Love is Like a Fine Wine: It Gets Better with Age
You know that feeling when you take a sip of wine and it’s just… perfect? The way it dances on your tongue, how the flavors unfold and linger? That’s what reading Casey McQuiston’s “The Pairing” feels like. It’s a book that savors every moment, from the first tentative taste to the rich, satisfying finish.
Casey McQuiston, known for queer rom-com hits like “Red, White & Royal Blue” and “One Last Stop,” has outdone themselves with this delectable enemies-to-lovers tale in “The Pairing” that’ll have you booking the next flight to Europe faster than you can say “più vino, per favore.”
A Second Serving of Love
The Plot: A Recipe for Romance (and Disaster)
Theo and Kit were childhood besties turned lovers turned bitter exes. After a brutal breakup on a flight to what was supposed to be their dream European food and wine tour, they went their separate ways. Fast forward four years, and they’ve both decided to cash in their unused tour vouchers… separately, of course. Except—plot twist!—they end up on the same tour bus, trapped together for three weeks of stunning views, mouthwatering cuisine, and sexual tension thicker than a proper Italian gelato.
To cope with the awkwardness (and, let’s be real, unresolved feelings), they devise a challenge: who can hook up with the most people on the tour, including their smoking hot Italian guide, Fabrizio? It’s all fun and games until hearts get involved, and suddenly, competing for random hookups doesn’t seem nearly as appealing as rekindling what they once had.
Characters You’ll Want to Share a Bottle With
Theo is a force of nature—confident, quick-witted, and determined to prove they’re over Kit. As an aspiring sommelier with a flair for mixology, they approach life like a complex cocktail: a little bitter, a little sweet, and always intoxicating. Kit, on the other hand, is the pastry chef of your dreams (and mine, tbh). He’s softer around the edges, but don’t let that fool you—he’s got layers, like the perfect mille-feuille.
The supporting cast is equally delightful. Fabrizio, the tour guide, is a walking Italian stereotype in the best possible way—passionate, charming, and constantly on the verge of bursting into song. The other tourists, from the rowdy Australian Calums to the Instagram-obsessed American influencers, add flavor and humor to every scene.
A Feast for the Senses
Setting: Europe, But Make It Sexy
In The Pairing, Casey McQuiston’s Europe is a playground of sensory delights. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux to the bustling markets of Barcelona, every location is described with such vivid detail that you can practically smell the fresh-baked bread and feel the cobblestones under your feet.
The author’s talent for bringing settings to life shines brightest in the intimate moments: stolen kisses in Roman alleyways, lazy afternoons on Sicilian beaches, and steamy encounters in Parisian hotel rooms. It’s like flipping through the world’s most romantic travel guide—one that definitely wouldn’t be approved by Rick Steves.
Food and Wine: The Real Stars of the Show
Listen, I’m gonna level with you—don’t read The Pairing by Casey McQuiston on an empty stomach. The descriptions of food and wine are so tantalizing, you might find yourself booking a one-way ticket to Italy before you’ve finished the first chapter. McQuiston writes about cuisine with the reverence of a Michelin-starred chef and the excitement of a kid in a candy store.
Whether it’s Kit perfecting his pastry techniques or Theo waxing poetic about wine pairings, the passion these characters have for food and drink is infectious. You’ll learn more about terroir and tannins than you ever thought possible in a romance novel, and you’ll love every minute of it.
The Perfect Blend: Romance and Reality
Love Story: A Vintage Worth Savoring
At its heart, The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is a story about second chances and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Theo and Kit’s journey from antagonistic exes to… well, you’ll have to read it to find out… is as layered and complex as a fine Bordeaux.
McQuiston expertly balances the angst of their past with the excitement of rediscovery. The sexual tension crackles from page one, but it’s the quieter moments—shared laughter over inside jokes, wordless understanding in times of stress—that really make this romance shine.
Representation: As Diverse as a Well-Stocked Wine Cellar
One of the things I love most about Casey McQuiston’s work is their commitment to diverse representation, and “The Pairing” is no exception. Theo is non-binary and bisexual, Kit is bi, and the supporting cast includes characters across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. What’s refreshing is how naturally this diversity is woven into the story—it’s just a fact of life, as it should be.
The book also touches on themes of family expectations, career pressures, and the struggle to find oneself in your late twenties. It’s relatable AF, especially if you’ve ever felt like everyone else has their shit together while you’re still trying to figure out how to adult.
Tasting Notes
Writing Style: Smooth with a Spicy Finish
If you’ve read McQuiston’s previous works, you know they have a knack for snappy dialogue and internal monologues that’ll make you snort-laugh in public. “The Pairing” delivers on this front and then some. The banter between Theo and Kit is top-tier—equal parts witty, flirty, and emotionally charged.
What sets “The Pairing” apart is the way Casey McQuiston weaves in their clear passion for food and wine. The technical details never feel forced or lecture-y; instead, they add depth and authenticity to the characters and their world.
Pacing: A Well-Balanced Blend
The story moves at a clip, propelled by the tour’s itinerary and the escalating sexual tension between our protagonists. That said, McQuiston knows when to slow things down, allowing for moments of reflection and character growth that give the romance real weight.
The structure of the book, with each chapter focusing on a different European destination, provides a natural rhythm that keeps things interesting. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the dynamics in one city, it’s time to move on to the next adventure.
The Verdict: A Vintage You’ll Want to Revisit
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is like that bottle of wine you save for a special occasion—rich, complex, and utterly satisfying. It’s a book that’ll make you laugh, cry, and seriously consider quitting your job to become a sommelier in the South of France.
McQuiston has crafted a romance that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern. It’s a celebration of love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and the love we have for the things that bring us joy (in this case, really good food and wine).
If you’re a fan of:
- Enemies-to-lovers tropes
- Travel romances
- LGBTQ+ representation
- Books that’ll make you hungry
- Characters who are disasters but in a relatable way
…then “The Pairing” should be at the top of your TBR pile.
Pairing Suggestions
For the full experience, I recommend reading this book:
- With a glass of your favorite wine (or non-alcoholic beverage of choice)
- While snacking on a cheese board
- On a balcony overlooking literally any body of water
- With your passport nearby, just in case the travel bug bites
Final Score
On a scale of “box wine at a frat party” to “vintage Château Margaux,” I’m giving “The Pairing” a solid “that bottle you splurge on for your anniversary dinner.” It’s a treat, it’s memorable, and it’ll leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling long after you’ve turned the last page.
Cheers to Casey McQuiston for serving up another delightful queer romance. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go book a food tour and maybe download Duolingo. Ciao!
