withholding my review until St. Martins Press acknowledges their wrong done and commits to doing better in the future regarding all of the SMP Boycott demands.

This book was pretty fun. The travel setting was delightful and very well written, as was the relationship between the two protagonists. Not life changing by any means, nor without its flaws, but this book was enjoyable.

Yep, this is the romance book of the year for me. Maybe the romance book of the past 5 years and future 5 years. Maybe longer. I'm not usually a fan of second chance romances, but this one was it. I don't know if I'll ever even try another second chance romance, because how could it be better than this one? Nonbinary representation, bisexual representation, jump-first-think-second representation... Plus the most delicious descriptions of food and wine I've ever read (truly, it was like I was reading a cookbook or a wine tasting tour brochure). It was sweet, it was sexy, it was heartfelt, it was surprising, it was predictable when it needed to be. Interesting main characters, delightful side characters, and the typical romcom tropes weren't overdone or boring. Highly recommend. Fans of McQuiston's RWRB are going to be pleased.

3.25 ⭐️ This book was fine. I just truly could not get over the fact that the entire plot was based on a misunderstanding 😭 I also struggled a bit with the POV; the first half of the book was in Theo’s POV and the second half was in Kit’s POV.

I didn’t feel a connection to Theo, but I really enjoyed Kit. Casey’s writing, as always, was incredibly transportive and I felt like I was traveling around Europe with this crew. The vivid descriptions of food, wine, and intimacy were entertaining. I was really fond of the side characters, especially the Callums. And I loved the bisexual and nonbinary rep!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

Absolutely gorgeous novel. I took my time, reading it section by section, because reading it feels like the equivalent of eating a rich dessert, and I wanted to savor every bit of it. Theo and Kit are such exquisitely drawn characters, and the evolution of their relationship from when they first bump into each other on a tour bus to their romance novel happy ending is such a satisfying journey. The settings here feel alive, and the descriptions of food and drink had me longing to book a European food and wine tour of my own, to taste even a handful of the flavors described here. The sex scenes are somehow even more decadent than the meal descriptions, and the queerness infused through it all is utterly delightful. A top-notch romance from a top-notch writer.

For those who do not consider themselves food connoisseurs, pastry artisans, or sommeliers in training, this book may at times feel somewhat tedious, as these elements are the vehicle that moves the story forward. If this describes you, or if you can at least appreciate a book that caters to a European foodie's sheer bliss, you are in luck. Like many of its predecessors, "The Pairing" shares a beautifully woven love story of two people who, through miscommunication, were driven apart - only to come back together in the most unusual of ways. The essence and magic of Casey McQuiston, who uses they/them pronouns, shine brightly. It’s always a joy to know that when they bring two protagonists together, they won’t make it easy, but they will always make it fun!

It’s been four years since Theo stood in Heathrow’s airport and watched Kit walk away from the life they were building together. Words were said, lines were crossed, and a reality that Theo didn’t expect to ever endure became the fuel to finally put things into perspective, to grow up and take charge. Now having succeeded in creating a mobile bar business and working as an Assistant Sommelier, Theo can finally revisit the trip that was never taken before the voucher expires. Failing to expect the unexpected, Theo could never have imagined Kit having the same idea! For three weeks, they are stuck together on the trip they had planned four years ago. To make matters worse, Theo has to be reminded of the life Kit now has, from his, according to Maxine, well-deserved title at the Dejardin, to his current success as a pastry manager. Determined not to let Kit’s presence dampen the trip and being the bigger person, Theo decides to bury the past and focus on the present, even upping the ante by making a friendly wager with Kit - who can seduce the most people and win over their tour guide before the trip ends. Theo is determined to prove to Kit that their history can stay in the past, but the present may have another idea.

This book offers so much that it teeters on the edge of being an overload for the imagination. The foods, the art, the history, the travel - I lost count of how many times I stopped reading just to look up a building referenced or a piece of art described in sheer admiration. As mentioned earlier, if you do not have at least some appreciation for wine, food, art, travel, or architecture, this book may not be for you; however, if you do, you will definitely get your fill and then some!

I enjoyed that the story was told from a dual POV but not in real time. In the first leg of the trip, we are in Theo’s mind and are given their perspective on what happened, how they feel, what they want, and what they believe is happening (or not happening) when it comes to Kit. Then, suddenly, the story flips and we are in Kit’s mind.

For those who love a lot of detail, this book is perfect for you. Casey takes the time and energy to describe every aspect of each destination, tantalizing each sense—describing the city (sight), the meals eaten (taste), the buzzing in the atmosphere (hear), the aroma wafting through the streets (smell), and either the effects of the weather or the context of the clothing (feel). The reader is fully engulfed in the experience, as if they are another traveler on this excursion. For those who do not enjoy a lot of detail, again this may not be the book for you. You may find the long descriptive passages off-putting and the amount of time it takes to get to the meat of the story discouraging. This is definitely not for those who are used to the formula of a typical contemporary romance where the trip and the aspects experienced are primary and the characters are secondary.

The intimate moments shared between lovers in this book were not only increasingly steamy but heavily used as moments of insight with the character.

Perfectly titled, "The Pairing" is an experience in itself. As a reader, you're not just observing the story of Theo and Kit; you're living it! If you can finish this book without feeling an urge to try something new, drink something different, travel, or trust yourself enough to take a risk - a chance you hadn't wanted to take before - I implore you to read it again!

I think my road with McQuiston has come to an end. I enjoyed the first little bit of this story where we are getting to know Theo and Kit, their heartbreak, and the tension of seeing each other for the first time in years on a romantic tour. The initial descriptions of the food and setting were delicious and evocative - but then they just kept coming…and coming. What initially was charming turned into such a slog to get through that I was literally skimming whole pages it seemed of descriptions that I had already read multiple times.

The fact that Theo and Kit’s great romance was life-long and had already happened before the start of the book left me feeling like I didn’t care enough for the present. I was very disconnected.

I anticipated liking the “competition” part of the story, but this came off extremely shallow and quite childish. There was no development really of these characters or chemistry.

Ever since reading and loving Casey McQuiston's previous novel, Red, White, and Royal Blue, I have decided I will read whatever she writes next. And her newest novel is no disappointment. It has her classic traits of writing complex romantic intimate and heartbreaking moments wrapped around a perfect romance. So honored I got to read this and would undoubtably recommend it to all!

I'm a bit torn about this one! There were parts that I loved—the travel, culture, food and wine descriptions are very dreamy! If you are looking for a book that will take you on a holiday, this is multisensory in that aspect.

But I struggled a bit with the core romance. It almost felt as if Casey McQuiston planned this tour and the stops along the way and then stretched out the love story to match it. More so in the first half, during Theo’s POV, you get all the angst of two exes who are reunited with no idea what the backstory really is aside from they broke up four years earlier. I didn’t experience the love they shared or understand the loss from either POV until much later, so I just had trouble connecting a bit with these two.

It is very spicy, which shouldn’t be a surprise given the premise of the story is two exes who challenge each other to a hookup competition. I think there’s great representation throughout, character exploration and a fun twist where you get to switch POVs halfway, which I really enjoyed. While not my favorite from this author, I appreciated the writing and depth of detail throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars for this chaotic European adventure for two exes!

I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of this book, with a fun sounding plot from an author whose work I’ve loved in the past! The concept is very fun- two bisexual exes end up on the same food and wine tour of Europe, where bets are made, locals are seduced, and feelings that once were…may not have gone away at all!

The first half of this felt very slow, and the POV shift halfway through completely changed how I felt about the story and the writing. Something about how she wrote Kit’s character and internal world was just stunning. He was deeply poetic, full of coursing emotions, and only wanted the love of his life back however possible. Theo on the other hand was missing something from their internal world. Probably partially due to the fact that the nonbinary conversation happened not in their perspective, but in Kit’s. It would have been wonderful to understand more about their self-discovery journey that was lightly hinted at during their POV, though it was nice still to see how quickly Kit was like yes this makes sense. I think it would have hit more to hear how it made them feel more like themself.

The setting and the side characters were both very delightful as parts of the story. I loved getting to experience the cities and towns of Europe, learn about the food, imagine the history. I was insanely invested in who might get Fabrizio and the saga between the Australian buddies both named Calum!

Overall, it ended up being a good read and I’m grateful to Casey McQuiston and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Casey McQuiston can write a steamy book with a lot of foreplay, tension, and a lack of penetration.

While I enjoyed the descriptions, the food, in particular, was divine, I wished the characters were a bit more likable. I was not a fan of Kit or Theo. I wanted them together so no one else would have to deal with them.

I have enjoyed other books by the author more in the past and will continue to read this author. I am not sure I am the intended audience for this one.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC! All opinions are my own.

This book was not for me. I found myself skimming to try to get through it. This was too long and Theo was kind of annoying to me. There were SO many details about wine and pastries which I get was the premise but it felt like there was almost no plot it was just lost in the special interest facts.

This is my second book by the author that I have read and didn't capture me the same. I absolutely loved Red, White, and Royal Blue and this one fell kind of flat for me. It could be that for some reason I though this was going to be an MM romance or the overwhelming, overly descriptive talk about food and wine.

I loved the concept of a second chance romance especially overseas in all the beautiful destinations I desperately wish I could visit, but this book was not the one for me!! It was way too overly descriptive (which I admit I skimmed through A LOT) and less actual plot and romance between the two characters. I say that because there was quite a lot of sexual innuendos, sex, and threesomes between other people.

The two make a pact to see who can sleep with the most people by the time their wine tour comes to an end., and they completely ignore their own reawakened feelings for one another. Due to the pact, the side characters in this book were more for their competition and thus had no depth.

Theo and Kit's ignored chemistry and sexcapades were a fun plotline but were repetitive along with the endless wine and food descriptions. The only thing I really enjoyed about this book was the gender positivity, queer love, and gender norms. You don't see that enough in books. In the end, I often found myself forcing myself to read and skimming more than anything. I hope someone else can enjoy the European vibes, food and win talk, with a touch of romance and lots of sex!

A million stars. Infinity stars. I’m pretty sure I just read my favorite book of 2024. I know this book has a permanent place on the short list of “my favorite books of all time.” I feel changed for having read this book, these characters and their love is something I’ll carry with me. Casey McQuiston’s writing is a whole experience that I feel incredibly lucky to get to take into my mind and heart. I could see the sights they were seeing, I could smell the sea and the yeast and the lavender, I could hear the accents of their fellow travelers-turned-friends, I could feel their love and longing. I know I will visit them again and again in my mind and secondhand memories, and I plan to re-read this via audio as soon as I can.

Mon dieu. I adore this book. The evocative, transporting writing, the surprising humor, the horniness, the pining, the tenderness, and the heartache. I am absolutely drunk on all of it.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is doing things I didn’t know I needed from a romance novel, and now that I know I might be ruined for all others.

This book is a celebration of wine, food and queer love. It is sex-positive, poly-positive, self-love positive.

And the spice. The spice level is high with this one!

Nothing will ever compare to Red, White, and Royal Blue but The Pairing is my second favorite Casey McQuiston book. I enjoyed getting flashbacks to Theo and Kit’s relationship mixed in with their present day situation.

Delightfully funny and heartbreakingly moving, a story of love and friendship, fear and loss, and the beautiful and delicious things in life that inspire us and fill us with joy. This is a story of love lost and found, of the happiness that follows risking everything for a life you can barely even dream of, of the peace of knowing you’re in the right place at the right time with the right person. It’s also a love letter to Europe (especially Italy, Spain, and France), to its rich food and complex wine, to the vast and varied culture and cuisine. I dare you to read this book and not immediately want to book a European food and wine tour.

Theo and Kit’s story made me so sad at first because I could tell they really loved each other and the primary reason they broke up was major miscommunication, followed by hurt feelings, wrong assumptions, and bitter regret. It was difficult living in just Theo’s remembrances at first because they were always so down on themselves, sure of their unworthiness, angry at Kit’s betrayal. I could tell something wasn’t right, though, and was so relieved when the truth of their epic misunderstandings came to light.

In the end, though, their biggest issue wasn’t that they each thought they’d been abandoned by the other, it’s that there was a deep disconnect in what they each thought or assumed the other wanted. Kit thought he was doing Theo a favor setting their lives up for them and making all the decisions, but Theo just wanted to be ASKED what they wanted.

I have to also mention, though Kit makes his fair share of dumb mistakes and assumptions, he gets a few things absolutely right. When Theo finally comes out to him as nonbinary, he is absolutely supportive, asking their pronouns and other preferences, and even telling them how that totally makes sense. Kit’s easy acceptance of Theo is a real weight off their mind. Second, he honestly and sincerely apologizes for the mistakes he made in the past, tells Theo about his regrets, and listens when Theo explains how they feel. Kit was always a kind, generous soul, but he really grew up through his time of separation and self-reflection.

As much as Theo and Kit were meant to be together from the start, I think they needed some time apart to truly realize what mattered most to them in life, to think about what makes them happiest, and experience some of what doesn’t. And thank goodness they came to their senses and realized being just friends wasn’t good enough when they were in love, and that wasn’t going to change. They are so sweet and funny and charming together, and seeing them happy makes me happy, too - I’m not surprised their whole tour group was watching them like a reality show, rooting them on. For all that Theo and Kit were in the dark about each other’s true feelings, it was completely obvious to me and everyone else, even strangers they met in random cities, let alone people traveling with them in close quarters for weeks. But maybe we just can’t see what’s closest to us when so many feelings are involved.

Speaking of the tour group, they were all so delightful in their own ways, starting with the delightful Fabrizio and dependable Orla, and following every else down the line - the Calums, Montana and Dakota, the Swedes, the newlyweds, and Steig. I completely agree that there’s nothing like a trip together to make you life-long friends.

I always love ready books set in places I’ve been, or going to places I’ve read about in books. Part of it is I lack the ability to picture things in my mind alone, so having a memory to set a scene in is really helpful for me. It helps me connect to the story more, and feel like I’m part of it - I can remember walking through the Coliseum and Roman Forum, and spending hours admiring Bernini’s sculptures at the Galleria Borghese. I’ve walked across the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, marveled at Michelangelo’s David, gazed at Botticelli’s Venus, admired the Duomo’s majesty. I’ve walked the winding streets of Monte Carlo, though I definitely didn’t party or do anything else on a millionaire’s yacht. But when Theo and Kit are experiencing these places together for the first time, it all feels wonderful and real and inspired. And it makes me want to visit all the other places they go, too, and eat all the delicious food they try, and read this book again along the way.

I should also mention since this is a romance book at its core, that there’s a wide variety of spicy time starring two hot bis who spend half the book pretending to not want to have sex with each other by having a hooking-up-with-locals competition, and the other half having sex with each other. I would say it’s a 4🌶️ read, so be prepared if that’s not for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book.

I always love a good Casey McQuiston book! They never disappoint! I loved how both Theo and Kit ended up on the trip together and got to explore different cultures and foods while navigating their relationship. I’ve always wanted to travel Europe so I lived vicariously through them and thoroughly enjoyed their hot bi summer ☺️

Kit and Theo were best friends, then epic loves, then seminal heart breaks. But when fate puts them on the SAME food tour of Europe four years later (it's the non-refundable one they broke up on the way to - whoops), they have a second chance to figure out where they went wrong and to figure out what they would like to become.

The premise is SO STINKING CUTE. Who wouldn't DEVOUR a book about eating the best food, taking in the best sites, drinking the best wine, engaging in a silly contest to hook up with the most European hotties, and FALLING BACK IN LOVE?

For the first half of the book, I was awed and delighted. No one does cute and heartfelt better than McQuiston. At the midpoint, we switch POVs from Theo to Kit, and I felt that the writing was much weaker. I saw some other reviewers compare the writing in this novel to Wattpad and while I think that's an unfair comparison overall (plus some Wattpad writing is excellent!), I did see moments of that in the second act. The end was also such an unnecessary and underdeveloped roller coaster.

However, a highlight of the second half was a really thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of evolving gender identity and delightful, surprising, slightly scintillating spice scenes that queered typical romance tropes.

I had a good time reading it! The first half is a solid 4/5, and the last half is more of a 3, so it deserves to be bumped up to a 4.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!