I really loved Red White and Royal Blue, so I have continued to read everything Casey McQuiston has published since. Unfortunately, I feel with each publication have been diminishing returns; The Pairing being my least favorite of McQuiston's work. If I had to sum up my review in a sentence, I would write: "Casey McQuiston is super horny and figured out a great way to have their publisher cover a 'research' trip abroad." I slogged through the book; through a billion sex scenes and descriptions of longing feelings with zero communication to their counterpart; descriptions of beautiful European places and foods and wine which all blurred together and I started to skim because descriptions of beauty can only really be interesting for so long. I not even sure I was really all that invested in Theo and Kit's relationship, although the ending is sweet. I love seeing bi romance but this one didn't hit me in the feels the way I wish it had.

This was a really fun book! McQuiston's humor is one of a kind, witty and silly and familiar, like getting drinks with a friend. I laughed out loud several times while making my way through this book! And, of course, McQuiston's character work is wonderful as always. They write such nuanced, human characters, and the way that queerness is explored in this book through Kit and (especially) Theo was really incredible.

And speaking of Kit! What a wonderful character. He was sweet and sad and loving and flawed in ways that just made him impossible to dislike. He slipped into my heart right alongside other CMQ greats like Alex Claremont-Diaz.

I had my issues with Theo, though, which made certain sections of the book harder to get through. They just never seemed to really deal with their personal issues with accepting help or support from other people. Once the cause of Theo and Kit's initial breakup was revealed, I saw Kit's mistakes, of course, but felt it still reflected back mostly on Theo. They exhibit this same behavior to Sloane, and again to Kit, throughout the book, but their character arc largely ignores this in favor of them believing in themselves. Which, of course, is part of it, but it seemed a strange redirection, especially coupled with the final-quarter drill to set Kit as the one with a problem with delusions of grandeur without follow-through - something we only ever really hear about Theo exhibiting before this. It seemed like perhaps the POV switch shook some things up with direction.

Overall, though, I had a great time with this one and am so pleased for another McQuiston book to enter the world.

I love me a story like this! It kept me captivated from the first chapter. I just think a wide variety/range of people will really enjoy this! I recommend.

Stopped reading partway through because the cocktail/wine descriptions were too vivid for me as a sober person. This is probably a huge plus for the vast majority of readers who do drink, though!

2.5 stars rounded up.

Sigh. This book. I wanted to love it so badly. Bisexual exes who reunite after years apart on a wine and food tour through Europe? What a set up for a novel. But the execution fell totally flat and it's because for the most part, I did not like Theo & Kit at all.

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be: horny. This book 100% reminds me of those Reels where chefs try to over-sexualize everything they're doing in the kitchen for the views. It felt like a book that was trying so hard to be carefree and sexy at the sake of literally everything else.

First of all, I wish any of my European experiences involved hot single pansexual people willing to hook up after a single glance in any city I went to. Sadly, not the case and as a result all of the side characters (actually let's call them conquests because that's all they really were in this little game) had no character at all. Such a wasted opportunity to have funny antidotes and more personality in this story.

The first half of the book is written in Theo's POV and the second half through Kit's instead of the more traditional format of alternating chapters. And while I agree with most readers that Kit's POV was much easier to read than Theo's, I still don't enjoy a book where the full first half is an actual slog. I felt like so much of the emotional connection happened off page and what we were left with was some sloppy sex and inability to two adults to have honest conversations. The miscommunication trope run rampant over this entire plot, including playing a key role in the initial breakup. When that story was finally revealed and discussed it was a definite "are you two freaking kidding me right now" moment.

Not even the lush scenery and delicious eats could save this one. So sad.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Pairing.

To start, I love the name of this book, and the character names are well chosen.

This book has a quality that no matter where you are in the book a picture has been painted. The descriptions of the setting are immaculate and it in not confusing moving around from city to city.

This book makes me want to go on a bus tour and never return home. The Pairing will give anyone the travel bug.

I think the characters were missing a depth to them. I wish that there were flashbacks used instead of information dump at points with character backstory.

I liked the split in narration, however, by the end I was thinking it would have been more interesting to have an every other chapter split rather than a half and half split. I personally liked Kit’s narration better than Theo’s and would have been more entertained with a different split.

I think this book does a good job of giving character perspectives that have not been in many romance novels. I do have concern with Theo being apart of the 1% in regards to money, and the utilization of Theo being “broke”. I think there could’ve been a more impactful way to indicate Theo’s mental struggle with accepting help, and did not fancy the broke storyline personally.
I think my concern also lies in Theo not being as relatable to a lot of people that will read the book, and I think that will make a hit or a miss for this book in the public’s perspective.

Overall, I did tend to grow bored about midway, but by the end I was loving it again, and despite areas in the book that weren’t to my taste I think this book is well done, and will give a comfort to the LGBTQIA+ community in seeing more characters that are in ways like them! Now, I am off to book a vacation to Paris.

the imagery of the european vacation with all the flavors and sights was my favourite part of the way this author writes!
it was just stunning and i felt like i was there tasting everything with them
with that being said i really liked reading a book about a bisexual couple, i can’t believe in all my years of reading romance i have never even read one book abt one of the mcs being bi, i really appreciated that, it was a unique book that for sure stands out to me
i think that kit was the most loveable character from the book while theo felt a little bit short there was something missing that didn’t make me connect to them as much but i still wanted kit to be happy so i was rooting for both of them
there were some grammatical errors in spanish and french that made me cringe lol but i hope they get fixed before the publishing date

3.5/5 Stars
*ARC Review*

Having loved Red, White and Royal Blue for a while, I was excited to jump back into Casey McQuiston's light and hopeful queer romance world. The Pairing had such a fun concept with two exs forced together on a wine tour of Europe and engaging in a sex competition while harboring feelings for one another. It was fun to journey with Theo and Kit as they found their way back to each other, but unfortunately, there were some aspects of the book that left me feeling lackluster.

Reading this book definitely made me long for a European vacation. McQuiston's writing shined in describing the foods and sights of all the tour stops, and I was engaged in all the beautiful environments Theo and Kit found themselves in. I enjoyed all the side characters on the tour as well, and found Theo and Kit sweet and lovable protagonists I wanted to root for. Be aware, there is a lot of sex in this book (a given with the description), but I felt it veered on the side of playful and fun as opposed to egregious and off putting. I was really enjoying the book, and ready to give it an even higher rating until a change in the perspectives really threw the story off course for me.

Halfway through the book, the POV changes from Theo to Kit and never goes back. I liked seeing what was going on in Kit's head, but I found myself wanting to return to Theo's inner world. When the switch happens, Theo is just on the edge of dealing with their internal conflicts about their family and their feelings for Kit, and it sort of feel like a loose end once we are permanently in Kit's mind who is dealing with issues of his own. It just deflated all the tension in the middle of the story as it felt like we were starting over with Kit. Plus, since we never go back, I felt like we didn't get the resolutions I was hoping for especially in regards to Theo and their sister, Sloane. This also left me wanting more from an ending that I probably would have liked if the story was only in Theo's POV.

I still think The Pairing is a cute and light read, and would recommend it for the right audience. I was just personally left wanting more from the story, and it's just not going to be one of my favorites like Red, White, and Royal Blue is.

TW: death of a parent, suspicious peach activity.

Sensual foodies, chaotic bisexuals and travelers unite for a story that pulls you across Europe in a beautiful depiction of what it means to give yourself the freedom to choose your own path, give your heart and everything you have over to your dreams, and sometimes to love. Casey McQuiston can't miss with Theo and Kit. This book was horny as hell and definitely on the more adult side of author’s works but I took it in stride: I can usually appreciate some good smut and it didn’t overwhelm me nor did it feel repetitive or boring - no, it certainly wasn't boring. I loved every minute of this book and I was so grateful for the opportunity to receive an ARC.

Theo and Kit are wonderful. Relatable in their fears and dreams and resplendent in their actions and choices. I loved their deep connection and the growth they make throughout the book. Seeing bits of their past connect with their present was so comforting and heartbreaking. The side characters were also clever and fun and the depiction of locations was gorgeously crafted while the food and wine pairings took my breath away.

This story isn't just about horny bisexuals eating food and romping through a tour of Europe, though at surface level, that's exactly what it is. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it had characters with depth and such a strong desire to be seen as they are. I thought the pacing was great and consistent and the POV swap gave me absolutely everything I desired from these characters. It made everything feel much more complete. While reading this I felt something very reminiscent of how I felt reading Red, White & Royal Blue - but these characters were refreshing and wild in a way I adored and admired. The age of these characters was also perfect for me, I found it so easy to connect with their thoughts and feelings.

Very nice book by CAM. A progressive love story that is diverse in its cast and its settings and tropes. This is an excellent follow-up to red white and royal blue and one last stop

Oh I loved this one! Casey McQuiston is a confort author because her storytelling always just feels so cozy and precious. I loved these two characters and their love story. The journey from beginning to end was thoughtful, creative, and insightful. I will always champion diverse and relatable romances and that is what McQuiston writes best! This was superb and I’m looking forward to the print edition even more now!

I really loved both of Casey McQuiston's past books, so was super excited to read the eARC for this one. I appreciated the first half being narrated by one of the main characters, and the second half being narrated by the other main character. I did find Theo to be a bit immature, so was glad their half was first. Kit's perspective was a lot easier to read. The tour, food, and wine descriptions were excellent - it made me want to visit France and Italy! What detracted from the characters love story was their orgy-tour of Europe. It didn't feel believable that that much random sex would be had, but maybe I am just out of touch with youth these days (haha). I loved the gender fluid exploration - more books written about that please! Overall, this was a 3 star read for me.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC.

one of the horniest books i’ve ever read lol but it was overall a fund time. i love the descriptions of all the food!

The Pairing is about two people who grew up together, fell in love, broke up, and meet each other again four years later on a wine and food tour that they had originally booked as a couple's experience. Kit, a baker living in Paris, and Theo, a sommelier-in-training living in California, travel throughout Europe tasting local wine, pastries, and the locals themselves; to prove that they are cool with each other now and have grown past the breakup, Theo and Kit create a competition to see who can sleep with the most people on their tour. After four years of no contact with the one person who used to know the other inside and out, Kit and Theo need to navigate if they still want to be in each other's lives and what that could possibly look like.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, from the likability of the characters, the beautiful descriptions of the settings, and the way the author describes consumption in all forms to make the reader feel as if they are right there with the characters. From the beginning I knew I would enjoy the book at least a little, as I have read McQuiston's work before and absolutely devoured it. The Pairing was no different; I was instantly drawn to the way sexuality, gender, and desire are discussed in such a fluid way. Having been to a few of the locations Kit and Theo stop at on their tour, I can confirm that the author expertly captures the atmosphere and historical influence of some of the most famous cities in Europe. The only reason I rated this book a 4/5 instead of 5/5 is that I wish we got a bit more of the main characters interacting with their family, as they seem so pivotal to the development of the characters. I also think that although I enjoyed the switch in POVs about halfway through the book, the book may have benefited from a more consistent switch between POVs throughout the story.
I really enjoyed this book, and thank you to Casey McQuiston, St. Martin's Publishing Group, and NetGalley for a free ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review!

This book is a love letter to food and to the beauty of traveling. I absolutely adored the vivid descriptions of the food and wine pairings. I also loved the towns and the way that the story so beautifully articulated all the things I love about traveling. It gave me a little bit of FOMO to not be on this tour with Kit and Theo. Kit and Theo themselves had a HUGE amount of growth in this. Both on their own and together. I loved watching their romance rekindle and the way that despite the time and distance, they can craft a new dream that fits one another. I liked the pacing of the book, I liked the dual POV. I just wish we got a little more about their past and I felt like the ending wrapped up far too quickly. Overall still a fantastic diverse romance read! Rounded up from 4.5 stars.

I love Casey and their work and was excited to review this book because I have loved the last two, however, I will be withholding a review due to the #SpeakupSMP boycott occurring. This is not a reflection of my feelings for the author or their work and I will release my review when SMP speaks up annd is held accountable to their actions.

I've noticed that with each new book, Casey MCQuiston has attempted to toss out her previous plot mold and steered her creative genius in an innovative direction.

The reader will still encounter the familiar theme of the "non-conformist/outsider/fringe dweller" who can't seem to find lasting love. <u>The Pairing</u> is no exception, but Theo and Kit <i>definitely </i> push the envelope as their stories (told from their alternating points of view) unfold.

No spoilers, but there is a transition in the second half of the novel that truly opened a door for me onto what life - and love - must be like for those who identify as transgender and non-binary.

Readers should be prepared for intensely emotional and highly graphic scenes. Whereas McQuiston's previous novels had plenty of youthful yearning and lustful foreplay, the actual "denouement" of these encounters was usually left off the page. Readers who regularly inhale steamy -or downright raunchy - fiction (and I used to be one of them in my youth!) will be huge fans of The Pairing.

<img src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/2e6100ef39a05837989beca4e71ecf59/tumblr_oixfbwHVYw1t00tavo3_540.gif"/>

This is the type of "raunchy" that I grew up with:

<img src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/sexiest-movie-kisses-from-here-to-eternity-649b44d072ebb.gif"/>

Same difference? I'll let you be the judge!

BONUS CONTENT: For those readers who prefer to skim over the romantic escapades of these two star-crossed lovers, the various settings for <u>The Pairing</u> takes us along many epicurean and "off the beaten track" locations in France and Italy. McQuiston's novel is a travelogue served with a generous blend of delicious food and wine and has been topped off with a huge dollop of extracurricular activities (aka "sexercise!") to keep our mental waistlines trim and slim!

I loved Theo and Kit - both are adorable, engaging characters! - but once again I got confused by the sudden "their/them" pronoun shift midway through the novel when referring to a transgender or non-binary person. I'm sure I will get the hang of this eventually: I'll keep trying! Out of curiosity: has any enterprising LGBTQ author published a novel where they have created their own distinctive pronouns? I would love to hear about it.

I'm rating this one a 4 out of 5 entertaining stars. I found that I had to take several breaks from all the frolicking, in the same way that I like to pace and space out my sight-seeing itinerary! I have to admit that, as I turned the last page, I was totally inspired to head back to Europe and see for myself all the wonderful places (and sample all the wonderful food) that McQuiston and her band of Dionysian travelers caroused in. Highly recommended!

I have loved all of Casey McQuiston’s books but this might be my favorite. The slow burn, second chance romance was vivid and felt real, both people’s uncertainty that the other still wants them as they figure it out themselves. It was great to read a book with bi and nonbinary representation as well.

The food, wine, and travel details were lovely, as were the side characters on the trip with them.

Highly recommend!

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own

This book is utterly romantic and majestically horny. In between immersive descriptions of unforgettable meals and transformative travel experiences, I found myself highlighting some of the most fucking romantic prose I’ve ever read in my life.

“What a wonder, what a miracle: somehow, more of her.”

I’m sorry, what??? How am I supposed to recover from this?

I’ve never read a second chance romance quite like this. Every page was a love letter to finding what makes you happy and letting yourself have it. It was indulgent and sensual and so freaking good. I have thought about nothing but this book since I picked it up, and I will be thinking about this for maybe the rest of my life.

WOW WOW WOW WOW.
This book was literally amazing.
I loved all of it. Second chance romance, vacation, and queer love!!
The first 50% of the book is Theo's POV and the second 50% of the book is Kit's POV. I LOVED it! Being able to read from both MC's POV was such an amazing part of the book.

All of the characters were amazing and added so much to the story!

My only real issue was how long all of the food and wine descriptions were. I enjoyed some of them however, it made the book feel like it was dragging a tiny bit. The miscommunication troupe was done well enough that I didn't have a huge issue it!

This book truly had Call Me By Your Name vibes ( UM PEACHES) and it was sooo good!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Casey McQuiston or letting me read this book early in exchange for my honest review!!!