There's no plot. It drags and drags, through two people longing for a former relationship, putting each other on pedestals, and then having what I can best describe as obnoxiously horny sex 24/7. There is so much sex and it becomes so incredibly boring and monotonous. They're toxic to one another, which I think is their kink, so go off queens, but it's too intimately terrible for me to be comfortable with reading. GenZ is gonna hate this book because of the gratuitous and excessive the sex. McQuiston has incorporated wonderful queer sex into their books in the past but this reads like Call Me By Your Name erotica, with both a self-insert by the author and T. Chalomet fanfiction. The characters are almost 30 but act 21 in both their lack of maturity and their horniness. There are going to be readers who absolutely look for this in their books, and no shame to them, but this is not what I expected from the description of McQuiston's previous work, I expect a lot more plot and structure than this. Their toxic behavior towards each other both during and outside of sex is uncomfortable, feeling like both self harm and intentional harm of the other person.

They're very obnoxious people, both are entitled, perfect, nepo babies and this book is trying to say "nepo babies are people too!" And, yeah, they are, but they're also incredibly privileged and rich and that removes any literary tension from the story. Like, Theo has incredibly wealthy family offering to bail them out, so where is the crisis and tension? The worst thing that has happened to these two is a miscommunication that led to a breakup. Their history doesn't feel as tragic as the author intends because there's a lot of telling and not showing of how tragic their breakup was, of how they loved each other and put one another on these incredibly high pedestals. I'm not finishing this because I'm tired of hearing Theo describe the perfection that is Kit again and again as they voyeuristically watch him.

I'm so bored. I'm so bored with all of the sex and the alcohol and the perfect privileged people whose love I can't buy into.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

WHAT A DELIGHT. The descriptions in this book are breathtaking, beautiful and heartfelt. Every page I felt like I was stepping into the scenery. I love these characters, I love this writing, and I love this book. Mcquinston's best by far.

To sum it up, this book will leave you hungry AND horny.

I am a sucker for well written, descriptive prose, and this book certainly delivered. The descriptions of the food and the areas being explored were so vivid I felt like I was experiencing them alongside the characters. Speaking of the characters - they were well developed and had one of those epic loves that spans across time and space that makes me melt into a pile of goo every time. I go back and forth on which main character I related to more.

Second chance romances are tough for me, because if it didn't work before why would it work now? However, Casey made the character's initial breakup make sense, and brought them back together in a way that makes them stronger than they were before, which is a tough feat to accomplish. As someone who can be quite analytical when it comes to character dynamics, the entire progression of their relationship just MAKES SENSE!

This book is also a beautiful exploration of queer love and gender expression in a way that I personally hadn't read before, which was new and refreshing. You could feel Theo grow into who they were meant to be, which is a great experience as a reader.

Overall, I give this 4.5 stars. I love Kit. I love Theo. I love a slutty Euro summer. No complaints.

3.5 rounded up for the beautiful writing.

This book reads like a travel fantasy come true: a completely immersive sensory experience as C.M. lets you feel, smell, hear and taste your way though France, Spain and Italy. The entire time I was reading it I just desperately wanted to go to all these places. Do they actually have tours like this at a reasonable price?

I enjoyed getting to know Theo and Kit and they had such a great connection and truly come alive in this story. I was rooting for them to work out their issues especially once I pieced together the clues for their HEA. This has some of my favorite tropes: childhood friends to lovers, second chance, only one bed. There is also some heavy mutual pining. The hardest thing about second chance romances is doing it well. Pulling off a believable romance and break up and then selling that it was a big enough issue to cause the split but not so big that it ruins the future. This one didn't get there for me, unfortunately. Personally my least favorite way for a couple to reconcile is by a chance encounter. It's so unromantic. This also deals heavily in a miscommunication, another least favorite thing, and lack of communication which occurs the entire book. This undersold the belief I had in their great connection and once the issue was revealed, I lost patience in the drawn out angst. (I did some skimming.) For sure, insecurities getting in our way is a universal human condition, but for Kit and Theo...I just couldn't believe it. That being said, I still will be thinking about Theo and Kit for a while to come. C.M. crafted some wonderfully memorable characters. And this story is so much more than just a romance or maybe it's that new weird category we find some many romances in these days? Finding ourselves while we find love - not "chick lit" but can this be bi-lit or nonbinary lit?

This book is so horny and sensual, the writing is immersive. If you love food and wine this book is for you! If you get offended by casual sex, this book is not for you!

It is slow paced rekindling of trust and romance mixed with growth and discovery. The wonderful imagery catapults the reader into a sort of travel fugue state. I went into this for the romance and came away inspired to travel!

This book was fantastic at showing a lot of complex emotions that occur when life gets in the way of two people meant to be together. It has brilliant depictions of struggling to fit with prescribed gender identities at birth, and handles those conversations phenomenally and nonchalantly. I love when a book can be open about things like queer relationships/gender identities and doesn’t focus on the negative side that can come with them (homophobia, transphobia, etc). I loved the book and I know anyone who reads it will become intoxicated with the incredible characters Casey has created. I think this book will inspire anyone who reads to take that leap they’ve been so afraid of. So slutty, so European, so incredibly fun to read. This book will now take over my whole brain until August when I can get my hands on a physical copy. Casey did it again and made my favorite book of theirs so far.

This book broke my heart and then put it back together. Another absolutely fantastic book by Mcquiston!

This book made me crave two things: the ability to travel on a tour like the one McQuiston wrote, and to find a relationship, romantic or not, like the one between Theo and Kit. Their friendship alone is one that most people don’t get to witness in their lifetime. They loved each other from the beginning, and those feelings were almost palpable throughout the entire novel. McQuiston not only writes an amazing romance novel full of heart, but the descriptions that were put into the food, wine, landscapes, historical sites. It made me hungry for everything.. I absolutely adored this book.

I've had the pleasure of receiving ARCs of Casey McQuiston's previous two books and have been a fan since RWRB. Between RWRB and OLS to IKSW to The Pairing, CMQ has shown their ability to write for different audiences, and do so very well. The Pairing is a culmination of all their hard work and highlights the growth in their writing craft. With every novel, they outdo themselves, and it shows in The Pairing. It's funnier, sluttier, and better than their previous 3 novels, which I didn't think was possible. It's like if the movie My Life in Ruins was made by queer folks. I loved the complexities of Kit and Theo's relationship and all of the secondary characters we meet along the way. I can't wait for everyone else to squeal over this book.

Be sure to have good wine and a fruit and cheeseboard close by!

This story follows ex-partners Kit and Theo as they unexpectedly find they have separately booked the same food and wine tour. We follow the pair around to several stops throughout France, Spain, and Italy as they eat fine food paired with wines from each region. As they both struggle with coming to terms with how they feel about themselves and well as the other, they place a little bet on who can make the most ‘connections’ throughout the trip. The two find their way back to being friends but eventually are faced with the realization that they will have to address their sudden break up and the ways they have changed during their time apart. Will they be able to maintain their friendship outside of the dream European tour? Is it possible they still have more than friendship between them?

Casey McQuiston pours an incredible amount of knowledge and description into the food and wines throughout the book. I was transported to each stop along the tour through the exceptionally vivid words they use. It was truly an experience within the pages of this book. Along with the beautifully crafted settings and tastings, McQuiston tackles the subject of gender and sexuality in a wonderfully creative way. They use the dual POV aspect of this book to really help the reader understand each of the characters’ own understanding of their gender and sexuality. This book will leave you hungry, horny, and hurriedly booking a European food and wine tour.

Very grateful arc reader, absolutely adore this book, but will refrain from posting review until St. Martin's Press boycott ends!

In Casey McQuiston's third adult novel, The Pairing, you meet Theo and Kit, two exes bound by childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood memories, who happen to be on the same European food & wine trip they were supposed to take together all those years ago. However, a bet is created to see who can sleep with the most people to prove to each other that they're over the other. Nothing like a little competition, right?

Like any meal, McQuiston quickly delves into the meat of the problem and wastes no time to get to know Theo and Kit. Through clear points of view of both protagonists, you learn the ins and outs of each of them through their thoughts, but also through the lens of the other person. What makes this book so special, is that you are truly rooting for the two of them, whether as individuals or a unit. It's like seeing two of your best friends find their way to themselves or each other.

In terms of sexuality and gender identity, McQuiston hit the nail on the head with Theo's inner conflict of their gender identity and what it means to be themselves living in the body they were born with, and how that could affect their dynamic with Kit. However, their bisexuality wasn't a big deal in this book, it just happened to be something these characters were and that's all, which was a breath of fresh air for a queer romance.

McQuiston also did not skim on the European details. Everything mentioned was extremely easy to Google to get the extra visual I needed sometimes. I also do not recommend reading this book on an empty stomach. The food and drinks described were top-tier, especially when described through Theo and Kit's professional foodie eyes, mouths, and noses. Also, they did not shy away from the explicit scenes and easily became some of my favorites compared to their other adult novels.

Overall, this book had me frozen in place, gasping at reveals, and crying and screaming at the ups and downs. I hope everyone who is on the fence about this book, picks it up in August when it is released. This will become your new favorite summer read, and make you want to book a European food & wine tour for the following year..

This is going to be a very "you loved it or you hated it" kinda thing based on the reviews so far, but looks like I'm in Camp Whomp-Whomp.

The story centered around a bisexual ex-couple (Kit: he/him & Theo: They/them (sometimes she/her to outsiders they don't care to educate) who havent seen or spoken to each other in 4 years. They find themselves on the same food and wine tour and come up with a (completely stupid) competition about who could sleep with the most people while they're there. It sounds immature, but these characters are emotionally stunted late 20 year olds who have yet to learn how to communicate with each other despite knowing one another since childhood.

There is a LOT of travel talk and a LOT of foreign food and wine talk. You can tell the author did a ton of research in that area but wowee was i bored by it all.
There was of course also a lot of (cringey imo) sex happening. Like, most of the time, a book can be given an extra star alone for having some hot sex scenes but these called for a retraction of one. And this is coming from someone who has a wide range of taste for some incredibly spicy books. I didn't particularly like either of these main characters, I never rooted for them to figure it out and get back together, and there were zero side characters that made me feel, well... anything. There also wasn't much of a plot. It was just the same thing over and over again.

So here we go with my Casey McQuiston ratings:
RWRB - 5 stars (obviously)
Last Stop - 3.5 stars
I Kissed Shara Wheeler - 2 stars
The Pairing - 2 stars

This was one of my most anticipated reads and I was absolutely giddy to be able to read an advanced copy thanks to Saint Martin's Press (who have published many of my all time favorite reads) and NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback and review. Unfortunately, I just can't recommend this one to anyone I know.

Signing off from Camp Whomp-Whomp.

Slutty, bisexual disasters living your foodie dreams in Europe. I LOVED this book and everything about it was a love letter to food and the queer community and just being a slut if you want. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with every character in this book. I am also obsessed with how the book is divided by location and the food and drink pairings to go with each (even if I was too busy reading to try any of the pairings, I’m excited to read it again after it’s out and to try some).

I finished this book hours ago and I can't stop thinking about it. I also can't seem to adequately describe all the thoughts and feelings I had while I was reading. I've loved CMQ's other books and have been waiting impatiently for this one since the first hints and it did not disappoint. But it's difficult to sum up what I liked about this book without risking spoilers, so here's a list of words that describe the story, the characters, and my feelings when I was reading it. (in absolutely no particular order and without context.)

Love
Friendship
Funny
Sweet
Sad
Idiots
Chemistry
Decadent
Hungry (in every sense)
Emotional
Charismatic
Competition
Temptation
Dimensional
Characters
Heartbreaking
Hopeful
Tropey (but in a good way!)
Introspective
Carnal
Immersive
Slutty
Wanderlust
So Much Food
Family Stuff
Intelligent
Angsty
Lovable
Not likeable
Self-Discovery
Unlearning

This book was a love letter directly to Europe and the food, love, and drinks found there. The story of two bisexual exes meeting up on a tour they booked prior to breaking up was too good to not want to read!

Things I enjoyed about this book:
How the story was told in dual first person, with half the book being Theo and the other half being Kit. I audibly groaned when the POV switched.
I will say - I liked reading Kit’s POV more than Theo’s.
Loved the discussion of food and drink, it was clearly something that tied our two leads together
I loved Theo’s journey to self discovery.
I highlighted a LOT of passages in this that made my heart pound.
The frank discussions of sex and the casualness of it was jarring at first but then I realized how fresh it felt to read!
Kit’s endearing love, and how he realized he was pouring his love for Theo into everyone else.
The kisses!!! They were hot and sweet - especially those first ones.
The sweet and lovely ending.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is everything I wanted it to be and more. I've been a big fan of McQuiston's works since 2020 and this is my favourite one of their books yet. I found myself laughing and crying along with Kit and Theo. This book is so much more than "just" a romcom.

Casey McQuiston truly takes readers on a European journey in this book! The amount of detail describing the landscape, the locals, and of course the food & drink made it an immersive experience that had me wishing for travel plans.
Personally, the amount of explicit scenes and level of graphic details was a little beyond my comfort level- but they were so well done and added emotional layers to Theo and Kit’s story. I’m glad I didn’t realize how many explicit scenes there were because I would probably have skipped this read which was incredibly lovely!

I was so excited to get a ARC for this book and I am so glad!

It is a deliciously stunning book filled with beautiful imagery of Europe. The story is about Theo, a sommelier, and Kit, a pastry chef. Theo and Kit met during their youth when Kit moved from Paris to California and slowly fell in love as they aged, only to break up while on their way to a vacation they planned together. The story truly begins when Theo decides to finally go on that vacation but by themself four years after their break up which coincidentally is also Kit’s plan.

I think this story at core gives very pretentious western european in the best way possible. The prose is gorgeous with the scenic backdrop of Europe and food but I will say unless you are super into food you won’t understand most of what Theo/Kit are speaking of without having to look it up, they are THOSE pretentious foodies.

I am a character reader at heart which perhaps is the saving grace for this book. I will read anything if there is a character I can root for. In this book I fell in love with Kit, Sloane (Theo’s sister), and Fabrizio, their eccentric tour guide. Kit is so annoyingly good hearted, he loves so deeply and he takes the world on his shoulders for Theo. He is absolutely a babygirl that I want to cuddle and protect. Sloane is the voice of reason that keeps her siblings in line and is probably most representative of me in the text, I can relate to her so much as a eldest child even though she is not the eldest in her family. Finally, Fabrizio is perhaps a bit stereotypical frenchmen in his mannerisms but he is a sweetheart and the comedic heart in the series, I adore every moment that he shows up.

The problem arises with Theo. The first half of the book is in Theo’s perspective, and initially their extreme insecurity is so relatable and lovable but that quickly changes as the story progresses. You soon realize Theo is overly self sabotaging for absolutely no reason, they have this nepotism baby complex that made my eyes want to roll out of my head. Somehow by the end of Theo’s perspective, I was actively disliking them. Theo was a contradiction of themself at every corner of the plot. That dislike only worsened when l got to Kit’s pov and realized what a sweetheart he is.

½ way into the book, the plot kind of reaches a stalemate. We know all the troubles Theo has, and Europe is still beautiful but the story is just repeating the same thing over and over with slight side character variations. The whole casual sex trope also doesn’t really work here because of the execution. I love a slut era but here, it’s a lot of borderline unhealthy sex for the sake of petty issues. It is not a ‘let’s sleep around because it is fun’, it is a 'let's sleep around because I want to show off to my ex while I’m suppressing my emotions’ situation. It left me feeling icky.

Overall, I did enjoy the book a lot, it's very picturesque, almost like an arthouse movie but in text. Even the romantic plot, I enjoyed to a degree. Theo and Kit just didn’t click for me. I am a sucker for happy endings and here we have it but I wish it had been a bittersweet ending. My heart was left aching and yearning for something more (and better) for Kit who is the only reason I am going so high with the rating.

This book has some of the most lovable characters I've encountered in fiction. I want to be Theo AND Kit when I grow up. This has all the usual things I expect about a McQuiston book: Queer joy, hilarious dialogue, and some beautiful and tender love scenes. What I wasn't expecting, despite ample heads-up on the topic, was how DECADENT this book is. It is meant to be tasted, savoured, and experienced, and so I got in the spirit of the thing and did just that. Rather than inhale this book in one sitting (as is my usual MO when new CMQ art is on the table), I read, enjoyed, and put it down to pick it back up later with intentionality and anticipation both. This love story is going to stay with me.