Casey’s writing is so incredible as always!! The way Casey can describe like no other, I really felt like I was there and feeling and tasting everything along with the characters. However, speaking of the characters I didn’t love them. The first half of the story just had me so upset for Theo and wondering how TF they could still be interested in Kitt. And then the second half of the story, I was like okay why did they ever even break up!?! Kitt is a catch and how could they let Theo go. This book really challenged me as a reader, it’s incredibly sexual in a way I’m not used to. I found myself wondering why is everyone so flirty and sexual?! I’d be so uncomfy…. But that’s the joy of reading right? Experiencing something unlike anything you’d ever do.

This book was absolutely incredible; Casey has done it again! Immediately after reading I started googling European vacations because I needed to continue the vibes. Kit is the sweetest sweetheart, and though he reminded me in some ways of Henry from RWRB, he is still his own entity. Theo is a disaster and I love them. Chaotic bisexual nonbinary energy in a nutshell. The side characters were also so fun and I loved how interested I was the entire time.

3 stars. Honestly, I hate doing this with a Casey McQuiston book, but The Pairing was WAY TOO LONG. I get it. I get that it’s supposed to be about excess, about hedonistic pleasures when the two characters are denying themselves of the pleasure of true love…but I think this could have been achieved with fewer stops and a bit less description.

That is my only real criticism. Theo and Kit and beautifully drawn characters whose story loosely mirrors Persuasion by Jane Austen (there are some LOVELY nods to it), and the food and drink and revelry and tour group friends are so much fun. There’s joy and heartache and sex positivity and a beautiful coming out. The ending definitely feels earned. But it’s just a bit too much.

Read when all you want is to indulge your senses in an absolute feast of words.

While this wasn’t my favorite book of hers I did like it. Just not as much as I was hoping. I would definitely recommend it and think it’s entertaining and most will like!

As a long term Casey McQuiston fan and an advocate for more non-binary representation, this book called to me like a moth to flame. That being said, McQuiston brought a lot to the table only for a lot of the plot lines to fall flat. By immersing us into a world of European cuisine and fancy tours, McQuiston attempts to fill the pages with as many descriptive words as possible only for my immersion to be broken by lack of interests. The characters, Kit and Theo, make the entire book. And even then, the uncomfortable scenes they’re put in—the “Call Me by your Name” peach scene in book form—did not do anything but make me grimace. The book is three stars for the overall experience and the excellence of characters, but two stars for actual substance and miscommunication done wrong.

I wanted to love this so badly, because Red White & Royal Blue and One Last Stop are two of my all-time faves - but The Pairing was just not for me. I didn't gravitate towards either MC, and even by the end, didn't find myself rooting for them. I love Casey so much and there are people that LOVED this one, but unfortunately wasn't for me.

this was a fast and exciting twist on what would otherwise be a boring romance. I really loved the dynamic between our two leads and how they are both bi, leaving more room of connections throughout.

DNF.... I couldn't finish this because it was was sooooo Loh and absolutely nothing was happening. I'm so disappointed because I love all of Casey's books, but I just couldn't finish this.

The travel writing her is fabulous! I loved traveling alongside estranged couple and best friends Theo and Kit. Your wanderlust and hunger will only grow while reading this one. It is definitely very steamy and the combination of the travel and romance make it a perfect vacation read. The writing style made the story feel a little staccato for me which is why I didn’t rate it higher. McQuiston fans will certainly enjoy this one!

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc! I loved this story overall but the first half, which was from Theo’s pov, was a lot harder for me to follow than the second. I think Kit’s perspective gave more insight and felt more open and made story flow better. I think I also didn’t care for some theo’s issues? They seemed rather silly and not really problems? Idk as a character I understood the issues but I found them slightly boring. I love Casey but this wasn’t the book I was expecting, I guess

I loved Red, White & Royal Blue and have been chasing that high in Casey McQuiston’s books ever since. I think she finally got it right. The Pairing has the most incredible descriptions of food and travel and European cities alongside an intense, passionate romance. The premise is delightful and the book delivers!

what... was this. I love McQuiston so much. I adore RWRB with my whole heart and One Last Stop is supremely wonderful. This was not.

It was two messy, horny former boyfriend/girlfriend hooking up with everyone they meet on a European adventure, while still being in love with the other, but hurting them as they watch the other hook up with everyone they meet on a European adventure. The food seemed nice, though? I barely made it through this. What privileged, annoying, selfish people.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

I love Casey McQuiston!!!! And this was such a fun, travel and food filled birthday present to me!! While it wasn’t my favorite of their books, I still loved the banter between Theo and Kit. My biggest wish were that the supporting charters were a bit more flushed out. That’s something I typically love about McQuiston’s writing, their supporting characters. But nevertheless, this is still a wonderful second chance romance!

Casey McQuiston does not disappoint, and this book was no different. I liked the whole premise of "pairing" together a chef and sommelier, with each location on the trip having a corresponding food/wine pairing (I love a good theme). More importantly, the characters themselves and their romance were *chef's kiss* -- I really liked both Theo and Kit. The dual POV was also well written.

With the usual finesse and gorgeous prose of a Casey McQuiston novel, this one was unputdownable. I thought about Kit and Theo in my spare moments, the entire novel a delight. From their growth as individuals to the end of the book, I adored every word. With great representation and a love story you can’t help but root for, this one may be my favorite!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this wonderfully queer romance! Opinions are my own.

This was a DNF for now. The writing structure of this book is just vastly different than the author’s RWRB book, which I had really enjoyed. Will try to finish this at a later date on audio.

This was one of my best reads of the year. I am thoroughly obsessed with it, and WILL be buying it so I can do many, many rereads in the future.

I have picked this book up four different times and just can't connect with the characters or the plot. I used to love McQuiston but maybe it's because I've read so many good books this year or maybe I'm just not in the right mindset, but I can't get into this book. I hope it finds it's audience, which unfortunately does not include me.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC for my voluntary and honest review!

The Pairing is a a queer, second chance romance taking place during a Bourdain, foodie adventure throughout Europe. I truly enjoyed the descriptions of the different locations and food descriptions; however, the relationship dynamic was incredibly repetitive. A fun read with a heartwarming ending, but the narrative left a bit to be desired.

This plot has definitely been done before but luckily I am sucker for former lovers/long time friends reunited. That trope but make it queer and really horny. As other reviews have mentioned, I could have done without all the fandom.sex with other people. It seemed unnecessary and kind of just annoyed me. But I was.root I g for these characters from start to finish.