The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

Love is like a fine wine—it gets better with age, but only if you let it breathe. In Casey McQuiston’s latest rom-com romp, The Pairing, exes Theo and Kit are about to find out if four years apart has mellowed their relationship into something worth savoring, or if it’s turned to vinegar. Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not vinegar.

A Taste of What’s to Come

Picture this: You’re lounging on a sun-drenched terrace in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, nibbling on a perfectly flaky pain au chocolat, when suddenly your ex—the one who broke your heart and fled to Paris—plops down next to you. Oh, and you’re stuck together for the next three weeks on a food and wine tour through Europe. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Well, throw in a dash of sexual tension, a sprinkle of competition, and a hearty serving of unresolved feelings, and you’ve got the delectable premise of The Pairing.

The Main Course: Plot and Characters

Meet the Exes: Theo and Kit

Theo Flowerday and Kit Fairfield have been many things to each other over the years: childhood besties, first loves, passionate partners, and now… awkward strangers on a bus. Theo’s all rough edges and bravado, slinging drinks and studying wine back in California. Kit’s living his best life as a pastry chef in Paris, leaving a trail of broken hearts and perfect croissants in his wake. They’re totally over each other. Totally. So over it that when they accidentally book the same tour, they decide to turn it into a hookup competition. Because that’s what well-adjusted adults do, right?

A Tour de Force (and Flavor)

As Theo and Kit eat and drink their way through France, Spain, and Italy, McQuiston treats us to a feast for the senses. From the sun-soaked vineyards of Bordeaux to the bustling streets of Barcelona, every location is brought to life with vivid detail. You can practically taste the rich espresso in Rome and feel the sea breeze in Cinque Terre. It’s like Anthony Bourdain meets Before Sunrise, with a hefty dose of queer longing thrown in for good measure.

Supporting Cast: A Smorgasbord of Delight

While Theo and Kit are undoubtedly the main course, the side characters are far from bland garnishes. There’s Fabrizio, the charismatic (and criminally attractive) Italian tour guide who becomes the unwitting prize in Theo and Kit’s competition. The rowdy Australian Calums provide comic relief and unexpected depth. And let’s not forget Maxine, Kit’s acerbic Parisian bestie, who delivers some of the book’s best one-liners.

Writing Style: A Perfect Blend

If you’ve read McQuiston’s previous works like Red, White & Royal Blue or One Last Stop, you know they have a knack for snappy dialogue and heart-melting romance. The Pairing takes that signature style and ages it to perfection. The banter between Theo and Kit crackles with wit and unresolved tension. One minute you’re cackling at their ridiculous antics, the next you’re clutching your chest and whispering, “Oh my god, just kiss already!”

But what really sets this book apart is the way McQuiston weaves food and wine into the very fabric of the story. Each chapter is infused with sensory details that make you feel like you’re right there with Theo and Kit, savoring every bite and sip. The descriptions of meals and wines aren’t just background noise—they’re integral to the characters’ journeys of self-discovery and reconnection.

Themes: More Than Just a Rom-Com

Don’t let the frothy premise fool you—The Pairing has some serious depth. At its core, this is a story about second chances, not just in love, but in life. Both Theo and Kit are grappling with questions of identity and purpose. Can you go home again? Is it possible to recapture the magic of first love? How do you balance passion with practicality?

Queer Joy and Representation

As with all of Casey McQuiston’s work, The Pairing is a celebration of queer love in all its messy, glorious forms. Theo’s journey of self-discovery as a non-binary person is particularly well-handled, exploring gender identity with nuance and humor. The casual queerness of the supporting cast is refreshing—this is a world where LGBTQ+ people exist and thrive without constant tragedy or trauma.

Found Family and Friendship

While the romance between Theo and Kit is swoon-worthy, the friendships they form along the way are equally heartwarming. From impromptu dance parties in Barcelona to late-night confessions in Roman piazzas, the tour group becomes a tight-knit chosen family. It’s a reminder that love comes in many forms, and sometimes the family you choose is just as important as the one you’re born into.

The Verdict: A Vintage Worth Savoring

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is like a perfectly balanced wine—complex, satisfying, and leaves you wanting more. McQuiston has crafted a romance that feels both classic and utterly modern, with characters so real you’ll swear you’ve met them before. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to book a one-way ticket to Europe and fall in love with a beautiful stranger (or, you know, your childhood best friend turned nemesis).

Is it predictable at times? Sure. But like a favorite comfort food, sometimes you want exactly what you’re expecting—and McQuiston delivers it with flair. The slow burn of Theo and Kit’s rekindled romance is exquisite, building to a climax that will have you cheering (and maybe crying a little).

Pairing Suggestions

For the full experience, I recommend reading The Pairing with:
– A glass of bold red wine (preferably something French)
– A plate of fancy cheese (the stinkier, the better)
– Your passport within reach (for spontaneous travel planning)
– Tissues (for laughing and/or crying)

Final Thoughts: A Toast to Love

In a world that can feel increasingly divided, The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is a refreshing reminder of the things that bring us together—good food, great wine, and the courage to open our hearts to love. It’s a book that will make you hungry for adventure, thirsty for romance, and maybe a little tipsy on the possibilities of life.

So, raise a glass to Casey McQuiston for giving us another queer romance for the ages. The Pairing is a vintage worth savoring, a story that lingers on the palate long after the last page is turned. Cheers to second chances, chosen family, and the intoxicating power of love.

Comparisons and Context

If you enjoyed The Pairing by Casey McQuiston, you might also like:
– Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (for more queer romance and witty banter)
– Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly (for foodie romance with non-binary representation)
– The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun (for another take on reality TV-adjacent romance)

About the Author

Casey McQuiston is the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue, One Last Stop, and I Kissed Shara Wheeler. Known for their witty dialogue, diverse characters, and unabashedly queer stories, McQuiston has quickly become a beloved voice in contemporary romance. The Pairing marks their fourth novel and solidifies their place as a master of the rom-com genre.

In Conclusion: A Perfect Match

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is like that bottle of wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion—once you open it, you won’t be able to put it down. It’s a story that celebrates love in all its forms, from the passionate romance between Theo and Kit to the deep bonds of friendship formed over shared meals and adventures.

So, dear reader, I invite you to pour yourself a glass of something delicious, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let Casey McQuiston whisk you away on a romantic journey through Europe. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking a food tour and falling in love with your arch-nemesis. Salut!