I’m a super fan of RED, WHITE, & ROYAL BLUE; I enjoyed ONE LAST STOP and obsessed with I KISSED SHARA WHEELER. So when Casey McQuiston announced their next book, THE PAIRING, I was excited. It’s been a long time since an author I adore has disappointed me. 

 

The plot was so repetitive. The plot was so repetitive! Did I mention that the plot was so repetitive? I expected some of the same occurrences, given that they had a bet about who could sleep with more people on a European tour when they really just wanted to be with one another. But it felt like nothing new. And they were in different countries with different people! The only parts I loved were their conversations with other tour group members about life, love, and relationships. 

 

Typically, I become a big fan of one or more of CMQ’s characters. Sadly, I found I did not want to be friends with any of them, which I think made a big difference in my liking the book. I made it to the 47% part before I DNF’d it. By that point, I loathed being in Theo’s head. I learned from a friend that the narration switched to Kit shortly after, but I was so not invested in Theo’s side and had no urge to see if Kit might invest me in more. There is not enough time in the world to read books you aren’t head over heels for. 

 

I hope I adore whatever CMQ puts out next, like the first three books, because this one was not for me. 

 

PS - One positive note: The narration of the audiobook was excellent. I had a tough time reading the arc, but it was much better to listen to because of the superb narration. I wish I were listening to a better story with that narration. 

 

Thanks, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for the arc and ALC!