivating novel, "The Pairing," Theo and Kit, former best friends and lovers, find themselves thrust together on a European food and wine tour four years after their heart-wrenching breakup. Despite their initial reluctance, they embark on this journey with the intention of moving on and savoring the delights of Europe, separately. As they travel through stunning landscapes and indulge in delectable cuisines, Theo and Kit discover that their past connection runs deeper than they thought. The shared experiences reignite their dormant feelings, leading them to a friendly wager to see who can first charm the handsome Italian tour guide, Luca. However, as they engage in this playful competition, they realize that their hearts yearn for something more profound. McQuiston's writing is witty and engaging, bringing the characters to life with vibrant personalities and relatable emotions. The descriptions of the European cities, the rich culinary experiences, and the romantic atmosphere are vivid and immersive, transporting readers to the heart of the story. The character development is exceptional, with Theo and Kit evolving throughout their journey. Theo, once shy and insecure, blossoms into a confident and ambitious individual, while Kit, initially portrayed as aloof and guarded, reveals his vulnerability and longing for true love. Their interactions are charged with tension and chemistry, making their eventual reunion all the more satisfying. "The Pairing" is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and personal growth. McQuiston deftly explores the complexities of love, loss, and second chances, capturing the essence of human connection and the enduring power of first love. With its charming characters, captivating plot, and stunning backdrop, this novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and anyone seeking a heartwarming and entertaining story.

Queer romance fans rise up because Casey McQuiston definitely has another hit incoming with “The Pairing”.

Theo & Kit - you’ll be rooting for them from the very beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed the level of character development in this story and loved that we got to see each of their perspectives.

The characters take a journey throughout parts of southern Europe and you’ll feel like you’re along for the ride. I really loved the amount of research done for this story & the attention to every last detail throughout.

The book is SPICY for sure! Casey referred to it as their “hungry, smutty darling” and that’s really all you need to know.

where do i start?

cmq wrote one of my favorite books ever rwrb so when i saw this baby on netgalley, who was i to not request? imagine my surprise when it came through immediately!

from the beginning of when this book was announced, i was so excited for a contemporary second chance romance. not only that, but casey said they weren't holding back: the pairing offers musings of gender, art, food, wine, happiness, and love, with some smut scenes that made my jaw drop all written in the beautiful cmq prose. it's all of what's good in life, pleasure and pain and all that's in between.

there's no magic, no fantastical whimsy. it's just two people who used to date who find each other again. there's misunderstandings galore but in a way that doesn't make me want to pull my hair out. it just makes sense. it's human. and that is exactly casey mcquiston's talent when writing; their characters are just so human, as if i would pass by them across the street. it makes it so easy to see myself in people like theo and kit who feel so acutely, who love with all their being, who just want to be happy.

happiness is central in the pairing. oftentimes, we like to ignore or reject things that make us happy because we don't value ourselves as much as we should or feel like happiness should be earned, like it isn't something we should strive to have and should revel in. happiness is not a commodity. casey mcquiston understands this simple fact that we so often ignore. (to the reader: you deserve to be happy!)

delightfully hedonistic, wonderfully indulgent, and full of encompassing happiness while teaching me about art, food, wine, and baking, the pairing has all of what makes life worth living.

so... when can i go on a food tour?

oh man do I love a queer romance. One Last Stop was hands down one of my favorite books from last year, so I was so excited to receive a copy of Casey McQuiston’s upcoming novel The Pairing.

This books follows two exes who end up on a European food and wine tour together. It is FULL of miscommunication, so if that’s not your jam, be warned. I really liked the book. I will say, it got a little long for me, someone who isn’t very interested in art history or travel (don’t come for me, I live on an island why would I leave). The descriptions of food though, that got me. I was hungry throughout this entire book. Spice level is pretty high, I’d give it a 4/5 on a spice meter. The characters were all just the most delightful. This is a 3.5/5 for me just because it got so long I found myself skimming over the longer parts of art descriptions.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Pairing. It releases August 2024!

Prepare for a stunning European getaway! THE PAIRING follows Theo and Kit, who have quite the history together: childhood best friends, secret crushes, in-love couple, and now, estranged exes. After breaking up en route to their dream European food and wine tour, they went their separate ways and haven't spoken since. Now, the duo has put their relationship behind them for good—except they each still have the voucher for that trip. What will happen when Theo and Kit end up on the same tour? And how do they navigate all of the long-simmering feelings they still have for each other?

The absolute highlight of this book for me was the setting, and Casey McQuiston does a fantastic job of developing all of the different destinations the characters visit. I loved all of the descriptions of the food, the wine, the art, the different landmarks and scenery the characters encountered along the way. Everything felt so vivid and vibrant, and I truly felt as if I were in France, Spain, Italy, etc. with Theo, Kit, and their tour group. I also loved the whole premise of exes going on a glamorous trip and lowkey trying to make each other jealous, not wanting to admit that they were falling for each other all over again, and finally, relearning each other and these new versions of themselves. However, the romance aspect of the story is actually where things fell a little flat for me. I thought the banter between Theo and Kit was great, but wished their relationship had more depth. We're told that they were so in love, but never fully shown why they loved each other, and I thought their whole background could have been fleshed out a little more. I also just wanted to know more about them as characters in general—I thought there were so many different aspects to both of them, like family, identity, etc., that could have been expanded on. So overall, while I did enjoy THE PAIRING, I definitely found myself wanting more from certain areas! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Casey McQuinston did it again!!!
i don't really know where to start.
An extremely powerful story of two childhood friends, Kit and Theo, who became lovers and then exes.
After a breakup they part ways for four years and meet again in London, where their food and wine tour in Europe starts.
why did they broke up? what's their reaction when they find out that they are stuck together for weeks and they will travel Europe together??
read this sexy, funny and very well written novel to find out!!
it will feel like traveling with them thanks to casey's writing skills: they did an amazing research job for this book and it shows.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

After a disaster of a breakup on the plane ride to an European food and wine tour, Theo and Kit have spent four years getting over each other. Theo has delved into the world of wine-- running a bar out of a renovated VW bus while studying to become a sommelier (and subsequently failing the exam three times with a fourth on the horizon). Kit has returned to France, the country of his childhood, and graduated from a prestigious pastry school in Paris with the achievement of "pastry sex god" under his belt.

However, the tour voucher expiring and (independently) the two exes decide to finally take the trip. Solo. As a celebration to getting over the other.

Things don't go as planned.

Now stuck sitting next to each other on a three week tour, Theo and Kit have to prove to themselves, each other, and every other person on the bus that they're over each other..

In Casey McQuiston's newest book. THE PAIRING, us readers are taken on a trip across the most romantic (and delicious) parts of Western Europe with two bisexual messes. And I do mean Bisexual Messes. The sheer amount of research and passion McQuiston poured into this book is unbelievable, and I may have found myself desperately trying to find this exact tour (with the unfortunate understanding there wouldn't be nearly as many hot and available singles in real life).

Told in dual POVs, THE PAIRING is a rare treat into the minds of both protagonists and the <i> yearning </i> ya'll, it's almost unbearable. However, the longing is tempered by breathtaking descriptions of the Italian coasts and french pastries and homemade pasta and some very salacious peaches ;)

This was a delight to read. You could really feel, taste, smell the atmosphere of this book. And Casey really knows how to write chemistry and sexy scenes. That scene with the peach on the boat. I am deceased.