Having read and loved One Last Stop, I was excited to get my hands on this one. Unfortunately, I think my expectations were a bit high and this one left me hanging just a little. The premise is good, and the characters are intriguing. The duel narrative worked well as well, because frankly we needed both points of view. I simply wanted more- more sweetness, more comunication, more memories. What I got, was a great caste of characters, food porn, drama and sex. Lots of sex. If they aren’t having it, they’re talking about it- making bets on it- which I have no problem with… unless it takes over the entire plot.

Theo has some issues they need to take a serious look at- and it does look like they had some character growth so that’s great. They are interesting and charming, whip smart and capable… but they feel worthless in many ways. They feel like they can’t do anything- like they are letting down their famous family. Kit is a fixer- the man with a plan and goals. His issue- he doesn’t always ask what the other person wants and instead creates plans for them. It’s one of the reasons the two find themselves estranged. Parts of them- banter, memories, games- are easy. It’s part of who they have always been. They never learned how to communicate in a relationship. It’s painful and a bit immature. You want to love these characters- they’re great. I just, couldn’t get past the immaturity. I really wish I had liked it more- I wanted to. For me, it’s three star at best. It’s not bad, and there were some great spots, but in the end it’s not going to stick with me- it’s forgetable.

⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
As far as adult content goes- there’s sexual content- betting on it, talking about it, portraying scenes in detail (level six spice)… it honestly took too much of our main characters’ identities. Then there is language and lots of drinking. I want to say that it is meant for adults, but with the level of immaturity it’s going to appeal to new adults.


I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book from Netgalley working with St Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. My thanks!

I've been a huge fan of Casey McQuiston's work since Red, White and Royal Blue, so as soon as The Pairing was announced, I was so excited to read their next adult romance! I was intrigued by the book's structure and the dual first-person point of view as it is so different from the structures of Casey's previous books, but it works so perfectly for this one. Experiencing the emotions and the pining from both Theo and Kit only made the slow burn even sweeter, and the POV switched at a perfect pivotal moment in their story. I really enjoyed the decision to set Theo's and Kit's unexpected reunion in a food and wine tour - I know fairly little about food and wine so most of the details went over my head, but I learned a lot along the way, and I loved experiencing the tour through Theo's and Kit's expert eyes. Casey has an incredible talent for crafting the most fascinating ensemble characters in their novels, and I loved every side character that Theo and Kit met during their tour as well.

This is Casey's first book with a nonbinary main character, and they did such a fantastic job with emphasizing the importance of Theo's gender identity while not making it the main focus point of the whole book. Kit also has such a beautiful reaction to Theo trusting them with this insight into their identity in a scene that is one of my favorites, and it was such a nice change to see Theo's identity be immediately embraced by someone who has known them for as long as Kit has. I am so excited for so many nonbinary readers to get to see themselves in a love story as moving as Theo's and Kit's!

The Pairing is a true chaotic bisexual romance novel, and I enjoyed every second of reading it - I cannot recommend enough. Thank you so much to the publisher for the privilege of reading this book early!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this as an ARC.

I absolutely love this book. I loved Kit and Theo as individuals. They both have their own distinct personalities and lives outside of each other. Seeing their lives at different times really helped with truly getting to know them. I also loved them as friends, as a couple, as everything they ever were to each other. Their relationship was so believable at every stage. McQuiston really had me feeling like I was in the book, feeling the same emotions as the characters. I also loved all the side characters. So many different personalities and they all vibed together. One of my favorite things about this book is all of the different locations. The writing made them seem so vibrant and I felt like I was there. I loved the importance of food and art to the characters. There were a lot of complex and important subject matters and I am impressed with how everything was handled.

My favorite by McQuiston so far, and I can't wait to see what they come out with next.

I received an arc from netgalley in exchange for my review

Two bi exes go through an abrupt breakup on their way to a European food and wine tour with no closure, ended with one living in Paris. Luckily they both get vouchers to reschedule the food and wine tour. Unluckily they book the same tour years later.

I loved Theo and Kit together, I love a second chance romance especially when they have known each other since childhood. However these two decide they’re basically going to sleep through Europe, but not with each other. They basically have a sex competition, whoever can have the most one night stands. I found that hard to connect to because they’re both extremely bonded but are hurting each other deeply.

Casey McQuiston's "The Pairing" is a captivating romance that deftly explores the complexities of love and second chances. Theo and Kit's tumultuous relationship is brought back into focus when they both unwittingly embark on a long-postponed European food and wine tour. The vibrant settings of France, Spain, and Italy serve as a stunning backdrop for their rekindled connection, with McQuiston's descriptive writing bringing each location to life. The chemistry between Theo and Kit is palpable, and their competitive wager to seduce the hot Italian tour guide adds a humorous and spicy element to the narrative.

The strength of "The Pairing" lies in its character development and the emotional depth McQuiston brings to Theo and Kit's journey. Both characters have grown and changed during their time apart, and their reunion is fraught with unresolved feelings and lingering attraction. The story skillfully balances humor and heartache, making their path to rediscovery both entertaining and poignant. While some plot points may feel predictable, the authentic portrayal of their relationship's ups and downs makes this a thoroughly engaging read. "The Pairing" is a delightful romance that reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life are worth a second chance.

Happy publication day! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. This was a second-chance romance filled with wine, food, traveling, and debauchery. It had it all… including, I fear, an unlikable main character and a miscommunication trope that will make you want to chew nails.

⇢➤ Plot: Theo and Kit are childhood friends, turned lovers, turned exes, turned travelers sharing the same European tour bus. The two begin a competition to see how many people they can hook up with on their European tour.

⇢➤ Pros: This was by far McQuiston’s prettiest novel in terms of descriptors and setting. Each city provided a unique experience from vineyards, to canals, to the beachside. Adding the flavors of wine, fruit, and spices elevated the descriptors.

Kit, you were the good egg. The novel significantly improved when viewed from his lens. He is so hopelessly in love with Theo, it reminded me that I was reading a romance.

There is bisexual representation, non-binary representation, and polyamory representation. There is a beautiful description where Kit contrasts the masculinity in Micheangelo’s David with the femininity in Antioch’s Venus, recognizing both in himself and in Theo.

⇢➤ Cons: The representation I typically adore in McQuiston’s writing felt like a tool to stuff characters into expected categories. Kit and Theo’s bisexuality is a backdrop used to explain their promiscuity. The polyamory group on the tour is only hinted at through innuendos and group sex. It was very unrewarding to read. The non-binary rep is the one that felt the most authentic, and it isn’t discussed until 50% in.

I hated Theo’s character. I can’t tell if that was the intent of the author, but I truly hated their unwillingness to communicate, to accept help, or to understand their privilege as a “nepo baby.”

Finally, the pacing felt off to me. The main conflict of the story is miscommunication. One of the central reasons for Kit and Theo’s break-up comes to light 25% in as a miscommunication. This felt like a natural arc to the story and instead we just… continued touring Europe. And stewing in resentment about something they refuse to discuss. And drinking wine. And then getting offended by something that was misinterpreted. Rinse and repeat for 400 pages.

The Pairing is perfect for your foodie romance readers! Theo and Kit's story takes readers not just on a journey across Europe but on a journey of self discovery as we look back on their long friends to lovers arc. Theo's growth and acceptance of themselves as nonbinary is gradual and raw. To Kit, it doesn't matter how Theo identifies, he just wants Theo in his life. This one is a joy to read but make sure you have a glass of wine and a snack nearby.

Fair or not, I am going into a Casey McQuiston book with sky-high expectations. They are one of my favorite romance authors, an auto-buy, and just overall one of the best writers in the game. The Pairing is clearly a passion project for McQuiston. The book is an indulgent feast with descriptions of scenery and food so vivid I highly recommend not reading this book hungry. Indulgent is a good word for this book that is beautifully written and is in itself an idealized if well-researched, literary tour of France, Spain, and Italy. However, as beautiful as the prose is, it is probably my least favorite of McQuiston's romances. The structure of the book is fascinating, we begin with Theo's POV for the entire first half of the book and then Kit takes over, allowing the reader to see the misconceptions Theo has about their relationship and the other side of the various miscommunications that led to their breakup.

The thing with a second chance romance is you want to fully experience the two characters falling back in love and to luxuriate in the love story. For better or worse, Kit and Theo never fell out of love. Accordingly, the conflict is a bit weak. Starting with Theo's pov is necessary for the way the story develops as well as the very clever way McQuiston wants to interrogate certain assumptions about gender. However, in my opinion, the story suffers a bit in Theo's pov. Theo, while clever and fun, stands in their own way a bit which is frustrating for the reader. However, once Kit takes over, the story really clicked for me. Kit is patient and understanding with Theo and Kit's pov contains that longing and pining that I wanted to really feel from the relationship.

I am still rating this book four stars because I love Casey's writing and although some of the overly descriptive and quite frankly, fantastical depictions of the travel in this book are a bit too much for me, by the end of the story Casey did get me to buy in the love story and root for the main couple while also craving french pastries I'll never get.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for letting me read an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (this was my reaction to seeing that I was approved for an early copy of this book!) The Pairing is an adult romance about childhood friends and exes who accidentally reunite on a food and drink tour of Europe. I am obsessed with Casey McQuiston and will read absolutely anything that they write, but this book really felt like it was written for me... in that I would also like to be on a food and drink tour of Europe in the summer. While not in the cards for me this summer, the next best thing is reading this book!

Andddd let me tell you, it did not disappoint!! It was an absolutely perfect summer read. I read most of it while drinking wine or a cocktail on my balcony, which I highly recommend. I had such a great time with Kit and Theo. I loved learning about food and drink in different European regions. The detailed descriptions of each dish really made me feel like I was on the trip with the characters. I also enjoyed Kit and Theo's relationship and getting to know the other people on the trip. Truly, this was my favorite and most atmospheric read of the summer.

If you can't already tell, the Pairing was a solid 5 stars from me! Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy of this book, my thoughts are my own!

In my opinion as a reader, that the best kind of books are ones you experience. The ones you keep thinking “this would make a great screen adaptation”
The Pairing was exactly that.

There’s a couple of tropes that I’m just not a fan of, friends to lovers for example, isn’t always done well enough for my liking.
Only in such case Casey Mcquiston truly took over and said “hold my beer,” gave us Theo and Kit, the best friends to lovers to exes I’ve read in quite a while (if not ever).

These two are on a bus ride all through Europe, competing who’s the sluttiest -literally taking points on who gets laid faster- until they can no longer fight the true attraction and emotions that they always had which are only strongest towards each other. Stuffing their faces full of exquisite sweets. And slowly combing through the tangle of miscommunication that turned then into exes in the first place.

The Pairing is also the kind of book that makes you fall in love with every single side character mentioned. Even the sheep bumping Kit’s thigh as he talks with Theo on the side of the road.

The perfect summer slutty read.
I hope everyone loves it as much as i did, though i may be biased as i would read anything Casey puts out. And love every minute of it.

I loved this book once I fully immersed myself.

I was waiting the entire first half for Kit's POV and was so happy to get it. I have enjoyed every boon Casey McQuiston has written and they are an autobuy author for me. They have a way of writing queer novels that make me, as a queer human, feel seen, validated, and heard.

This book is probably the spiciest one I've read by this author too, which I liked.

The whole book I was honestly freaking out because I was waiting for the "other shoe to drop", but it didn't...really. so that was nice 🥹

Also, this book just makes me want to go to freaking France. I thought the narrative was just as well done as the romance/dialogue aspects, and gave just enough detail without going overboard.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the chance to read and honestly review this ARC.

3.5 stars

I love Casey McQuiston, I love their books, and I just know every time I read one I am going to have a good time. The Pairing is no different - it's a sexual jaunt across Europe, in which Theo and Kit come back together after years apart during a food and wine tour they had once booked together. I see other reviews really knock this book for just how MUCH sex is present, but like, why not? It was fun! I have no problem suspending my disbelief that everyone Kit and Theo meet in France, Italy, and Spain are a) incredibly horny and b) incredibly bisexual.

What I didn't love as much about this book is a lot of the emotional development happened off page. With a second chance romance, I really like those revelations to be very present. This is a dual POV book, but the first half is in Theo's POV, and the second half in Kit's. Because of this, we read more about Kit's revelations about their relationship, but I would have also liked to read Theo's! One other little (extremely little) issue for me is just how much description of food and wine there were. I understand Kit is a pastry chef and Theo is an amateur sommelier, and I did enjoy picturing drinking and eating all the delicious wine and food throughout this tour, but it was just a little too much at some point.

I think if you're looking for a summer queer romance exploring the food and wine (and singles) of Europe and just want to experience that, paired with McQuiston's incredible writing, you'll love this!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

One of my most anticipated books of 2024, The Pairing by Casey McQuiston, does not disappoint! It is a true masterpiece of second chance love, with McQuiston telling the story of best friends Theo and Kit. They dated four years ago, booked a food and wine tour in Europe, and then broke up at the airport. Both armed with a voucher to reschedule the cancelled tour, they cut ties with each other until Theo walks into her rescheduled European food and wine tour and sits down next to none other than Kit. Can these former best friends, former lovers overcome their feelings for each other and be just friends? Add in a competition to see who can get the higher European body count, and laughs and feelings abound!

We start with Theo’s point of view, which I loved. Theo is a mess and will tell anyone and everyone this, and it’s just fun. I found myself rooting for Theo to find themselves and didn’t think I’d like Kit’s perspective half as much. But in fact, I fell in love with Kit and his story the minute he took over point of view halfway through the book. Such vibrant characters, beautiful descriptions of places, food, and drinks, dreams, and things left unsaid make this book everything I could wish for and more! This may even be my new favorite book from Casey McQuiston, and I adore Red, White, and Royal Blue so so much! The quickest five stars I’ve given a book this year for some of the best laughs, cute moments, and to die for food descriptions!

Available TODAY, August 6th!!!! Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this amazing novel!!

While I’ve previously loved books by Casey McQuiston, I didn’t love this one. Unfortunately, I found Theo to be a little insufferable, and a little immature. I did like Kit, and although he was far more mature than Theo, I just didn’t like them together. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. The only thing I think I really liked was the European tour trip, and I want to go on this exact trip to eat all the food, drink all the wine and just visit Europe.

What better book to read during the summer than a book that takes you on a wine and food pairing tour through Europe?? Two ex-best-friends-turned-ex-lovers reunite unexpectedly and are trapped on a tour that they initially had planned to take together, four years in the past. They run through a gamut of emotions and eventually find the ability to speak their truths to each other. It doesn't start out spicy, but it definitely ends up extremely spicy. Don't read this book if you can't handle bisexual heat.

This book made me want to travel and taste all the amazing foods and drinks that were described. I got the digital version so I'm unclear about what the "Special 1st Edition" entails.

If some demon was looking for the perfect way to torture me for all of eternity, this book has given them the perfect guide. The idea of running into an ex I’m still in love with during a wine tour that would be incredibly inconvenient to leave and immediately entering a “who can sleep with the most people” challenge instead of thinking about talking to each other is my personal version of hell. There is literally not a piece of that that sounds cute or fun or anything. It only sounds like anxiety and pain. And, guess what? Reading it was also anxiety and pain. The entire first half of this book was just a “how much dread can we make liv feel?” challenge. The answer? Infinite. So, even if I loved the characters (spoilers: I didn’t) this was probably going to be a hard sell for me.

Despite a plot I didn’t quite connect to, there was still hope as characters are what really make or break a book for me. Unfortunately, the characters are what really broke the book for me.

The first half of the book is from Theo’s pov, a non-binary afab person who is quite literally the worst person you’ve ever met. They are literally a nepo baby with access to so many resources that they REFUSE to use so that they can cosplay being poor, which feels like the biggest middle finger to middle/lower class people. Like how are you going to not use your resources??? Do you not understand how lucky and privileged you are? But, of course, they have a whole complex about this, making them so annoying. Imagine someone with millionaire director parents and millionaire actress sisters coming up to you and complaining about not being able to do their career because they won’t take any money to help with it and they also fuck up all the time. I’m sorry, but there is literally no reason for me to feel sorry for you. Theo feels like the perfect character to have a lot of growth throughout the book because of how insufferable they are, but when they reach their peak shittiness the pov just switches to Kit for the rest of the book and all he does is reassure them that they’re totally not the worst? And then nothing with them gets developed because we are now in the pov of someone who worships the ground they walk on. It’s annoying. I’m annoyed and also refuse to feel sorry for nepo babies when they’re complaining about FINANCES. Get over yourself and talk to daddy. Being in their pov was like watching a continual train wreck and feeling dread and unease 24/7. There were no positives.

The second half is from Kit’s pov, whose only real crime is his god-like worship of Theo. I won’t dwell on him for too long because I really don’t have many feelings about him. His pov was fine in the sense that he was overly horny and literally only thought about this person he was allegedly in love with the in a sexual way or in a way that we, the readers, weren’t really shown. So basically he was a classic romance love interest. I was bored by him but not too offended. The relationship though? I was kind of offended. I just don’t see the value of a relationship that is so defined by sex and lust and I know it’s quite lame of me in a sense but also I just want real, deep feelings and all I got was really horny feelings. This was especially egregious here because of the fact that they allegedly were best friends and had been in a relationship and SOMEHOW barely anything was addressed about it? It was only fond memories and quirky misunderstandings? Like, y’all left each other for a reason and you fought a lot for a reason and it seems like y’all are just avoidant as hell and the exact same stuff will start happening as soon as things aren’t perfect? It just felt so shallow. The entire book was just about being horny or food and wine pairings and the most atrocious avoidant people who spiked my anxiety the entire time. I also hated the smutty scenes more than usual. Before this book, I have never skipped scenes, but this one brought me to my limit and I had to skip pages. My tastes were definitely not aligned with this book. It was definitely not a cute summer read, but also it was my worst nightmare, so that may be a personal thing.

All that to say, I finished this only because it was an arc, and I did have to switch over to an audio version at 3x speed in order to do it, but it also just… wasn’t for me and maybe I should’ve known that.

I think this book…possessed me? In a super hot way. This is the book that you want to pack with you to the beach or even the pool. Be prepared for, bi-panic, relatable characters, & found family.

There is something about Casey's writing that just gives me all the feels and this was no exception.

I absolutely fell in love with Kit and Theo through their journey through Europe. I loved reading about all the sights and all the foods and culture that made me feel like I was right there on the tour with them. Though I wish we got to see a bit more into their relationship growing up, you could feel the love these two characters have for one another, even while competing on their hookup journey. That part had me rolling my eyes a bit. I did hate how difficult it was for the two to simply communicate so I found that aspect a little frustrating. But all in all, I'm a sucker for second chance romances and know this story and characters will stick with me.

Though it has not topped Red White and Royal Blue for me, I still can't wait to receive my special edition preorder to add to my shelf.

I love Casey McQuiston, I love this book. I love yummy foods and sloppy bisexuals and second chance romance. I love this book.

Thanks to St. Martin's and NetGalley for this ARC.

I really really really wanted to love this book but ...

I strongly disliked Theo and the first half of the book from their perspective was so hard for me to read. The angst was heavy and their thoughts about themselves and how they interacted with the world was just painful. Theo needs therapy (everyone could use therapy) and probably shouldn't have blocked their ex without having a discussion.

I liked when the perspective switched to Kit but I was quickly frustrated with his unending love that he couldn't communicate.

Miscommunication is rife in this book - from the breakup, to the bus meet up, to the half truths on their trip. Neither character makes any move to understand the other until they start being honest and vulnerable with each other -- which was nice. Second chance romance is not one of ;my favorite tropes but the angst and miscommunication worked against my enjoyment of this book.

I know someone will fall in love with this book but it was not for me (and I feel a little bad for giving it a 2 star review because I love Casey McQuiston's writing). I enjoyed the settings (and daydreamed about when I was in Europe years ago) and the writing is stellar.