I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read “A Little Bit Country” by this author back in June and really enjoyed it, so as soon as I heard about “My Fair Brady,” I immediately added it to my TBR. This is exactly the type of book I wish I’d had when I was in high school. I saw several versions of the younger me in so many of these characters, and I loved it. It made my theatre nerd heart very happy.

The story follows and is told through the first-person narratives of Wade Westmore, a high school student who is used to being in the spotlight, and Elijah Brady, a shy sophomore who is accustomed to being overlooked by his classmates. Wade’s life hasn’t been great lately. His boyfriend, Reese, recently broke up with him, claiming that Wade was too self-centered and only cared about himself. Things just got worse for Wade when he was passed over for the lead role in the spring musical, and Reese was cast as the lead instead.

When Elijah joins the stage crew for the musical and has a chance encounter with Wade backstage, he proposes an arrangement that could benefit both of them. Elijah asks Wade to teach him how to be popular and more confident. At first, Wade balks at the idea, but then he realizes that this could be exactly what he needs to win Reese back. If Wade helps Elijah, then Reese will see that Wade went out of his way to help someone else. Intrigued by the possibility of proving that he cares about more than just himself, Wade agrees to the deal and thus begins the transformation of Elijah into the new and improved “Brady.”

As Elijah starts to gain popularity and finds himself unexpectedly in the spotlight, Wade begins to question his motives. Suddenly, winning Reese back doesn’t seem as important as losing Elijah. The dynamics between the characters are captivating, and the chemistry between Wade and Elijah is electric. Readers will find themselves rooting for their relationship to blossom and for Wade to realize what truly matters.

I thought the story was absolutely adorable, and I loved how it took a very familiar trope from a lot of 90s movies and made it feel fresh. The pacing is well-paced, with just the right balance of humor, drama, and romance, but what I really loved about the book was its diverse and multi-dimensional cast of characters. Each character, whether major or minor, is intricately developed and brings something unique to the story. Wade is a charismatic and flawed protagonist, while Elijah is a lovable and relatable underdog. The supporting characters, such as Ava (Wade’s best friend), Reese, and the members of the stage crew, add depth and charm to the story. I could easily see several of my old theatre friends in many of these characters.

Overall, I thought this was a delightful and engaging read. Kennedy’s ability to create realistic and relatable characters, combined with the charming and swoony romance, makes this book a must-read for fans of YA rom-coms. Whether you’re a teenager navigating high school or an adult reminiscing about your own teenage years, this book will resonate with readers of all ages.