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!!!

Literally screamed with joy when finding out I'd been approved for an ARC of Casey McQuiston's newest novel I'd been excited about since it was first announced. 'The Pairing' is a stunningly rich, queer, and simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking journey unfolding via food, travel and Theo and Kit's romantic relationship unlike anything I've read before. Will make you want to immediately buy a ticket to travel continental Europe and wish you had access to all the incredible-sounding snacks they enjoyed.

I fall in love with all of CMQ's characters and these are possibly my favourites so far - cannot wait to reread and experience it all over again.

This was a beautiful book that we need more of. Love the topics it covers, queer relationships, gender, need more of this kind of romance in books, there are not enough! I can’t tell you how hungry I got while reading this delicious book. Come on, I got to read about a dildo going around over 10 times on a luggage carousel at the airport! This book made me laugh, cry, it had all the emotions. Thank you NetGalley and St Martins press for the arc in exchange for my honest review. Will have to buy this book when it releases, look at the awesome sprayed edges.

"The Pairing" by Casey McQuiston is a captivating and heartwarming romance novel that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. McQuiston's writing style is engaging, with witty dialogue and well-developed characters that draw you into their world from the very first page.

The story follows the journey of two individuals who come from different backgrounds and have contrasting personalities. The author beautifully portrays their budding romance, filled with ups and downs, humor, and genuine emotions.

What stands out in "The Pairing" is McQuiston's ability to address important themes such as acceptance, self-discovery, and the power of love to transcend barriers. The characters' chemistry is palpable, making their love story all the more compelling and relatable.

Overall, "The Pairing" is a delightful read that will leave you feeling uplifted and believing in the magic of love. Casey McQuiston has once again delivered a charming and memorable story that will resonate with readers long after they've finished the book.

Absolutely delightful! Casey McQuistion is a child of the late-90s-early-2000s-teen-rom-com-renaissance in the best way possible! Is it trope-y? Yes. Is it cheesy? Yes. However, there is also a level of sincerity and earnestness within the story that many romance writers fail to achieve. Using the somewhat odd and unbelievable elements of. a classic rom-com, McQuistion is still able to explore characterization and human relationships in a real and meaningful way that I find to be quite impactful. With their novels, there is always an undertone of honesty, no matter how unbelievable the plots themselves may be, which I really enjoy.

Within this novel, I absolutely love the thirty (though technically slightly younger), flirty (nothing sexier than a cheese and wine tasting), and thriving (okay, so maybe thats a facade sometimes, but fake it 'til you make it, right?) nature of the book. The characters are relatable and fun, and exceptionally well developed with strong internal monologues. The pacing is also great, as you travel quickly through Europe with the two leads and the tour group.

Overall, I loved this novel and will be quick to recommend!

The Pairing will definitely be a fun summer read! This is the first work by Casey McQuiston that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. I loved the different settings and all of the characters. I genuinely think Fabrizio was one of my favorite characters__that man is a mood <3

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book early in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 *s
Second chance romance, with steam up to your ears, and also, it makes you hungry.

Theo and Kit broke up four years ago on their way to a European food and wine tour, and have not spoken since. They cancelled their excursion and each got a voucher to go on the tour later. Well, now that voucher is about to expire, and Theo figures it’s better to use it than let that happen. Unfortunately Kit has the same idea, and now they’re both in Europe, on the same tour together, with no escape. What entails on this tour is indulgence to it’s highest level, with so much pining and amazing descriptions accompanying it.

Favorite Quotes
“I came to drink champagne and eat tortellini until I throw up.”
“Kiss me, haunt me, handle me recklessly.”

Review
Casey McQuiston is my favorite author, and they did not disappoint with this new novel. From the start of the novel, I got that signature writing style and humor that I’ve been missing in my life. I loved the plot lined and the way the story was structured, and to me it lent well to the over all narrative. I ordered this book on presale back in December and I’m glad I did. I’m already so excited to reread this with a glass of wine and some delicious baked breads, cheeses, jams, everything. The description of the food and the locations is amazing, though I have to admit I am not familiar with a lot of the food words/flavors/descriptions, so some of it went over my head, but what I got was sublime. The flirting, the banter, the connections, all fantastic. This is the second book I’ve read that is second chance romance, and I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on it. The second half of the book is probably my favorite, and connected me to the story more than the first half.

(Spoliers below)

I love how Theo’s gender was handled, and how Kit responded to it both in day to day and when they were intimate. Their growth over the tour was believable and realistic, and I love how they overcame their issues and communicated.

My main complaint about this book (besides be being too ignorant about food and wine) is the miscommunication that led to the characters break up four years ago. Miscommunication is very hard to pull off right, thus a lot of people hating it, but if it’s done right it works well. In this book, it simply didn’t work for me. Thats what stopped it from being 5 stars, but other than that it’s an amazing read.

Content Warnings
Alcohol, Blood, Misgendering, Sexually explicit scenes

Annotation Guide
Green - Positive Notes
Red - Critiques
Yellow - General reactions/commentary
Blue - Gramatical/Plot related notes

I have so many thoughts and feelings to share about this book... after St. Martin's Press responds to the Readers for Accountability boycott!

I love Casey McQuiston so much. I went to an event of theirs some time ago and I asked them to initial a bottle of nail polish because the color was featured in their Shara Wheeler book. I don’t know how, but now I need to have them sign a baguette or something because they have won me over again.

This book was beautiful. It is absolutely delectable, set on a European food and wine tour with a special surprise. I don’t know how many tropes are in this book, but all of them are fun. It has exes, competitions, one bed, misunderstood threeway invitations, “Will they or won’t they,” along with lovely scenery, food everywhere, mucho sexo, and endless references to Jaws and Anthony Bourdain. With ongoing discussions and exploration of queerness and gender, this is a book with a “resonant homosexual flavor.” Even when I briefly got annoyed with one part, it pulled me back in again pretty quickly. It’s long but too short. And it’s the perfect base on which to plan your euro trip.

And of course, as with all of their books, Casey McQuiston has written something that is so sweet, spicy, and special for queer folks.

I read an advance copy and I only noticed 2-3 little errors (missing words, that type of thing). I will be purchasing this when it comes out.

I don’t think there was a lick of research done on this book. It’s hard to get past the glaring issues but once’s you do it feels empty. It lacks the heart of RWRB and Last Stop with vibrant background characters. It just fell flat.

The Pairing—for me, un mauvais goût.

I wanted to love this book so much, because I want to love everything that Casey writes. I’m their loyal fan and will continue to read their books. And they’re successful enough I feel I can be honest that this book was aggressively not for me. I’m just so relieved I’m done reading it and nearly DNF’d at 75%.

It really should’ve been for me, too. I’m an art historian of European art. I love wine. I’m a queer person. Ive been privileged enough to travel in a (somewhat, because, my god) similar style to that described in this book. But, friends, a trip itinerary is not a plot. And maybe ten years ago I would’ve enjoyed the celebratory romp through Europe, but in 2024 it just didn’t have a great mouthfeel for me. The long, excessive descriptions of European destinations, the elaborate meals and granular details of tasting notes in wines were both alienating and, frankly, boring.

Second chance romance is already a difficult trope to work with, and here it was a classic case of I-didn’t-tell-you-something-at-the-appropriate-time-but-was-planning-to so we break up, but an honest conversation could’ve totally solved the entire problem. As a result, the entire story is pining at close range with everyone on exactly the same page but just not owning it.

There were many ideas and characterizations happening on every side, so that the development felt very unfocused. it was strange that the tour group was so undefined? A few side characters (all apparently being poly together) are named and included, but it seems like they’re also traveling with a bunch of nameless, faceless tour people. How is everyone in Europe hot, gay and under 30? I must admit I found their contest a little tokenizing of local people in the places they visited … in one passage the people are even equated to items on a menu, as if the people the leads encounter merely exist for their sexual or aesthetic pleasure. I think personal growth storyline of one of the main characters felt very meaningful and effective, but overall this book just didn’t hit the right notes for me.

2.5

I promise I'm not a prude, but this book almost ruined sex for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc!

I am a huge RW&RB fan. I own merch, it's an annual re-read. I temporarily DNf'd One Last Stop because I couldn't get into it, but I'm adamant that I'll like it when I go back. Casey McQuiston writes a book, I WILL READ IT. So I was very, very excited for The Pairing, which has been advertised as a spicer, second-chance queer romance through Europe.

"Spicier" is a loose term, here. I'll get straight to the point: this book is horny. The characters are horny. The cities they travel to are horny, somehow. Everything has a raging boner, and nothing else matters. Kit and Theo have two personality traits each: Kit likes baking and sex. Theo likes mixology and sex. That's all you need to know.

And sex isn't a bad thing yall, especially in a romance. However, this book lacks ANY depth because the writing is so repetitive. They travel to a new city, they eat food, they have a drink, they have sex with someone. Repeat, repeat, repeat for ~400 pages. It gets boring after the first few sex scenes, especially because you know that these characters sleeping around means virtually nothing, because they will end up together in the end. That's how romance goes. So why do I care to read hundreds of pages of them having sex with other people, wishing it was their True Love instead?

On top of this, we would have pretty lush descriptions of each city they visited, what they were eating, etc. although it was boring because each chapter would literally start the same way (intro to city, vivid details of city and food and wine and etc, cool location description), it would always screech to a halt with an immediate sexual innuendo. "wow that statue has a big cock" "I think all of these paintings would fuck each other senseless" "am I the only one who has a raging boner for that peach?" and then we're back to the horn-dog paragraphs until the chapter is over.

We had moments where Casey tried to flesh out our characters, tried to make us care about them, but it was so temporary. The sex-to-character-development ratio was unbalanced as hell. ALSO ALSO, Kit and Theo have no chemistry. I think they make great best friends, maybe even loose lovers? But maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time understanding how these two people can fuck so many others so intensely and then be like, "but I only have eyes for you bebe, you're my whole life." I simply don't believe you!

Kit's chapters were more interesting than Theo's, but we only get Kit's POV halfway through the book. I never became emotionally invested in this story, and it sucks.

I wanted so badly to love this. I just don't think I knew what I was getting into, here, and maybe a lot of you don't know, either.

This book REALLY made me think. In some ways it is a typical friends-to-lovers trope, exes reuniting trope, contemporary romance. The book is pretty gay. And the love story is believable and I absolutely found myself rooting for Theo and Kit. The first 50% of the book is Theo's POV first person, the second 50% of the book is Kit's POV. Kit is a nickname, he has some super French name, his mom is French and dad is American. Theo comes from a Hollywood family and is privileged although not famous in their own right. They accidentally meet on a European group trip that they both happen to book. I am rating 4 stars because I thought the first half dragged a bit- maybe a 2.5 stars, but once the story changes to Kit's POV that is when the story is great and the romance comes alive. I love the idea of having a "yes and" relationship.



Spoiler below





















<spoiler>SO I assumed Theo was a gay man I WAS ACTUALLY PICTURING DAN LEVY and I didn't find out until it turned to Kit's POV at 50% that I noticed Kit was referring to Theo with She/Her pronouns! They are both bisexual and the narrative talked about hooking up with men and women, but because of the name "Theo" I was expecting a man, a gay man. Turns out Theo is actually non-binary and asks Kit to refer to them with they/them, which Kit does the rest of the book.

And the thing that really made me think on this was that when I discovered Theo was assigned female at birth, my first instinct was "Now I realize I read this incorrectly I need to go back to the beginning and re-read this." And then I realized that I absolutely do not need to, that it actually doesn't matter. And I wonder- jeez do I have some sort of hidden bias- like- why does it matter? And so I have to sit with that and examine that maybe there is a part of me that doesn't truly believe men can be bisexual but that they are all REALLY gay. I don't want to think that about myself, I like to think of myself as being more open-minded. But then when I felt like I needed to re-read it kind of exposed my own hidden bias so I am thankful for that. So yes, that definitely made me think. </spoiler>

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC- here is the link to my Goodreads review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6139137133

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I am consistently impressed by how Casey McQuinston manages to write stories that are incredibly fun and spicey as well as sweet and insightful. The world really blurs and creates tunnel vision around the two main characters in a way that's different from her other novels, which I've read other reviewers don't love, but I think it allows the internal experiences of the two main characters to unfold in front of the audience. I enjoyed that the locations serve as supporting characters in themselves, though I may not be enough of a foodie to have fully enjoyed the lengthy descriptions of tastes and experiences of food and wine! That said, the pacing of the book was interesting - at times it felt slow and luxurious to match the enjoyment of the characters, and other times the pacing picked up as the plot evolved and the characters' minds raced. I also enjoyed the exploration of gender identity and how it was handled by the author's voice and characters' responses within the novel.