Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the eAudiobook ARC! In Casey McQuiston's latest work, exes Kit and Theo used to be best friends and then lovers, but their romance ended with a sudden fight and a continental separation. Now, years later the two are thrown back into each other's lives when they both choose to go on the European trip that they had planned together, but never took. The two decide to show just how over the other they are and how they can totally be friends again by entering a wager to see who can hook up with the most partners on the tour. But are things really that simple? Are the two destined to be just friends or could this be their chance to find love again. The Pairing is a messy and complicated second-chance romance. Theo and Kit will frustrate readers with their lack of honest communication, but their honest feelings will also have them rooting to give their love one more try.

I loved RW&RB and I was incredibly excited to receive this ALC after being declined for an eARC. This was such an amazing adventure of a listen and I loved it so much!

The Pairing is such a beautiful, scenic, rich love letter to European culture, art, food & drink. It made me feel nostalgic for places I’ve never been, yet long to desperately.
I loved that as we explore different parts of Europe we also get to experience personal developments and transformations of the characters. This book was such a beautiful depiction of the nuances of gender and sexuality. It was also so much fun and hilarious at times in addition to being heartfelt and tragic.

I loved everything about this book, it was an incredible listen and I preordered a copy to read again since I’d love to be able to see a lot of the foreign language words after hearing them.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and the author for my gifted ALC through NetGalley.
Publication date 8/6/24

2.25 stars.
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Summary:
Theo and Kit have not spoken or seen each other since their messy breakup four years previously, right before their planned European Food & Wine tour. In fact, Theo has done their very best to avoid any hint of Kit in their life considering how thoroughly he broke their heart. But now the window to use their rescheduled trip voucher is reaching its end, and Theo decides that the best way they can prove once and for all that they're over Kit is by going on the tour alone. So, of course, when Theo gets on the bus, somehow Kit is already there, having accidentally booked the exact same replacement tour.

Trapped together for three weeks of beautiful cities, incredible food, and fantastic wine is a special kind of torment, but it's fine. They're totally over the past. In fact, what better way to prove it than with a friendly hookup competition to see who can sleep with the most locals in each city they visit?
Sleeping with other people should be the perfect way to bury their past together once and for all.

But the passion and romance of European food and wine is infectious, and it's hard to bury something that's still alive.
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First of all, thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

And honestly, I've had a hard time trying to decide how to rate this book. Was it objectively good? I think so. Some parts of it were a lot of fun, and there were some really enjoyable side characters. But I also found it to be such an infuriating read on a person level that I couldn't actually enjoy it. It was very much not the right book for me, but it did make me FEEL a lot of things (though mostly irritation), and it left me with a LOT of thoughts. And I generally don't write ranting reviews, but I just can't help it this time!

I had high hopes for this book going in. I DNF'd Red, White, and Royal Blue, but I really loved One Last Stop, so I was optimistic about this one, and the premise sounded like a lot of fun! Unfortunately, though, it did not live up to my expectations. While some parts were enjoyable (Casey McQuiston writes well in general), the whole thing got bogged down by being just way too long and frustrating. And it would be one thing if there was a lot happening plotwise, but instead, all the length came from way too much detail about food and wine, repetitive conversations, repeated backwards steps as the characters REFUSED to communicate properly, and, honestly, way too many (kinda weird) sex scenes for my personal preference. Now, all of that said, there are people out there who would LOVE this book. As a prolific fanfiction reader and writer, there are so many well beloved tropes in this book that were popular for a reason. Forced proximity, only one bed, competition/rivals dynamic, etc. I was just not the right audience, and, as such, I found it all very tedious and irritating, and I am realizing only after finishing the book, that I kind of hated it, mainly because it was just TOO FREAKING LONG for a book where the only real plot was miscommunication, eating and drinking in fancy locations, and sex.

The audiobook version of this novel is over 14 hours long, which is long for a book to begin with, and made even longer when all I could think about for the last 6 hours of it, is that this book could have been half the length and twice as good if Kit and Theo had just TALKED to each other!! Now, to be fair, extended miscommunication is a trope I hate, so I probably was not the ideal audience for this book to begin with, but even so. 14 hours of misunderstanding, miscommunication, refusals to talk to each other, and just willful ignorance of all possible signs of returned affection was painfully long, especially considering the fact that we had a perspective shift half way through the book, which means that for the last SEVEN HOURS we knew with 100% CERTAINTY how both characters felt and we still just had to watch them be infuriatingly obtuse. While also sitting through a kind of absurd number of sex scenes. And way too much food p*rn. It just got really tedious and frustrating, and I was basically just rage listening by the end. That said, the ending itself was pretty cute and I enjoyed the final 20-ish minutes of the audiobook!

What I liked:
- The side characters.
- The nonbinary representation.
- Positive bisexual representation.
- The ending was cute and ultimately satisfying.

What I didn't like:
- The main characters were so infuriatingly bad at communication, to the point where I didn't even want them together because it doesn't seem like a healthy match.
- I did not like either of the main characters. They were fine, but they were also both embodiments of Rich, White, and Privileged, and the vast majority of their character struggles and turmoil were just so petty and entitled??
- I did not like the narrators voices for the main characters. I might not have liked Theo anyway, but the narrators made me actively dislike them because their voice was especially annoying to me.
- This book was too long for what it is, which leads to...
- Waaaay too much food and wine talk. I get that they are on a food and wine tour, but I did not need that much content, it just got really boring, especially with how wordy Kit's perspective was in general.
- Both characters have way too much irrelevant inner thought. It made the book drag so much, especially when we went on for extended periods of time about a specific art piece that is not actually relevant to the plot.
- Honestly, too much sex. I get that this might be a positive for some people, but it felt like every other scene in the 2nd half of the book was just a long sex scene, and it got really repetitive and boring after awhile, especially since each scene just added to my frustration over them not talking to each other. Also, a lot of the sex scenes felt very kinky in a way that did not click for me and just left me feeling kinda weird and uncomfortable to the point where I ended up skipping most of the final scenes.

TLDR: This book just really did not work for me. However, for people who enjoy the miscommunication trope, really love European art and food, have any degree of a food kink, or just really love slutty, indulgent stories, this could be a really fun ride!

This book is a total VIBE! I’m a huge McQuiston fan and they do not disappoint in this newest novel coming out August 6th!! Theo and Kit each narrate — Theo for the first half and Kit for the second half. Getting to hear things from both perspectives is amazing and while there is definitely miscommunication… it’s actually more of a “what if” sort of feel and learning. I love the way McQuiston incorporates descriptions of food, wine and places! It was so easy to picture and even imagine how things would taste! This book is definitely SPICY!! I spent a lot of time smiling and chuckling while reading this!

I was very excited to review a book with LGBTQ+ representation and I had heard wonderful things about this one. Ultimately, I was disappointed. The narrators were hard to like, and I could not get into it. I found them insufferable and immature.

It took quite a while for me to begin to enjoy this book. The second half was much better than the beginning. Definitely my least fave of CMQs books so far but overall still ended up being a decent read.

The narrator for Theo narrates a lot of YA books, so I felt like I was listening to a teenager. It was much better once the POV switched and we got Kits narrator. Nothing against the narrator for Theo, the listening history I have just took me out of the book.

I’m not a big fan of a miscommunication trope, but with Theo & Kit, they were young and full of dreams and I didn’t mind the forced-apart-ness for them to find themselves. And at first I was turned off by the “hook up bet” premise as I’m about 8 years removed from my slutty-bi-era, but the descriptions of locations and drinks and meals on their tour were truly beautifully done and I found myself sucked in. I don’t love when past connections are made off-page and I’m just expected to believe a couples immense compatibility, but the banter and sexiness was obvious and fun.
I didn’t love Theo’s nepo baby plot line. The whole poor-little-rich-kid-doesn’t-want-family-money act feels tone-deaf in the current climate of rising inflation and struggling to make ends meet, but I suppose I could suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy these characters and their European tour otherwise.
Lastly, this is SPICY, so just be wanted. If you’re a closed-door reader, it’s probably not for you.

I really enjoy Casey McQuiston books. I always know they are going to be good. That being said, this is my least favorite. I enjoyed the second half much more than the first half which is really boosting this rating. I think it just felt a little too repetitive? Go to new city, eat, drink, hook-up, repeat. I like the idea more than the execution. But Theo and Kit are sweet and complicated and flawed and very human.

Both voice actors did great!

I had no idea what to expect with this books besides I’m trying to read more Queer reads, and The Pairing definitely fit the bill. I had the eBook and audio and read both ways. I liked how it was split into both POVs. I did find it weird that each character had their own narrator but then used that narrator to pretend to be them too. I didn’t really care for their voices either.
I did find the story super fun and I love the idea of travelling and doing foodie tours, it made me hungry and want to do the same tour. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers slow burn story. I enjoyed the no reservations, let loose vacation that resulted in our characters figuring out what they need in life.
I’d recommend this to other readers.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for my copies.

This was adorable with amazing narration! Casey c
can do no wrong in my opinion! This pairing was one for the ages! It had me swooning so hard! From the cover of this book to the end, I enjoyed it!!!!

Okay, this may be a bit of a harsh review but I did not enjoy this book AT ALL. Maybe I shouldn't have gone in with such high expectations. Red, White and Royal Blue was a charming little romance and I expected something similar from this. There was NOT the same charm whatsoever. In fact, I found these characters to be immature, vapid, and just overall annoying. It's got the second chance trope, the exes both end up booking the same trip they had bought together before they split, and instead of maybe discussing what happened (yup, miscommunication trope too) they decide to make a bet on who can sleep with more people on the trip. I found it to be just shallow and void of any good character. About half way through the view point changes and it gets a liiiiittle better, but still not great.

Now for my critiques with the audiobook. The Mario voice the narrator uses for an Italian was so insanely over the top I could not even understand a word because I was too busy cringing. Later, the narrator pulls out a Dracula voice, once again making me wish I wasn't trying to listen to it at work because all my coworkers were about to think I was having a mental breakdown with all my cackling.

**Possible spoiler** and the part that really sold me on a firm "no" for this book, was when the two horn dogs are invited back to someone's home in Italy and instead of enjoying the experience and being excited to make a new friend, they automatically assume this man wants to have group s*x with them??? It was absolutely insane. I couldn't imagine these characters as real people.

Two stars for managing to get this published, I guess?

DNF at 20%.

I went into this mistakenly thinking that it was a YA book (based off of the cover), and that's on me. That being said, I just really wasn't invested in these main characters. I'm all for bisexual disasters, but for whatever reason, this just wasn't it.

THE PAIRING by Casey McQuiston is theeeee boooooook of late summer. Fully equipped with all of McQuiston's snark and whit and genuine understanding of what drives the human heart, THE PAIRING is a spectacular read that will make you laugh, cry, and order all of her future books on pre-order.

A mixed review from me this time. I've previously enjoyed many of the author's books. Mostly, I struggled through this one. Premise was good. Characters as individuals without some of their obsessions had merit to a degree. Yet the thing I focus on is how non-stop sexual they were... both Kit and Theo were obsessed with one-upping each other, and every person they met was hot, horny, and bisexual. This was really less about proving how they'd grown up in the years since their relationship ended and more about how many times you can nail a stranger in Europe. I skimmed so many scenes because it was the same thing over and over again. Had it been 30% shorter, a few of the supporting cast would have stood out, and I would be cool with each having 2-3 hookups over the course of 3 weeks on tour in Europe. Unfortunately, I felt the repeat button happening too often, and in the end, I didn't really care if they got back together. All that said, the progression of feelings, the description of food/wine, some of the sex scenes, were appealing. I'll still read more from the author but hoping the characters and plot have more substance.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
Narrators: Emma Galvin; Max Meyers
Rating: 3 stars
Pub date: 8/6

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook. #macaudio2024

I need to start by saying that I love Casey McQuiston and that Red, White, and Royal Blue is one of my favorite romances of all time. The Pairing is one of my most anticipated reads of 2024, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.

In The Pairing, Casey McQuiston takes readers on a bumpy ride through a European food and wine tour, where exes Theo and Kit unexpectedly reunite. Despite a messy breakup, they find themselves trying to mend their friendship by competing in a hookup contest to prove they're over each other. But as they travel through stunning cities and savor delicious cuisines, it's clear their feelings are anything but resolved.

The book sets up an enticing premise that I could not wait to dive into: a hookup competition between exes who are still pining for one another…in Europe?! That sounds great, right? Unfortunately, the story ends up being a whirlwind of superficial experiences, with the characters hopping from one meaningless hookup to the next while claiming to still be in love with each other. My poor romantic heart just couldn’t take it.

And while I laughed out loud a few times at Theo's antics, the portrayal of Europe as a utopia for young, beautiful people ready to party feels a bit over the top and unrealistic. Everywhere Theo and Kit go, there’s someone there who’s willing to sleep with them. Also, while the food sounds delicious, the whole first half of the book is about eating, drinking, and hooking up with strangers. That’s it, in that order. There’s very little substance to Theo’s character, and I found them to be a bit insufferable most of the time.

The second half switches to Kit’s POV, and I enjoyed his character a lot more. Unfortunately, the romance lacks the emotional depth that I expected. For a second chance romance to work, there has to be some on-page conversations about the past relationship and why it didn’t work, etc. Most of the relationship’s history and feelings happen off-page, making it hard to root for these two and connect with their love story.

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and I would recommend reading it that way! Both of the narrators did an amazing job bringing the characters and the European countryside to life.

While the idea of a second-chance romance is appealing, the lack of meaningful moments makes it fall flat. This book is getting great reviews, so you should still check it out and form your own opinion!

Read if you like:
*snappy one-liners
*bisexual representation
*books about food and travel

I loved it with my whole heart. There was such an earnestness about both Kit and Theo that made them lovable, even with all their flaws. I wanted all of the good things to happen for them. And the spice was chefs kiss. Their love for each other made it all the more passionate.

3.5 rounded up!

This was such a decadent read. I saw a few readers complaining about the excessive sex, and I'll admit that I'm not normally one to enjoy a sexually gratuitous read that does little to advance the plot, but I felt that this wasn't the case here. The whole premise of the story is indulgence. In the story, they remark how the Renaissance was all about indulging in art, pleasure, food, and sex, and essentially they're here to do much of the same. I'll admit that parts of the story seemed to drag on, and I found the consistent miscommunication (lack thereof) a bit frustrating. But it was a delightful read and I enjoyed the complete whirlwind of bliss that this story takes you on.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication! The review will be live on my blog on 8/01/24. I will also feature the review on Instagram that same day and post my review to Goodreads, The Storygraph, Fable, and retail sites.

Review:

If you've not read or heard about Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue," then you're either new to reading, from another planet, or have been living under a rock. I was super late to the game with that one, and once I finally read it, I understood why everyone loved it so much. I was excited to get an ARC of this one, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it as much as I loved the former. Still, if you're looking for a steamy, hilarious, and heartwarming read to add to your summer TBR pile, look no further. This best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy will have you laughing, swooning, and rooting for Theo and Kit to find their way back to each other.

In this book, Theo and Kit are former best friends turned romantic partners turned exes who find themselves on a European food and wine tour together a few years after their messy breakup. Forced to spend several weeks in close quarters with each other, they decide to turn their trip into a hookup competition after they each notice that they're both lusting after their sexy tour guide. What starts as a friendly wager soon turns into a chance to rekindle their lost friendship, but when old feelings begin to resurface, they need to decide if they will keep the competition friendly or if they'll allow themselves to cross the friends-with-benefits line - and if that happens, will they be able to avoid falling for each other all over again?

From the picturesque landscapes of France, Spain, and Italy to the mouthwatering descriptions of wine and pastries, McQuiston effortlessly transports us to a world full of beauty and indulgence in a story full of humor, romance, and so much food. It's almost like "Eat, Pray, Love" but with more sex and a lot of longing. As expected, McQuiston's writing is witty and engaging, with a tone that feels like chatting with your best friend. The dialogue crackles with energy, and each chapter is a delicious blend of humor, romance, and food that will leave you hungry for more. (See what I did there?)

What makes the book work is the dynamic between Theo and Kit. Their banter is razor-sharp, and their chemistry is sizzling. They felt real, and I firmly believed that these two had a special bond and history. As they navigate the highs and lows of their relationship, you'll find yourself rooting for them to overcome their past and find a way back to each other.

I was also lucky enough to receive an advance listener's copy of the book, so I could listen and read at the same time, and both of the narrators were great. Emma Galvin voices Theo, while Max Meyers voices Kit. I've experienced Galvin's narration in Kresley Cole's "Arcana Chronicles" and Veronic Roth's "Divergent" series, and I always enjoy their performance. Meyers was new to me, but I enjoyed his performance as well.

Overall, this is a delightful romp through Europe that will leave you laughing, swooning, and maybe even craving a glass of wine and a pastry. If you loved McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue," you'll likely enjoy "The Pairing." While I personally preferred the latter, I still enjoyed this book and have no doubt that McQuiston's fans will eat it up.

4.5⭐️ this was an absolutely lovely story of lost love and a second chance at romance. I adored both the MCs, Theo and Kit, and their lifelong relationship gave such beautiful depth to the story. I am a huge foodie at heart so the concept of a European Food Tour had me from the very beginning. I need to do one of these! This story was heartwarming and also HOT! Another great book from Casey. I listed to the audiobook and also really enjoyed the narration from both narrators.

Highlights:
✨Second chance romance
✨LGBTQIA
✨Spicy
✨European Food Tour
✨Self Discovery

Thank you to the author, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

I will not be reviewing nor promoting any St Martin's Press titles until they address the racism, Islamophobia and all over reprehensible behavior of one of their employees.