This was such a disappointment for me. I was so excited to read it, but I liked nothing about it.. I couldn't get into it. I am sad

I was so excited when I saw Casey McQuiston had another book coming out - I absolutely loved One Last Stop and Red White and Royal Blue and, while it wasn’t my favorite, I enjoyed Shara Wheeler too.

Unfortunately, The Pairing just didn’t work for me. The number of hobbies and skills both lead characters were positively excellent at started to reach absurdity about 100 pages in. By that point, one character was a sommelier who could identify every single flavor in every single wine within seconds, an excellent chef, a nearly-professional swimmer who lost it all to an injury, and a fantastic mixologist who just happened to be recognized on site from a single party they’d bartended. The other was a master baker, an artist, and a whiz at identifying any and all plants instantly. And of course, in case you missed it despite the reminders every other paragraph, they’re both incredible at flirting, kissing, and sex. Of course, that last part appears to be true of literally every single person they meet in Europe - every other page there’s a new character they’re describing as unbelievably hot, outdone only by how often they’re describing each other as unbelievably hot.

I also found Theo’s lack of self awareness got annoying after a bit. They’d spend three paragraphs waxing poetic about a single curl in Kit’s hair and how much they wish his lips on a glass of wine were in their lips, only for the very next paragraph to be about how glad they are Hot Character #78 confirmed they’re both only interested in sleeping with other people.

I think that intense focus on having as much sex as possible wouldn't have been my cup of tea regardless, but it felt especially over-the-top for two 28/29 year olds to be making a bet about who can fuck the most strangers on a trip across Europe.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of the Pairing in exchange for an honest review!

After the sensation of Red, White and Royal Blue, it’s easy to say that The Pairing was a most anticipated read. Being granted an ARC of it was the thing of loud shrieks, even. My feelings about the novel are still processing, but I know enough to say the end result is a mixed bag, a meal that charmed but left me somehow still hungry. Overall, the journey through Europe is delicious, insatiable, and goes down easy–a whimsical tour of miscommunication, delicacies, and competition. Yet, for this reader, it frustrated as much as it delighted.

The Pairing begins at an ending. Theo and Kit, childhood friends and later lovers, end their relationship on the eve of a European food and wine tour. They go their separate ways; the reason is left a mystery. Years later, as the voucher for said tour nears its expiration, they finally decide to take the leap, not realizing they’ve both procrastinated in equal measure and will end up on the same bus throughout Europe. The tension is palpable in many ways. In order to lighten a tough situation, they make a bet about sleeping their way through the many stops, and find themselves falling more and more into the past which is suddenly present.

Kit is the definition of a soft, romantic lead–submissive and big with his heart, barely able to keep the love from being branded across his face. Theo is a more difficult character, ashamed of past failures and regret, both shirking away from the public responsibility of their doomed relationship, and filled with self-loathing inside at the same time. I didn’t like that when we found out the great conflict that resulted in this traumatic break-up and upheaval for both of them, it felt entirely unrealistic as the catalyst for something so steeped in history ending. The lack of simple communication is frustrating, and the whole book could’ve been unnecessary with one conversation. I just didn’t buy that these two people (or at least Kit) would be so stubborn as to let it finish as it did. And despite the assertions to the contrary, I didn’t feel like either of them had really changed by the end of it, beyond finally saying what needed to be said. I was swept up in the romance of it all eventually, but I couldn’t help but think that Kit deserves someone… nicer to him.

This may not be the perfect pairing, but the scenery sure was nice.

I was so exited to read this after having read Red, White, and Royal Blue, and I was not disappointed. As much as I loved those characters and that story, Kit and Theo hold my heart even more. This story made me laugh, it made me cry, and it definitely had really good spice. All of the characters are so well fleshed out and loveable. I wish I could go on a tour with Fabrizio and Orla, sit and have dinner with the Callums, and definitely eat and drink most of what they had in this book. I only had one small complaint and it was that there were some scenes between Kit and Theo that we were told about instead of actually experiencing. Other than that, I had a great time reading this book and have already recommended it to half a dozen people.

The Pairing is a love letter to a sunny day in a holiday, to a realization about yourself that you're learning how to explain and to the cycles that never quite close because they are always meant to stick with you.

While reading I felt like I was right there with Theo and Kit, joining their trip around Europe, slutting around like no other. The picture painted is so clear, even with only words you can picture the sun, the taste of the food, the smells. The prose is beautiful, the POV change works perfectly for understanding both characters both through the way they see themselves and the way they see each other.

I cried, it happens when you suddenly realise things about yourself you had been thinking about for too long. The Pairing did not trans my gender but it for sure kicked me out of denial a lot faster than any other thing could have done.

there's definitely an audience for this book and unfortunately i'm not a part of it. this felt very bland and frustrating to get through which was a bit disappointing considering i've enjoyed the author's past books. this seemed like mcquiston tried to do something different with this but i just couldn't vibe with it, each MC was just a bit.... meh. i look forward to what mcquiston puts out next despite this one!

Theo and Kit have been almost everything to each other - childhood best friends, crushed-on roommates, lovers, and now strangers. After they breakup while traveling to Europe for a food and wine tour, Theo returns to California and Kit goes on to Paris, each with a voucher to use to go on the trip. Shortly before the vouchers are set to expire, they separately decide to cash them in and end up trying to prove to each other that they're over the other one while traveling Europe.

I absolutely loved this book! As soon as I saw that Casey McQuiston had another book available, I knew I'd be reading it for Pride month. I hadn't even read the book's blurb. So I wasn't aware that both Theo and Kit were bi until after I'd started reading. The book starts off being told from Theo's POV and then about halfway through the trip, switches to Kit. Which means that you don't truly know what happened with the breakup until well into the book. Honestly, this was much better than the normal back and forth POVs. Of course, everything probably could have been avoided if they'd taken time to be adults and talk things out, but that would be a really boring book. The "contest" of hooking up with other people was really a way to prove that they were over each other when they clearly weren't. And it gave some steamy scenes. But none of them came anywhere close to the scenes with Theo and Kit together. The idea of touring Europe's food and drink was also something I loved (and was jealous of so many of their meals). It was so good!

In many ways I’m the perfect reader for this book- I love wine and food, I’m in Europe in some the places described while reading, I love thinking about gender and reading about sex. And I am all for a second chance epic love story. There is a lot to like here. Theo is a unique character and McQuiston is masterful with description. But ..it was all too much for me, too literary not enough plot. At first, the sex felt desperate..which it was supposed to but it was kind of sad- and maybe that was the point. Then it morphed into a romance that was sumptuous and torturous. Maybe this book was too raw for me but a lot of it felt self indulgent- foodie, historical, and travel porn. Strong Call Me By Your Name vibes. It picked up 50% of the way through and as I said- plenty to admire in the writing and the purity of the characters’ love for each other, but at the end of the day, could’ve been paired down quite a bit. Rating this was tough- 3.5 rounded to 4 for the writing, research, and love that pours through these characters.

Short summary: Theo and Kit broke up 4 years ago on their way to a European food/wine tour and haven’t spoken since. Now’s their last chance to cash in and they’ve both signed on. How will they handle 3 weeks together? A sex bet…that’s how.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This made me so desperately want to travel more and enjoy every bite of food and every taste of a drink. This book is a love letter to food and travel. I could've done with less spicy times because I feel like that's not the reality of all European trips, but I understand why it was a big part. I enjoyed the dual POV's quite a bit. I feel like it was needed! Second chance romance isn't my favorite trope, but this one was done well. There are twists and turns, romance and rivalry, but overall just a fun time.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an eARC!

Theo and Kit's relationship imploded on the flight to their European food and wine tour. They cancelled the tour and got vouchers for another time. Theo went back to the US, but Kit stayed in Europe and became a pastry chef (and his pastry class's sex god). With the deadline to use the vouchers coming up, both of them use theirs...for the same time. Now they are stuck together for weeks of food and wine and Europe.

It had been some time since the break up. They have been living their own lives. All that is in the past. They decide to make the most of the vacation and start a hookup competition.

This was a fun book about food and wine and sex and young people living life. There is not a hint of vanilla in the sex scenes. With there being a hookup competition and both Theo and Kit being open and bisexual, this won't be surprising. Millennials and younger won't blink an eye, but older generations might clutch a pearl or two.

I appreciated the maturity level of the main characters. Once things got rolling, they didn't get caught up in stupid things that could be solved by communicating better. The cast of characters throughout their travels are a lot of fun. And some spicy love scenes are always good, too!

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press , St. Martin's Griffin for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

I'm withholding my review of The Pairing in solidarity with the #SpeakUpSMP boycott. Please visit https://r4acollective.org/about/ for more information.

This book was exactly what I was looking for. I loved Theo and Kit, and the way they both evolve and grow throughout the book. The only thing that keeps it from a 5 star is that a lot of the technical jargon both characters used took me out of the story, specifically when it was a paragraph strung together that I had to try to wrap my head around.

Pairs well with bi chaos & squeals & tears & laughs & lots of wine while reading 🥂

THE WAY KIT AND THEO MADE MY LITTLE BISEXUAL HEART BURST & FEEL SEEN WAS EVERYTHING 😭

Honestly y’all, this is a bold claim but I think The Pairing may just be my favorite @casey.mcquiston book. There I said it! It was equal parts hilarious & bittersweet & messy & beautiful & so so so fun. I am so thankful that I was able to get my hands on an eARC of this book because it’s truly everything & I cannot wait for y’all to read it!

A fave quote: “There is perhaps nothing as true, as enduring, as fitting a tribute to the Renaissance as being so horny you could die on the streets of Florence”

One of my absolute favorite writers is back at it again with a swoon-inducing romance between exes on the same European food and wine tour. I thoroughly savored this book like Theo and Kit savored all kinds of sumptuous foods throughout their horny (and fully hilarious) romp through France, Spain, and Italy—you can picture yourself in the heart of every city, experiencing the wonders through Theo and Kit’s dual POV. Fell in love will their love and the cast of characters (shout out Fabrizio)!

I’m giving The Pairing by Casey McQuiston a middle rating to embody my ambivalence. It was well written and had great narration. I knew going in that this book had a hook up competition and it might not work for me. Second chance romance is hit or miss, depending on how it’s handled. That said, I’m sure most will love it!
*Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ebook and audiobook copies for review

This was such a disappointment for me. I was so excited to read it, but I liked nothing about it. The constant hooking up with random people, the droning on and on about the food, there is absolutely no chemistry IMO.

By the halfway point when we switched to Kit's POV I simply didn't care if they ended up together or not. I was over the whole keeping g count of hookups. I wish I could say it got better, but honestly it just doesn't.



Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 72%.

Casey McQuiston has become a very hit or miss author for me and, unfortunately, The Pairing was a miss. In fact, I don’t think I would’ve finished it if it weren’t for the audiobook.

I’m not a big fan of second chance romances because I find that they lack the emotional build-up that I need to care about the relationship. You can’t make me invested in a story about two people getting back together through off-the-page assumptions and flashbacks of their past relationship. What makes them work now? Show me how they have evolved in a way that makes sense for them to find each other again. Casey McQuiston didn’t sell it for me here.

It also didn’t help that I found Theo completely insufferable. There’s nothing I hate more than a whiny nepo baby constantly crying about how unfair it is that they have a wealthy family willing to help them finance their business. Just take your sister’s money and shut up! Anyone who was truly struggling would gladly accept it and move on. And the whiny voice used for their dialogues by the narrator of Kit’s part of the book only further cemented my hatred of their character.

Kit is also incredibly bland. I remember practically nothing about him except that he is handsome, French and a baker… that is, if there was more to him to remember. It seems like his character only served to be in love with Theo and go on and on about how great and beautiful they were. Which, when you find them as insufferable as I previously mentioned, got annoying really fast.

If you want an amazing Casey McQuiston book, read One Last Stop, not this one.

4.5⭐️

Warning: do not read on an empty stomach! This book will make you extremely hungry!

The Pairing is a breathtaking, transportive, immersive experience for all the senses while having a dreamlike, ethereal feel. I think this story is remarkable in how it will connect with a multitude of readers as McQuiston builds this story around memories. McQuiston presents readers with the opportunity to journey back into our own personal experiences through certain dishes, drinks, and time we’ve spent around the table with friends… memories tied to food are so powerful and can transport us to pivotal moments of joy, heartbreak, and comfort in our past through a single bite or sip.

The collection of characters McQuiston crafted were so colorful, vivacious, and endearing and I loved how they became a family throughout their travels. Witnessing the characters break bread, swap stories, and share in joy and laughter felt magical and like coming home.

So. Much. Longing. I didn’t know if my heart would survive this second chance story and I found myself on many occasions holding my breath. The journey of healing and growth, of sharpening communication, and baring of souls that Theo and Kit went on to find their way back to each other was such an emotional experience and so honest, raw, and moving. The processing of feelings and internal debate of how much and what and when to share was so palpable and I was on the edge of my seat wondering will they or won’t they?

The Pairing is a beautiful love letter to creatives and artists who pour out their passion, inspiration, dreams, and their very souls into the art they create and share with the world. This story will turn your heart inside out and truly take your breath away with its incredible vulnerability and depth of intimacy shared.

This book was just so good with all the delectable pining and angst, one bed situations, dual POV, sex positive discussions, and beautiful ending… it was a remarkable experience!

This was easily one of my most anticipated books of the year. Red, White, and Royal Blue and One Last Stop are two of my favorite comfort books to revisit, and Casey McQuiston's writing is always witty and an absolute romp.

The Pairing did not disappoint in delivering McQuiston's trademark banter and loveable characters. Our main characters, Kit and Theo, and the rest of the cast of characters we meet at every stop on this friends-to-lovers-to-enemies second-chance-romance adventure are truly a delight. The characters are complex and fleshed-out, and you just can't help but want to have them as your friends.

I loved seeing Kit and Theo's story unfold throughout their European tour, inspired and propelled by the people they met. However, about two-thirds of the way through the book, the story began to drag and get repetitive for me. I started to lose track of which city we were in and what had happened in previous cities when referenced. If this had been about 50-75 pages shorter and the story a little tighter, it could have been perfect for me.

Casey McQuiston is absolutely at the top of my favorite author list. They're writing voice is so distinct and just a joy to read. I'm grabbing a finished copy when this is released and giving this another read in the future.

This is probably one of my most anticipated books of the year, so it is with great disappointment that I express how let down I was by it. I adored RWRB and One Last Stop. I own several copies of each of them because I love them so much. Theo and Kit just didn’t work for me. Theo was insufferable and was just a horrible person. I felt that in exchange for character development, we got horniness. And not really for the sake of anything except hooking up, it was a lot. I think that Theo needed to grow a lot as a person and that just didn’t happen over the course of the book. As far as working together, I felt that there was so much history between Kit and Theo, but we never got into that, just they were supposed to be back together. For a second chance romance to work for me I need to know why a couple broke up, why they’re trying again, and how they have overcome why they broke up to begin with. That did not happen here. In this case we got a little, but it was so brief I was unsatisfied and needed more.

I think that this book is about being horny and working your way through Europe. I was expecting more from this author.