Sometimes you just jump and hope it’s not a cliff.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is the latest romance novel about the difficult relationship of Theo and Kit, two bisexual ex-partners who are unexpectedly reunited during a European food and wine tour. This story is a captivating blend of humor, emotional depth, and sexuality, set in some of Europe’s most beautiful locations.
If there’s one thing McQuiston knows, it’s queer romance – their past three novels prove as much. But “The Pairing” (on sale Aug. 6 from St. Martin’s Griffin) is a much more indulgent read than its predecessors. Discover more about our literary journey on our homepage.
The Pairing Summary
“The Pairing” opens with a run-in of two exes Theo and Kit find themselves thrown together on a European food and wine tour years after a nasty breakup. Theo and Kit have gone from childhood best friends to crushes to lovers to strangers. As they travel through some of Europe’s most romantic cities, they find themselves in a playful yet emotionally charged competition, trying to prove who’s truly moved on. But as they revisit old memories and face unresolved feelings, they start to wonder if maybe there’s something still left between them.
McQuiston’s use of dual perspective is perhaps the book’s greatest strength – just when you think you really know a character, you get to see them through new, distinct eyes. McQuiston blends food, art, and a bisexual love story in a fun and easy way. The shifts between Theo and Kit’s perspectives let you understand their relationship better, making second chances feel real. The vivid European settings make you feel like you’re there with them, enjoying the journey. It’s a story that’s rich in detail and easy to connect with.
The hypersexual bi character is a prominent, and harmful, trope in modern media. Many bi characters appear solely to endanger the protagonist’s path or to introduce an element of sexual deviance. However, “The Pairing” allows bisexuals to be promiscuous – in fact, to be anything they desire – without being constrained to stereotypes. Theo and Kit are complex and their fluidity informs their views on life, love, gender and sex.
The Pairing book review
Speaking from reader experience – very. There’s a lot to indulge in with “The Pairing.” which is heavy on food, art, wine, and culture, awakens the senses in a variety of ways. McQuiston’s writing is both funny and warm, making the characters’ relationships feel real and engaging.The novel mixes a bit of luxury with a down-to-earth vibe, making it a great pick when you’re looking for something light but still meaningful. I think you’ll really enjoy it!
I didn’t love Casey’s second book, One Last Stop, which had a slight speculative spin, but I liked it—just not as much. I skipped I Kissed Shara Wheeler, their young adult romance, because I’m not a big young adult romance reader. The Pairing is Casey’s next adult contemporary romance, and I screamed when it arrived in the mail. It was a dog-whistle-level scream.
This book is a five-star read for me. If you don’t like Millennials, promiscuity, or bisexuals, or if you think a European setting is overrated, this might not be for you. But the romance at the heart of the story is perfect, and none of those elements detracted from my enjoyment. I loved this book, and I’ll be a champion for it.
The only thing I will say is that the ending felt a bit rushed. The buildup was significant, but the conclusion was a bit quicker than I expected. Despite that, I absolutely loved The Pairing. Casey’s writing is phenomenal—the way they turn a phrase, describe things, and use language is beautiful and funny. Seeing the progress on Instagram and then reading the final result was such a cool experience because it helped me understand how Casey saw the novel. The book has stayed with me long after I finished it, and I think about Kit and Theo multiple times a week.
Meet the main characters of ‘The Pairing’
Theo: Theo is someone you’ll instantly connect with if you’ve ever tried to rebuild after heartbreak. They work as a bartender at night, but their true passion is to become a sommelier. Theo used to distract himself from the pain of losing Kit by doing work, but deep down, those old feelings haven’t really faded away. As they unexpectedly reunite, you can’t help but cheer them on, hoping they finally find the confidence and clarity they’ve been searching for.
Kit: Kit is a French American pastry chef who stayed in Paris after the breakup. Known as the “fairy prince” of his pastry school, Kit exudes confidence and charm. However, beneath this exterior, Kit too grapples with unresolved feelings for Theo, making the journey just as compelling as they both face their past on this unexpected trip together.
Books similar to ‘The Pairing’
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – A romantic comedy featuring the son of the U.S. president and a British prince who fall in love.
- One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston – A magical romance set in New York City, blending time travel with a love story.
- The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun – A romance between a reality TV star and his handler, filled with humor and heartfelt moments.
- Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall – A funny and touching romance about a fake relationship that turns real.
Also read: Book Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
About the author – Casey McQuiston
Casey McQuiston is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies, whose writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Bon Appetit. Originally from southern Louisiana, Casey now lives in New York City. McQuiston’s debut novel, Red, White & Royal Blue, gained widespread acclaim for its humor, heart, and representation of a gay romance between the U.S. president’s son and a British prince.
Author: Casey McQuiston
Date Published: August 6, 2024
Pages: 407 pages, Paperback
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Conclusion
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is a book that truly resonates with readers through its mix of humor, romance, and emotional exploration. I deeply connected to the characters, especially as they navigate complex relationships and rediscover love. The vibrant European settings and dual perspectives add depth and make the story come alive. It’s a joyful, unapologetically queer love story that challenges stereotypes while keeping readers engaged with its fun, relatable narrative. If you’re into heartfelt and entertaining romances, this book is definitely worth the read.
Reader Reactions from Goodreads
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