This book was both so fun, so nostalgic for me, and also made me cry a little; which is to say I really enjoyed the time I spent reading it. I did theatre all throughout high school and reading this was the most that I’ve missed all the amazing experiences and camaraderie that came out of those experiences in a very long time. Outside of being fun, there’s always something about Kennedy’s writing that feels so genuine and heartfelt that even the characters are frustrating in their mistakes, I want what’s best for them that it’s impossible to put the book down. There are likely a few things in the story that didn’t click for me as much as others, but reading this was both a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me and a wonderful new story to picture alongside my own.

Like the title suggests, the overarching plot of the book echoes that of My Fair Lady, only contemporary and gay. I loved the way that from the beginning it seems to challenge the voices in both characters' heads that tell them they’re not valuable enough to be themselves and be accepted, and that working together obviously causes some pain but also allows them to realise their value. The best romances, in my opinion, are always the ones where the characters grow not just because of falling for one another but because of an actual desire to be better. Also, I’m strongly of the opinion that starting as friends is a great path to being together.

Character wise, it was fun to see parts of myself in both Wade and Elijah while also watching them experience things I’ll never relate to. Kennedy does a great job of writing YA that feels current without being specifically wedged into a specific year or time. I genuinely rooted for both characters and nearly screamed through the events of some of the past few chapters. Supporting characters are fun and get to exist to some degree outside of the main characters goals and roles.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. If you’re a current or former theatre kid (and frankly the Quizbowl to techie pipeline was an unnecessary callout), then this is absolutely worth reading, if only for the nostalgia. And also worth reading for a fun YA romance about acknowledging your worth, and that of those around you.

My Fair Brady was one of those books that make even the darkest days brighter, that make you giggle, and speak out loud to the characters. Every now and then a book that makes me feel all giddy and joyful comes around, something of the likes of what I felt back when I first read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and My Fair Brady was a hundred percent that.

In this book we follow Wade, a confident senior whose year goes down the drain when he is passed as the lead for the spring musical (My Fair Lady) and dumped by his boyfriend of one year. Determined to show the world that he is more than a selfish, pretty face, he takes Elijah, an awkward sophomore who just wants to know how to make friends and stop fading into the background, under his wing. Wade's very own My Fair Lady moment. He takes the quiet Elijah and turns him into Brady, a boy who is not afraid to speak up and show his true colours. It looks like things might turn out perfectly for both of them - unless pesky feelings get involved. Or is that what both of them might actually want?

JUST SQUEAL! With a dual POV we get to really delve deep into both Wade and Elijah, learning what makes them tick, while also experiencing the other main character from another POV. Wade's Elijah might just be perfect the way he is. As is Elijah's Wade, despite them struggling with believing in themselves. I loved how both of these characters developed, how their priorities slowly changed after they realized what they are going after might not be what they actually want or need.
Both Elijah and Wade had such unique stories that really shone on page - as did the side characters, which made this book even better! Of course Wade and Elijah's stories are still the focal point, but the other SCs had their own struggles and obstacles they had to jump over, which added another layer to an already epic story.

I don't even know how to properly express my love for this book, Elijah and Wade, their slow love story (THE ANGST! How long it took them to realize they might be in love! I live for that, okay. Give me some himbos any day of the week and I'll be happy.), the found family they wove in between. I also loved the familial relationships - both of their parents were supportive and while we see more and more of these in YA books nowadays, it still makes me hella happy every time.

All in all, My Fair Brady is a perfect 5-star read, a book I would definitely recommend to all my fellow lovers of books like Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Heartstopper, What If It's Us, Right Where You Left Me, etc. Also to all my fellow fans of A Little Bit Country (Kennedy's debut) - you are going to ADORE this one as well!

Words cannot describe how good this book was, but I will try my best. My Fair Brady had everything I love, Musical theatre, Tech theatre, and a bit of a love triangle! This book was a beautiful ode to the musical ‘My Fair Lady’, with some fun spins on the story.
The story, plain and simple is about a very shy kid, wanting to fit in and getting help from the popular thespian to assist. Our thespian, Wade, is also going through his own drama, not getting cast in the role he wanted in the spring show, and having to work with his recent ex… who he may still have feelings for. On the outside looking in, is Elijah, the shy sophomore who just wants to make some new friends, so he decides to join the lighting crew of the spring production. After making a fool of himself in front of the entire cast and crew, Elijah asks Wade to help him gain some popularity… yes, that involves a ‘She’s all that’ makeover. But could feelings be getting in their way?
I personally think Brian Kennedys writing is top notch, having LOVED his previous debut. This novel was a gorgeous queer retelling of the musical ‘My Fair Lady” and it was done so very well. You couldn’t help but fall for our two main characters and really room for them the entire time. The book also had such wonderful side characters as well that really enhanced the story. I think if you love musical theatre and a great love story, this is for you! This is a 5/5 star read for me.
Thanks again to Brian Kennedy himself for sending me a copy, you know I love you your work. Also thank you to the publisher Balzer + Bray for the copy and my honest review.

My Fair Brady is such a quintessential teen rom-com featuring high school theater! It's honestly everything I love about high school rom-com movies.

It's got theater kids, finding yourself, and falling in love! It's got makeover moments better than 90s movies, accepting yourself fully and being seen for your whole self, overcoming self-doubt, and putting yourself out there. Elijah and Wade are messy high schoolers in the best way possible, and despite me being almost 30, they gave me all the happy feelings. You can't help but root for them!!

Please read this book and get it in the hands of teens in your life! Especially if they're in theater themselves. Even if they're not, please share this book!

There are so many things about this book that I just adored! This is just a completely feel-good, light drama, cozy read. The characters are so fun and relatable. I can assign each of these characters to a real-life person when I was in high school doing theatre. The romance is light and isn't the only thing that is happening in the story. I prefer a story with other things happening. Lastly, there is no homophobia in the story. I love the accepting and welcoming atmosphere. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I think this is becoming more mainstream and I appreciate authors writing about that.

Overall, this is another hit for Brian D. Kennedy. I adored this novel just as much as his first novel, A Little Bit Country, and I will continue to support his new books if he keep this momentum! Absolutely can't wait for more.

I thought this was a really cute story! I loved the plot and the characters, especially Elijah! Elijah needs to be protected because he is just so amazing! He did make a remark about my favorite musical that was so uncalled for and rude! (not actually that bad haha) but I forgive him because he didn't know any better and he grew to respect the world of theater.
The initial point of Wade and Elijah hanging out was for Wade to help change Elijah, but I think that Elijah also helped change Wade and I love that kind of character development.
These two had some really cute and sweet moments! The camping scenes (read it and you'll know what I'm talking about) were amazing!
At one point Wade makes Elijah watch my fair lady for the first time and it kinda made me want to watch it to. I've never seen it, so I didn't even know the basic story line, just like Elijah.
Overall a great story with a bit of retelling of a classic. If you love musicals and the world of theater then you will love this book.

My Fair Brady is a love letter to musical theater both front and back of house. My Fair Lady fans will love this fun take on the classic musical. Wade, our cocky senior, undergoes as much of a transformation as Elijah, our shy and adorable sophomore. Seriously, Elijah needs to be protected at all costs. I loved seeing Elijah figure out who he wants to be and make friends in the process. It was such a sweet story and it really spoke to the tiny wannabe theater nerd that lives inside my heart.

So I usually don't lean towards theater-heavy books. I've found they were pretty.. cringe. This is no exception, but it was delightful sort of cringe, I think. I enjoyed reading and honestly, the homosexual aspect of the book certainly hooked me. I am but a person, who is gay, who craves more gay reads. What can I say? I think this is great and I can't wait to force my friends to buy it. :)

People of a certain age will understand what I mean when I say My Fair Brady by Brian Kennedy is a solid entry into the “pulling a Marcia Brady makeover” trope. If you are a bit younger, you might consider it a “Can’t Buy Me Love,” or even younger, you’d maybe  think it’s a “She’s All That” story. And if none of these references make any sense, suffice it to say that this story is all about an ugly duckling misfit being made into a swan by a more popular guy, so if that’s your jam, you’ll enjoy this sweet romance.

Wade Westmore is bummed. Not only was he dumped by his gorgeous, adorable boyfriend, Reese, but Wade failed to score the lead role in his school’s spring production of My Fair Lady. Even worse than not getting the role of Henry Higgins is that Reese gets cast instead. Having to be on stage every day for rehearsals with the guy who broke his heart, stuck playing a part he didn’t want, is hardly motivating.  

Elijah Brady is your typical high school wallflower. He blends into the background, his knack for arcane trivia knowledge not exactly an entrée into the upper levels of the social scene. He longs to make some new friends, and that drives him to seek a position on the stage crew for the spring musical. All the popular kids like Wade Westmore, Reese Erikson-Ortiz, and Connor Goldfarb are theater geeks, so maybe that’s the way to become part of the in-crowd. He stumbles backwards into a position on the show’s lighting tech crew, not sure what he’s even doing.

When the two boys literally bump into each other in a minor stage collision mishap, Elijah is mortified and Wade is inspired. If he can take shy, shrinking-violet Elijah and turn him into the much cooler, more popular “Brady”, then surely Reese will see that Wade is NOT the self-absorbed jerk that caused Reese to dump him. Elijah’s just thrilled to have been noticed by such a popular guy.

As the two get to know each other, feelings develop, and Wade’s initial goal - of winning back Reese - becomes a lot less important. 

This story is sweet, very predictable, and definitely on the lighter side of romance. It very authentically captures the experience of putting on a high school show, both the on-stage and the behind-the-scenes action. Diversity is the name of the game, and all of the characters are successful and relatively likable despite their flaws. If I have any criticisms, it’s that some of the characters are too perfect, and there;s a misunderstanding that had me shaking my head. Then again, high school kids aren’t exactly known for their outstanding communication skills! And the grand gesture at the end is something I can absolutely picture in the movie adaptation. 

If you are looking for an easy read with characters who make you smile, then pick up My Fair Brady. You won’t get a complex story, but you will be entertained as Wade turns Elijah into a swan.

Girlies, I gobbled this cutie up in one day because I just simply could not put it down!!

I had previously enjoyed A Little Bit Country by this author so when I saw that he was coming out with a new YA title that had a stunning purple cover, about a shy geek and a theater gay, I just knew I needed to read it!
Thank you to Harper 360YA for sending me a digital ARC of My Fair Brady in exchange for an honest, because it shan't ever be anything but, review!

Where do I even start? This book was so incredibly charming and had a shocking amount of depth to it that just knocked my socks off because I simply did not expect it to.
Brian's writing is as good, if not better, than it was in his debut, a bit sharper and definitely more poignant because this book managed to land some emotional hits that my heart is still feeling.
This book was also surprisingly funny, with multiple quips that had me either cracking up or side eyeing it with amusement.

I really liked both of our main characters, but that was after my initial dislike of both of them lol.
Elijah is... Well, let's just say he's trying to break out of his nervous and scared of everything shell, which he definitely managed to do by the second half of this book, meanwhile Wade just goes through a series of hits to his ego and sense of self, just one after another, so much so that I couldn't help but warm up to him and wish to give him a hug.
Their initial tentative friendship, while starting with a bit of a ludicrous setup, blossomed into something really cute and I very much enjoyed that its transformation into a crush/friends to lovers romance was more on the slow burn side.

The setting was quite fresh for me, as I've never read anything with a school theater setting, so there's also that.

I do have to say though that it lacked that element that makes a 5 star book, hence my rating of it, and I do wish the ending had been a bit longer, or even more elaborate, because it ends on a cutesy but neutral tone and I wish it packed a bit more of a punch and didn't leave me wanting more.

All in all, if you're looking for your next YA romance, I do highly recommend this one, if my review of it didn't already make that clear lol.

Many thanks to Harper360 for the digital review copy!

This is the perfect book to read in one sitting. I haven't read a lot of YA contemporaries lately, and I've really missed them. This was a very solid one, and I had a really good time reading this. It's a quick, fun read, and I loved seeing the development the characters went through. I especially loved soft, quiet Elijah as a character.

This book was so wholesome <3
-- it's an extrovert x introvert romance, the shy guy asking the popular guy to teach him to be popular, and the popular guy both falls first and falls hard 😭 (and he falls for the shy guy, not the new version of him 🥲🥲)
-- sort of, love triangle?
-- friends to lovers!!
-- lot of theatre and drama themes!
-- both MCs discover who they are and what they want!!

TWs - homophobia (past experience)

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Wade Westmore is nursing a broken heart after a valentine mishap puts him in the outs with his popular theater friend group. Wade wants to end on a high note—perfect high school boyfriend, leading role in the last school play and all eyes on him, but his selfish behavior keeps getting in the way of making it a senior year to remember.

Elijah Brady is so quiet not one even knows he exists. His social anxiety gets in the way of making meaningful friendships, his lack of self-esteem leads him to believe he doesn’t deserve them. An upcoming camping trip has him putting forth effort to make a friend this year and maybe joining the Theater crew will help.

When Elijah asks Wade to help make him more popular, Wade sees it as an opportunity show his ex-boyfriend that he isn’t always selfish, but Elijas charming and sweet manner makes it difficult to remember the purpose of this deal.

This was a fast paced queer romance full of all the discomfort of teenage life. I love that this story is able to convey the normalness of being a queer teenager with somewhat normal teenage problems! This books takes you on a nostalgic adventure of what it's like to survive the social and familial expectations at an age when you aren't even sure exactly who you are. I loved every moment of it.

Thank you Brian D Kennedy for sending me an advanced copy of My Fair Brady. I’m not great at summaries, but hear me out: 90s romcom She’s All That meets the classic golden age musical My Fair Lady, but gay. 🌈

This book was a true joy to read. It was so nostalgic for me as a former theatre kid in the best ways. Any book that can reference that many musicals is going to grab my attention, but these characters are what made me unable to put the book down. I haven’t always enjoyed reading dual POV in the past, but Elijah and Wade were both so lovable and relatable, so I really loved getting to see inside both of their heads.

I love YA stories - there’s something about a coming of age story that never gets old. But getting to see these stories from the point of view of queer characters hits different. This book gets bonus points for having supportive, affirming families who want the best for their kids. More of this please - queer kids deserve to see themselves represented in happy stories, not just tragic ones.

I can’t wait to buy a physical copy when it is released on January 23!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Release Date: January 23, 2024

I really enjoyed A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy, so I was very excited to be approved for an ARC! Continuing the “musical” theme of his books, My Fair Brady is centered around an actual school musical (My Fair Lady). I was a band kid, not a theatre kid, so I’m not very familiar with musicals/plays. However, I have watched She’s All That, which is a modern adaption (and the original is on my watchlist now I swear)!

Despite having limited background knowledge, I adored this book! The POV switches between Wade, a popular senior, and Elijah Brady, a shy, awkward sophomore who just wants to fit in. The two strike up a deal in which Wade agrees to help Elijah become more popular, but their “partnership” might turn into something more.

Wade was completely infuriating at the beginning, but I loved watching him grow and learn a little humility. Elijah didn’t make very smart choices and was very desperate at first, but eventually he starts to become more confident in himself and lean into his quirky, nerdy personality. There are a lot of bumps in the road, but beneath all the drama this was a very wholesome book with a slow burn romance at its core.

If you love queer YA romance, I definitely recommend whether or not you have a musical bone in your body!

This is an absolutely adorable queer YA romcom. I have followed Brian Kennedy since before the release of his debut - and was thrilled that his follow up would be for the theatre kids out there (ahem, me.) A light, easy read - one I smiled all the way through.

My sweet babies Wade and Elijah have my heart 🥹🫶🏼 I loved them from the first chapter all the way to the end. Their story was so sweet and some tears might have escaped at the end. Beautiful story!

uber cute theater kid romance :D as a queer dude who's super into theater this is a win oml :D thanks so much for the arc

Two boys: one in want of a makeover, one with ulterior motives. What could possibly go wrong?

High school senior Wade Westmore is popular, charismatic, and thrives as the center of attention on and off the stage, but lately the attention is not all positive. First he is very publicly dumped, and then his ex-boyfriend, Reese, is cast as the lead in My Fair Lady while Wade is stuck in a supporting role, bitter and pining. Sophomore Elijah Brady is tired of being invisible. In a desperate attempt to make friends, he joins the lighting crew for the spring musical. After a disastrous start, Elijah is ready to call it quits; but when Wade rescues him from an awkward social situation, Elijah is emboldened to ask Wade for help feeling confident and making friends. Wade agrees to help Elijah transform into the cool, cute, confident Brady . . . but with his own ulterior motives. Maybe if Reese sees that Wade is helping Brady, Reese will find that Wade isn’t so selfish anymore and take him back in time for prom.

This sweet coming of age novel is as much about self-acceptance, personal growth, and navigating relationships with friends and family as it is about the changing relationship between the dual narrators. The plot will appeal to fans of makeover romcoms such as She’s All That, Drive Me Crazy, and My Fair Lady. Thus, it will have readers expecting from the start that the mentor-mentee relationship between Wade and Elijah will lead to a friends-to-lovers dynamic. Those hoping for a quick and obvious journey to happily ever after may be frustrated by this slow burn, and readers may even find themselves rooting for a different couple along the way. The characters are human, flawed, and occasionally unlikeable, but still worth rooting for, and the plot is lighthearted enough to please YA romcom fans. Wade and Elijah are cued white. Supporting characters are racially diverse. LGBTQIA+ representation is primarily M/M with gay, bi, and trans supporting characters. Some basic theater terms and technical terms for lighting equipment are used without definitions, but it does not hinder comprehension. Theater fans and non-fans alike will enjoy this book. I recommend it for ages 13+.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this Advance Reader’s e-proof.

Can a high school theater superstar turn an awkward loner into the stylish, confident gay boy he was meant to be? Such is the appealing premise of Brian D. Kennedy’s modern YA reboot of Pygmalion, and despite the challenges of working with a literary classic that rings socially problematic to the modern ear, Kennedy’s queer interpretation is a delightful teen drama that captures the high school theater world with authority, balance, and a lot of heart.

Wade Westmore is the Pygmalion, or Henry Higgins of the story. He’s a B.M.O.C. at suburban Minnesota’s Monroe Academy, which, like many private, middle-class high schools nowadays, has come around to embrace LGBTQ+ teens as part of the mainstream, particularly those who are as attractive and charming as young Wade. Wade is fully aware of his charms and on track for a show-stopping finale to his enviable high school career. He just needs to score the lead in the upcoming production of My Fair Lady, be voted into prom court with his athlete boyfriend Reese, and get his acceptance letter from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.

The gender-swapped Eliza Doolittle is Elijah Brady, a nerdy sophomore who has yet to find his social tribe. Elijah desperately wants to overcome his shyness and make his first high school friend, but he’s just about convinced that he’s a hopeless case. His only skill at making conversation is citing morbid trivia, his principal social life is with his mom and dad, and he’s certain that further embarrassment awaits him when he becomes the only person in his class to flunk his driver’s test.

When Elijah gets recruited as a warm body for the stage crew of My Fair Lady, the two boys collide, quite literally of course, on stage during rehearsals, because this is a rom-com. Normally, Wade wouldn’t give a gawky sophomore the time of day, but his circumstances have changed disastrously. His attention-seeking behavior prompted Reese to dump him just months before the prom, and to make things worse, the theater director cast Reese as Henry Higgins while Wade’s final performance on the high school stage will be as bland Colonel Pickering. Wade remains determined to finish his senior year in triumph, and he sees an opportunity to win back Reese. If he takes Elijah under his wing to become part of the popular crowd, he’ll show Reese that he’s not a self-absorbed jerk and Reese will have to give him a second chance. The first step is to transform Elijah into outgoing, put-together “Brady,” which won’t raise many eyebrows based on Elijah’s nearly nonexistent profile at Monroe Academy.

The story retains the light-hearted tone of its musical inspiration, but Kennedy wisely adds some depth to his two male leads who could otherwise cross over to crass caricature. Wade’s annoying preoccupation with being the center of attention is tempered nicely when we see the pressure and sense of otherness he feels at home. His two older brothers were star high school football players, and his family life revolves around cheering them on throughout the N.C.A.A. season. Wade’s parents aren’t homophobic, but his brothers’ achievements are clearly easier for them to relate to than Wade’s passion for the stage. To gain their approval, he feels that he must reach the height of success in theater as his older brothers did with football. One senses that a bit of heterosexism figures into that dilemma, thus Wade’s pursuit of the perfect boyfriend, Reese, feels like another way to show his parents he’s worthy of their attention, just like his brothers who are paired up with long-term girlfriends. Privately, he’s wracked by stresses and insecurities that will be relatable to many readers.

Elijah also has dimensions. He’s not merely a self-hating, passive participant in Wade’s grand plan to make him popular. He’s more or less aware of the ridiculousness of the situation, and he brings Wade into his less fabulous world as much as Wade brings him into his world of trendy gay coffee shops, high school parties, and Hollywood musicals. When Wade comes along on an annual fishing trip with Elijah’s father, the two boys’ relationship deepens as they begin to see each other as they are. Both young men are drawn out realistically and sympathetically, and at its core, the story is quite an earnest meditation on the trials of gay boys, no matter where they fit in the teen social hierarchy. To this queer reader, Kennedy overcompensates a bit lest readers miss the lesson: it’s not nice that Wade began his journey with selfish motivations, but such is the careful convention of mainstream YA. Setting aside that minor quibble, My Fair Brady is a fun, uplifting story that will have broad appeal above and beyond readers drawn to its high school theater setting.

Reviewed for Out in Print.