I have been a devoted Casey McQuiston fan since reading Red, White, and Royal Blue several years ago. Although I'm not sure my love for that book can ever be replaced, I did find The Pairing quite enjoyable. I loved the dual perspectives of the relationship and the complexities of the characters. As always, McQuiston does a fantastic job with queer representation in her books.

Throughout the entire book, I was left wanting to plan a European vacation. Or, at the very least, I was left craving some pasta and wine or perhaps a compari spritz. I loved the inclusion of the food and drink 'pairings' to set the tone for each chapter.

If I had to give any critique, it would be that the book was slightly longer than it needed to be and, at times, felt a bit monotonous. For some reason, there was also a disconnect to me from the way I pictured the characters in my mind and the narrators chosen. However, all that aside, this is still a book I will highly recommend!

Even though I couldn't relate to these characters, I liked reading this story a lot. Kit and Theo are fully developed as characters individually, making my desire to root for them stronger. This is basically a second chance romance where these two childhood friends reconnect after a falling out. Now, was this falling out completely centered around miscommunication? Yes. But did it diminish my enjoyment of seeing them come back together? Absolutely not.

I read this as an audiobook and really enjoyed both narrators on top of the small sections of music tha accompanied each of the pairings. I can't comment on how good the pronunciation is of the French and Italian words, but the Spanish was quite good. I'll admit when someone goes too hard on the pronunciation of foreign words when speaking English, I do cringe a little bit, but that could just be a me thing. Nonetheless, I am so happy I read this as an audiobook! I had already preordered the physical book, but the audiobook is a great way to go for this story.

Theo and Kit definitely tasted a lot of wine, food, and local residents during this tour, making reading this book an experience that you feel with more than one sense. There's a lot of sex scenes, but they are all affective at being hot. I loved seeing these two bi icons whore around Europe while falling back in love with each other! It was funny, sexy, and understatedly sweet!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook.

I like McQuiuston's books and this didn't disappoint. It was a good romance and I enjoyed reading it. There was some cheesy parts but it was still really good because McQuiston doesn't overdo it with the romance. I think it was a fun concept and was pulled off well. I really like the narration and the narration was soothing while also showing the emotions of the character.s

I received an arc of this audiobook through NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

I gave this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I love the way Casey McQuiston writes! This is my fourth book by her and this did not disappoint! I also love the narration!

This is about Theo and Kit and their relationship from kids to adults. They started out as best friends, always there for eachother. As they got a little older they realized they loved eachother V and tried a romantic relationship. Due to a mistake/misunderstanding, they both believed the other didn’t want to be with each other anymore and’ stopped talking.

Years later, they coincidentally met up on a tour (lots of wine, food, and alcohol in this book) and rekindle their friendship and maybe more.

I loved both Kits and Theo’s personalities, especially together! It was fun to experience each one through the eyes of the other because they both held eachother in such high esteem. They definitely had me swooning throughout!

I highly recommend this, and I’m glad I got to read this during summer and Pride month! Definitely a beautiful story!

Casey McQuiston is literally an author whose novels are hit or miss for me. I've loved half of them, and I've been indifferent-to-meh of the other half.

This had my interest until about 40% of the way into the book, and it started to drag for me.
I did enjoy the travels, though

This was a book filled with tension. It had some of the author’s style from other books but this seems to be a standout different genre of book. It may appeal to a different readership than what they had before.

I really enjoyed the romance the most. The characters were interesting and had such depth. The research the author did truly shines because wow that food sounded great! (Warning: don’t read when you’re hungry!). I enjoyed this second chance romance and how the characters came together.

This was just personal preference but I didn’t love the challenge that was set up. I just thought it was kind of superficial, but I guess being out of my 20s, I am not in that “scene” anymore.

The story is definitely one for any reader to pick up. I feel like many readers will find themselves in some of the characters’ stories. It was very romantic, sexy, and interesting which was quite refreshing. If we don’t see this book on the bestseller list, I’ll be very surprised! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my review.

"The Pairing" by Casey McQuiston is a delightful and emotionally charged journey through some of Europe's most romantic cities, masterfully blending humor, heartache, and rekindled romance. Theo and Kit, once inseparable, find themselves on a collision course with their past when they both decide to use their long-forgotten European tour vouchers separately—only to end up on the same trip.

McQuiston's writing shines with wit and charm, utilizing alternating points of view to deepen the reader's connection with both Theo and Kit. This switch in perspective enriches the narrative, offering a nuanced look at gender and perception, particularly through Theo's eyes. Theo's transformation into a confident bartender and aspiring sommelier contrasts beautifully with Kit's rise as a celebrated pastry chef in Paris, creating a rich tapestry of character development and growth.

The playful wager to woo their tour guide adds a fun and sexy twist, but it's the underlying tension and unresolved feelings between Theo and Kit that truly captivate. As they travel through France, Spain, and Italy, readers are treated to lush descriptions and a poignant exploration of what it means to rediscover love. The alternating viewpoints also highlight how Theo's gender identity influences his experiences and perceptions, adding depth to his character and the overall narrative.

"The Pairing" is a must-read for romance enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of humor, sensuality, and heartfelt moments. McQuiston expertly crafts a story that reminds us sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can't have, while also engaging in a meaningful conversation about identity and self-perception.

The entire time I was listening to The Pairing, I felt like I could close my eyes and smell every note, taste every pastry, and feel the tension between Theo and Kit. The narrators brought this story to life in such a bright, authentic way. The accents, the intonations, the difference between the voices was absolutely delightful. It made me love the book that much more.

Reading a few reviews before starting this book I was a little worried it wouldn’t compare to the author’s past books that I’ve loved. It doesn’t top ‘Red, White, & Royal Blue’ or ‘One Last Stop’ for me, but the characters grew on me, even if I wanted to shake some sense into Theo and Kit at times. While some characters they met along their European adventure felt a bit over the top/exaggerated at times, overall it was a fun read (or listen) and exploring the touristy sights and tastes alongside Kit and Theo makes you want to start saving for your own trip. It won’t replace my other McQuiston favorites, but the book’s premise was fun, the cast of characters were entertaining, everything described sounded delicious, and the pining/angst was so real. I enjoyed the audiobook, including the narration, and the dual perspectives of Theo and Kit. If you enjoy messy love stories, fierce friendships, irreverent humor, and people just trying to figure their shit out, you’ll probably like this book.

Thanks for NetGalley for the audiobook.

3 stars

I've read and enjoyed all of McQuiston's books, and while I wouldn't say I DISliked this book, it does not match the enjoyment I've experienced with most of the earlier efforts.

Kit and Theo have known each other for a very long time. They played important roles in each other's childhoods, entered into an intense romantic relationship, and broke up, and now it's time for some second chance romance action. While their backstory is compelling, they are somewhat challenging to encounter in the present: especially Theo, who is - at times - intolerable. Theo grapples with the very difficult situation of having famous and wealthy family members, and they just want to strike out on their own. Ugh. Okay. While some of this sentiment is relatable, it's mostly irritating to hear about and NOT exactly relatable to the masses. Theo is also a p-r-o-c-e-s-s-o-r. They both are, but it's more noticeable with Theo. This is a lengthy book - too long IMO - and in addition to cutting out some of that excessive processing and hand wringing, I'd have loved to see about 600 fewer ingredients on the menu (IYKYK). Both central characters have particular affinities for food and drink and are on a tour that centers on this subject, but at times, I felt like I was just reading someone's weekend gathering grocery list. I can recall more about what the characters were eating versus thinking or doing in multiple instances, which is not as cool as it sounds.

I really appreciated this author coming into this novel, and while this book was not my favorite by any means, I will still be clamoring to read whatever McQuiston offers up next.

*I do strongly recommend the audio version when and where accessible.

I feel drunk off this book. Casey's writing has always been special, but I'm blown away by how much more sumptuous, dynamic, and honest it has become. Kit and Theo are such incredibly fleshed out characters, and it was a joy to get to know each of them through the eyes of the other (plus it was refreshing to see a dual perspective that wasn't alternating chapters). I love their banter and their chemistry and their history and their mess and their perservering love for each other. The various settings in this book were characters themselves and I felt totally transported to each of the cities they visited. I want to print out the descriptions of food and wine from this book and hang them on my walls. This is probably my favorite thing I've read this year - I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it is released.

Big fan of this author, and while this one is great, "Red, White and Royal Blue" and "One Last Stop" are still my top two by this author. This book has messy relatable characters who had really good character development throughout the book. While I loved reading about both characters, I ultimately enjoyed Kit a bit more, mostly because of his baking skills!

The pacing was really good, and I really enjoyed that we got dual POVs for the entire book instead of just at the end as a bonus chapter. I really really felt for Kit throughout this book and definitely did not like Theo at points during this book. This time the side characters were just okay, and usually I love the side characters just as much as the main characters.

Since a lot of it takes place it Europe, this would be so much fun to read in Europe or on your way to Europe!

Thank you netgalley, the publisher and author for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This novel is framed as a romantic comedy, though that label didn’t exactly fit for me. The story centers on two bisexual exes who wind up on a food and wine tour through Western Europe. This read is a palate cleanser from McQuiston’s past work.

The premise is that these two’s relationship ended terribly. Years have passed since then, and they both have undergone growth. Now, when they meet again, they challenge each other to a hookup/f*ckboy competition to prove they're over each other. However, the sparks of their past relationship rekindle, leading to an exploration of feelings.

The story takes us on a journey through the exotic landscapes of Europe, as the two characters indulge in the pleasures of food, wine, and each other. The narrative is split between the perspectives of Theo and Kit, giving us a comprehensive view of their escapades.

McQuiston is trying to show that, like food and wine, our taste is refined by experience. They are in a place in which they can really notice and appreciate each other. Unfortunately for me, it didn’t really carry through on that thought as effectively as I would have wanted. The characters didn’t feel quite well-rounded or super likable. Despite the more explicit scenes, there was a lack of romance. They mostly hint at their romantic past. At times, the protagonists felt unrelatable—from affluent circumstances, indulgent, not overly caring for other’s feelings. It felt hedonistic yes, but also nihilistic. They felt superficial and unconnected, unempathetic. It was hard to feel a connection to these two, and therefore, it became a little hard to read about their romps repeatedly without them feeling hollow or meaningless. It was akin to listening to a self absorbed acquaintance name drop and brag about their vacation on Instagram.

This story could be a fun summer read if you feel connected to it. It didn’t quite hit that mark for this reader, but I am sure it will quench other’s appetites.

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC.

I enjoyed Emma and max’s narrations and the authors pairings were *chefs kiss*. However this was not my favorite of Casey’s books. I was so excited for the 3 week tasting trip but idk. I could not connect with Theo or Kit all. Overall I thought it was a cute LGBTQ read….just not the best one I read this month.

The narration of the book was really good, and I loved how the author narrated a wine, food pairing between each chapter. I enjoyed this book, it was very enjoyable going along visiting European 3 week vacation. The book is read-narrated in two different perspective. The first half was in the point of view of Theo, the second half was in the perspective of Kit. The 2nd half Kit realized that Kit wanted to use pronouns They-them. It was confusing for it to switch through the middle of the book,

This author always has the best tight, fun writing with great one liners and pop culture references. However I do think this is one of their weaker works. Nepo babies with no chemistry or thoughts except 24/7 horniness was quickly tiring.

Gahh this book is scorchingly sexy and painfully emotional and I loved it!!
Best of all - the sexiness comes not from wild sex acts, but from the intensity of being known and sharing an intimate moment with the person who knows you best in the world. Gosh I love sex scenes where characters are stripped bare physically and emotionally and revealed to each other on a journey to a relationship and these scenes made me feel so many things. Surprising no-one, Casey McQuiston knocked it out of the park with this one!

The one downside to the book was that something didn't quite gel with the emotional payoff towards the end. The pining is top-tier but because it was so great I wanted a little more of a push when they got together but it felt like they kind of slid together? Which makes sense given their history but it wasn't a swoony as I would have liked. Besides the ending feeling a bit rushed, I loved everything else about this book. If you love second chance romances and books that are gloriously queer this is the book for you!

-Bedsharing/only one room
-Pining for days!!
-Second chance romance
-Best friends to lovers to exes to lovers
-Sex-positive! - bisexuals having lots of casual sex with no slut-shaming
-the sexual tension is palpable
-the emotional angst of old intimacy is so painful I loved it 😍
-Is it Over Now? and Now That We Don't Talk by Taylor Swift in book form (if you're a 1989 TV fan you know what I mean)
-dual pov (1st half in Theo's pov and 2nd half in Kit's)

Narrator note: I loved the narrator that read Theo's parts. Emma Galvin added a wryness to their chapters that really brought out Theo's personality. However, Max Meyers' choices in Kit's chapters didn't really work for me. He decided to infuse his voice with a lot of intensity and read his lines with a constant uptilt which I think was meant to be part of an accent choice but it really threw me off and took me out of the story (which is a shame cause Kit's chapters make up a decent chunk of the story). If you have the choice I'd stick to the physical edition for the second half of this book.

Thank you Netgalley MacMillan audio and st Martin's Press for the read now earc & alc my opinions are my own. Not sure how much every book Casey writes is absolutely the greatest book then they write another. This felt like the same world as rwrb and could envision this on screen and expect to see rwrb characters on the mega yacht. They write the most incredible thoughtful and delightful characters and stories and I am sure people feel seen by their books. I will absolutely be adding a copy to my forever shelf. It was so hott!!!