Scan barcode
A review by luluwoohoo
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (audiobook narrated by Emma Galvin and Max Meyers)
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
The latest release from my favourite contemporary romance author - and most anticipated release of the year - delivers on every level. This luscious love affair pushes boundaries in all of the right ways.
For a book whose unofficial tagline is "slutty bisexuals in Europe", I can't think of a book more targeted to me! I love how unapologetically sexual and sensual and bougie it is. It doesn't try to represent reality so much as it shows life through a romantic tinted lens in which beautiful people do things with other beautiful people, and this kind of escapist realism is totally my jam.
McQuiston has always written beautiful prose but this is probably their most exquisite work to date. The evocative, indulgent way they describe not only food, drinks and art, which are all essential parts of the narrative, but especially the love shared between the main characters, creates such a captivating atmosphere that I struggled to put it down, wanting to read on and on.
The longing and tension between Theo and Kit is structured brilliantly for a second chance romance, as is the POV shift halfway through. It is a unique take on the genre in this way, and also sets up perfectly the reveal of Theo's non-binary status. The sex scenes are undeniably hot and although not for everyone, really sold me on the growth of McQuiston as a writer. Emma and Max's performances are both knockouts with the various languages and accents required to pull off this book!
My one very minor criticism is that unlike in McQuiston's other novels I didn't find the supporting characters as well developed, but it also feels less important in the context of this story.
In summary: I love these slutty bisexuals.
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
The latest release from my favourite contemporary romance author - and most anticipated release of the year - delivers on every level. This luscious love affair pushes boundaries in all of the right ways.
For a book whose unofficial tagline is "slutty bisexuals in Europe", I can't think of a book more targeted to me! I love how unapologetically sexual and sensual and bougie it is. It doesn't try to represent reality so much as it shows life through a romantic tinted lens in which beautiful people do things with other beautiful people, and this kind of escapist realism is totally my jam.
McQuiston has always written beautiful prose but this is probably their most exquisite work to date. The evocative, indulgent way they describe not only food, drinks and art, which are all essential parts of the narrative, but especially the love shared between the main characters, creates such a captivating atmosphere that I struggled to put it down, wanting to read on and on.
The longing and tension between Theo and Kit is structured brilliantly for a second chance romance, as is the POV shift halfway through. It is a unique take on the genre in this way, and also sets up perfectly the reveal of Theo's non-binary status. The sex scenes are undeniably hot and although not for everyone, really sold me on the growth of McQuiston as a writer. Emma and Max's performances are both knockouts with the various languages and accents required to pull off this book!
My one very minor criticism is that unlike in McQuiston's other novels I didn't find the supporting characters as well developed, but it also feels less important in the context of this story.
In summary: I love these slutty bisexuals.
"'Have you considered also fucking the director?'
'Not every problem can be solved by sleeping with it,' Sloane replies.
'Not with that attitude.'"