I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

If you’ve not read or heard about Casey McQuiston’s “Red, White & Royal Blue,” then you’re either new to reading, from another planet, or have been living under a rock. I was super late to the game with that one, and once I finally read it, I understood why everyone loved it so much. I was excited to get an ARC of this one, and while I enjoyed it, I didn’t love it as much as I loved the former. Still, if you’re looking for a steamy, hilarious, and heartwarming read to add to your summer TBR pile, look no further. This best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy will have you laughing, swooning, and rooting for Theo and Kit to find their way back to each other.

In this book, Theo and Kit are former best friends turned romantic partners turned exes who find themselves on a European food and wine tour together a few years after their messy breakup. Forced to spend several weeks in close quarters with each other, they decide to turn their trip into a hookup competition after they each notice that they’re both lusting after their sexy tour guide. What starts as a friendly wager soon turns into a chance to rekindle their lost friendship, but when old feelings begin to resurface, they need to decide if they will keep the competition friendly or if they’ll allow themselves to cross the friends-with-benefits line – and if that happens, will they be able to avoid falling for each other all over again?

From the picturesque landscapes of France, Spain, and Italy to the mouthwatering descriptions of wine and pastries, McQuiston effortlessly transports us to a world full of beauty and indulgence in a story full of humor, romance, and so much food. It’s almost like “Eat, Pray, Love” but with more sex and a lot of longing. As expected, McQuiston’s writing is witty and engaging, with a tone that feels like chatting with your best friend. The dialogue crackles with energy, and each chapter is a delicious blend of humor, romance, and food that will leave you hungry for more. (See what I did there?)

What makes the book work is the dynamic between Theo and Kit. Their banter is razor-sharp, and their chemistry is sizzling. They felt real, and I firmly believed that these two had a special bond and history. As they navigate the highs and lows of their relationship, you’ll find yourself rooting for them to overcome their past and find a way back to each other.

I was also lucky enough to receive an advance listener’s copy of the book, so I could listen and read at the same time, and both of the narrators were great. Emma Galvin voices Theo, while Max Meyers voices Kit. I’ve experienced Galvin’s narration in Kresley Cole’s “Arcana Chronicles” and Veronic Roth’s “Divergent” series, and I always enjoy their performance. Meyers was new to me, but I enjoyed his performance as well.

Overall, this is a delightful romp through Europe that will leave you laughing, swooning, and maybe even craving a glass of wine and a pastry. If you loved McQuiston’s “Red, White & Royal Blue,” you’ll likely enjoy “The Pairing.” While I personally preferred the latter, I still enjoyed this book and have no doubt that McQuiston’s fans will eat it up.