My Fair Brady: A YA LGBTQ High School Rom-Com About Musical Theater Romance

by Brian D. Kennedy

My Fair Lady meets the classic teen film She's All That in this charming and swoony new rom-com from Brian D. Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country. Perfect for fans of What If It's Us and She Gets the Girl.

Wade Westmore is used to being in the spotlight. So when he’s passed over for the lead in the spring musical, it comes as a major blow—especially when the role goes to his ex-boyfriend, Reese, who dumped him for being too self-involved.

Shy sophomore Elijah Brady is used to being overlooked. Forget not knowing his name—most of his classmates don’t even know he exists. So when he joins the stage crew for the musical, he seems destined to blend into the scenery.

When the two have a disastrous backstage run-in, Elijah proposes an arrangement that could solve both boys’ problems: If Wade teaches Elijah how to be popular, Wade can prove that he cares about more than just himself. Seeing a chance to win Reese back, Wade dives headfirst into helping Elijah become the new and improved “Brady.”

Soon their plan puts Brady center stage—and he’s a surprising smash hit. So why is Wade suddenly less worried about winning over his ex and more worried about losing Elijah?

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer, Audiobook, Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 23, 2024

About the author

Brian D. Kennedy (he/him) is the award-winning author of A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY and MY FAIR BRADY. Born and raised in Minnesota, he now lives in New York City with his husband and their miniature Schnauzer. When not writing, he can be found working at an LGBTQ nonprofit and obsessing over all things Dolly Parton.

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so charming. I loved the high school theatre setting, the references to My Fair Lady and She's All That, but without the stupid bet, and the characters.

The friendship between shy and awkward Elijah and more confident Wade was so sweet. It was lovely to watch them grow throughout the story and learn how to be their true selves. There was sort of a love triangle which I didn't expect, but I liked how it was done.

I listened to this on audio and I really enjoyed the narration.

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already loved A Little Bit Country, and now My Fair Brady pushed itself in my heart, too. The keyword I’d use for Brian D. Kennedy’s books is warmth. Must reads when the sun is hiding behind clouds, or when there’s no hearth fire to warm your body, or simply when you’re feeling down. Because his books warm you up from the inside.

With My Fair Brady, Brian settles himself even firmer in the category of authors like Robbie Couch, Simon James Green, and Becky Albertalli. Light and quirky comfort reads, with real teen struggles.

When I read about Wade in the blurb, I didn’t know if I’d like him, but while reading, I started to love him. Such a flawed character who wanted to control things a bit too much, but also such a sweetheart who is much more self-conscious than he pretends to be. And Elijah, sweet, quiet cinnamon roll Elijah. He was so, so adorable!!

Pick up this one, everyone! Just snuggle up on the couch and start reading. You might be able to finish it in just one sitting.

Thank you so much, Brian, for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley! I’m already eagerly waiting for your next book!

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[๑ seungchaccomin ๑ · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘cool shouldn’t be about doing what’s popular by everyone else’s standards. it should be about having enough confidence to be who you are, and not caring if that makes you stand out.’

first, i love the school theatre concept (which is why i'm excited to read). second, i'm impressed by elijah's confidence from a previous shy boy in technical crew in a school musical. third, it's easy to read that's why i'm finishing this fast 😄

however, despite the tag says it's young adult, there's some unnecessary words that i saw while reading this (for example; 🌽, sëx, and pënëträtiön). i mean, this was supposed to be a fluffy one, but why are these words mentioned in a ya book? also, i was so interested at the first 65% in the book. but the remaining 27% just goes downhill for me (at least the last 4% ate it tough)

nonetheless, i still enjoyed it 😄

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pre-read:

taking a break from reading smüt and switch to ya cuz why not?

also, i enjoyed a little bit country by the same author so i hope this one also delivers just like i enjoy reading his debut novel 😄

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Sweet, fun, and so very charming, My Fair Brady is one of the easiest, most compulsively entertaining reads I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year.

I’ll admit, I’ve shamefully never seen My Fair Lady—of which this was a very loose YA queer retelling—but I do consider myself quite a loyal fan of movie musicals and musical theatre in general, loving the way this story and these characters brought that particular passion within the arts to life, with nothing but joy and reverence.

I really liked our two MCs, senior theatre star Wade Westmore and shy, socially awkward sophomore Elijah Brady.

Elijah was immediately relatable to me, having plenty of personality and wit, but an endless ability to fluff it all up when trying to people like a normal person. He is super close to his parents and wants to make them proud by stepping out of his comfort zone to (quite awkwardly but memorably) join the school’s latest theatre production as a new stage crew member, all with the hopes of making new friends along the way and maybe impressing his crush.

Wade is Elijah’s total opposite. Popular and just on the right side of confident and charming, Wade certainly has a flair for the dramatic, with a self-important attitude that was annoying to most but wonderfully tamed into humility and humbleness upon befriending Elijah and learning a whole lot about himself in the process.

This had that slightest vibe of 90s teen movie to it, with the premise of “popular student helps make the school nobody popular too,” but minus any of those grossly offensive bets that would never actually be forgivable in real life. Here, Wade witness’s Elijah’s dejection and Elijah sees how fed-up Wade’s friends are with his self-serving attitude, so they team up to help each other out: Wade helping Elijah with lessons on how to be more self-confident and how to connect with his peers better, and in doing so, Wade proves to his friends (and his ex-boyfriend) that he’s capable for helping others’ out without an ulterior motive (which, ironically, is his ulterior motive).

But, of course, these two opposites naturally attract, connecting in ways they didn’t expect, first becoming good friends who actually enjoy spending time together and eventually, they start to feel a bit more than friendly, hoping the other feels the same way too—which, of course they do! Honestly, it was all very sweet and heartwarming and butterfly inducing, in it’s very YA friendly way.

This was my first time reading a book by Brian D. Kennedy and I consider the experience a huge success, now quite excited to read more from him in the future, if this story was anything to go by.

[Brian Kennedy]

This book might be for you if...

1. You ever had to memorize all 29 colors in Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

2. You recognize that Eponine is the true hero of Les Misérables, and "On My Own" is the greatest theatrical ballad of all time.

3. You listened to the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack so much in high school that the CD started to skip. (Yes, I was in high school when CDs were still around. RIP to my soundtracks of Rent and The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well.)

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

My Fair Brady is a theater kid book written for theater kids. I'm not a theater kid, but I still enjoyed it, though I found the young adult squabbles and drama to be a bit exhausting at times.

I'm not a YA romance reader, as a rule, but I dabble from time to time. This is my second book from Brian D. Kennedy, and I enjoyed it like the first one. However, I think that if you are a YA reader or were/are in student theater, you'll enjoy it even more. Personally, I've never even seen My Fair Lady! I'm sure tons of references were going right over my head.

The story is low steam, which is expected, and involves a messy romance that, IMO, is underdeveloped. Friendship, sure, but it isn't a romance! type of romance book. Which is fine, but just know that the story is more about the MCs finding themselves than their relationship. I enjoyed how these guys felt like self-involved teenagers, which is how they should be acting at their ages, and the nice development of the side characters.

A nice story for me, but I think a GREAT one for the right reader.

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[ancientreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I'll say it: this is a very nearly perfect YA romcom.

It is not a romance for adults and it shouldn't be judged like one: it doesn't have the emotional complexity you (probably) want if you're an adult reader. There isn't any sex (though it's hinted that one of the MCs did have sex in a past relationship). There are Social Issues, but Social Issues Lite: a trans girl alludes to past encounters with transphobes (but she has lots of friends and a cute boyfriend); a high-achieving African American girl mentions that she has to work harder than her white peers to get the same kind of recognition (but she's the Prom Queen, and she's going to med school at Stanford); one of the MCs is pretty sure his parents aren't super comfortable with his gayness (but it turns out they're on his team anyway). The setting is a private school, which is a bit of an eyeroller and seems unnecessary. And oh, yeah, some of the life lessons Elijah and Wade learn are spelled out too neatly.

But honestly, if you're a 15-year-old looking for a sweetheart of a story in which a shy wallflower learns that he can make friends and attract boys while remaining his nerdy self, and a self-centered showboat with a good heart learns what a pleasure it is to relax and stop worrying about impressing people, along the way hitting those good, good romance beats (the Apparent Betrayal; the Misunderstanding; the Grand Gesture, which by the way is a nice one) -- well, 15-year-old in search of such a story, you've found it. Also, you'll learn a lot about how to put on a musical.

4.5 stars because I did have to ding a little for this and that, but of course rounded up.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Balzer + Bray, for the ARC. As I am in general an irritable and finicky reader, you know my good reviews are honest ones.

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3 stars ✰

“Cool shouldn’t be about doing what’s popular by everyone else’s standards.

It should be about having enough confidence to be who you are, and not caring if that makes you stand out.”

If you were a fan of the 90s teen hit She's All That, then Wade and Elijah's story will be the perfect treat for you. Sadly, it was one of my least favorite teen movies growing up, but there was still something endearing about My Fair Brady that made it worth my while. ✨

“Henry Higgins is a pompous ass—that’s fun to play onstage. He’s also misogynistic and classist, which is less fun. But the entire point of the show is that he’s wrong for being that way.

And it takes falling in love with Eliza for him to see his faults. There’s something romantic about that.”

For the majority of the story, Wade and I didn't get along; and for good reason. He's exactly the kind of guy I probably wouldn't be attracted to or even see eye-to-eye with, but underneath all his self-centered misconceptions does lie the heart of someone who has good intentions - even if he fails to ever deliver that correctly. He definitely didn't hide it from us that he had ulterior motives in helping Elijah's pursuit in gaining more confidence in himself and changing the way people perceive him so he can get more friends. 🙍🏻‍♀️ But, I think, that was intended and purposeful; for when Wade does realize the error of his ways and sees how much of the wrong he has been all this time - was a very cathartic and well-executed moment. Under all that pompous grandeur was the soul of someone with a lot of vulnerability and insecurity and made his own transformation all that more valid and relatable - to some extent.. 'What if no one else is willing to put up with me?' For while it seemed like his life was crumbling around him, he was actually becoming a better person - not only to himself, but for others, as well. 👍🏻

Elijah, 'a sophomore techie who can barely drive' is my spirit animal - he's everything that I still am - and that's okay. All his thoughts and his weaknesses, all his desires to be accepted and noticed rang so very true with me. All his insecurities of not being seen or saying something and fearing that it was the wrong thing to say were so well played out, something so innocent and honest about him that I saw so much of myself in his personality. I knew that when he enlists Wade to help him 'basically, I want to be the opposite of who I am' would eventually backfire, I liked the message that it conveyed - not only to readers, but to himself as well. 🥺 I'm not very fond of the ugly duckling syndrome, but it was nicely done here; that, even though he enjoyed the perks of being in the spotlight, he still clung to his own principles. There was something very earnest and honest in his efforts to want to change himself. It was funny that as time progressed, there seemed to be a role-reversal in their personalities. For while Elijah was losing his own self, Wade was reclaiming a sense of himself. It showed a level of maturity and growth that if they had not collided *literally* with each other, they may not have been able to realize the good that they already had within them. 🙏🏻

“If I hadn’t joined the musical, I never would’ve gotten to know Wade. Maybe we weren’t perfect in getting to this moment.

But now that we’re here . . . I don’t want it to end.”

I can't deny that their interactions were very sweet. Despite Wade's misguided ploys, he really was very kind to Elijah and was very genuine in wanting to make Elijah realize how special a person he already was. It was a bit predictable at times with the obvious fall-out - 'dramatic exits might be great onstage. But in real life, they fucking suck' - but it didn't mar my enjoyment too much. 😊 As it is in YA reads, there are those cute moments where you can see their undeniable chemistry, but because of circumstances, they're too hesitant or oblivious to realize it. But, when that realization hit both of them did bring a smile to my face. 'Our friendship was real. I know that. I feel that.'The camping scene was one of the highlights for me and the ending was absolutely cheese-adorable on all levels - very much spotlight-stealing, but hey, welcome to the theatre! 🥰

I was pleasantly surprised that it was a dual POV; I was even happier when I saw how fluid and smooth the writing was. The author created a very fine and strong balance between the theatre moments and the steady development of Wade and Elijah's relationship. The group of friends on either side of the departments were interactive and believable in portraying how life in the theater can be both demanding and exhilarating for everyone involved. 🎭 I liked how alive the production of My Fair Lady felt and getting a little glimpse into the stage management side was a nice change. The vibes of high school were solid, even with that lingering feeling of the uncertain future, while still enjoying the last remnants of days that will never return. As a YA read, it was a very light-hearted, if not feel-good worthy one that reminds us that it's okay to be who we are because someone out there may exactly like you as you are. 🫶🏻

On a side note, I hope the author will consider writing a full-length book for Summer and her boyfriend. She was a welcome surprise to the story, and I wouldn't mind learning more about her character.

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this yesterday I wasn't expecting to love it so much that I had to finish it that same day. I thought I'd comfortably stretch it to two or even three days but no, the book had a mind of its own.

As a former theatre kid I felt so seen, this whole book was very relatable and fun, the characters had great personalities, the writing was excellent, and it's a true YA read, one I'd recommend to teens for sure.

I had no idea that the same author wrote A Little Bit Country which is one of my high-priority titles to check out, but after this I know I'll love that too.

My Fair Brady was such a hug of a book if that makes sense, just a very comforting read, I'm so glad I picked it up and I absolutely loveee the 90s romcom vibes. Also recommend the audiobook, the narrators did a great job!!

[Gustaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single thing about this book.

[Braden Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Theater nerds rejoice! My Fair Brady is the queer high school rom-com that we all deserve! Wade is a senior and leading man of his high school's theater department. Elijah is an insecure sophomore and techie on the crew of the musical he's performing in. After the two worlds collide, Elijah quickly becomes Wade's next project as a way to catch the attention of his fellow co-star and recent ex - Reese. Is Wade trying to help Elijah grow his self-esteem? Or is he too busy inflating his own ego? Will this unlikely duo become something more? Let the drama begin!

Being a theater kid, I'm entirely biased, but this book authentically captured the essence of high school theater. It's delightfully queer, sweet and all of the characters are trying to improve and discover themselves instead of self destruct like many of the stereotypical gay plots we're used to seeing too often. Luckily, Brian D. Kennedy must've been a fellow thespian because his theater references were spot on. From the cast list being posted, the striking of the sets and tech days in PJ's to the cast party shenanigans, he totally got the world.

I read this in one sitting, it stirred up so many happy memories from my own past high school productions. I felt like I was right back in the overstuffed costume basement of the auditorium doing vocal warm-ups. As someone who hung Wicked posters on his walls and rented the original broadway cast recording of Rent from the library, this book would've been my entire personality at sixteen.

So if you have an affinity for the stage or enjoy themes of identity, self-love and queerness - this one's for you! I'm in my thirties and far gone from my days of PHS theater, so I didn't expect to relate to Elijah and Wade as much as I did. I'm not the biggest fan of My Fair Lady, but My Fair Brady has my heart. How I WISH I had a showmance like theirs!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC!

[Drew Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all current/former theater kids - this YA was written for us! This is a great sophomore installment from Kennedy, off his debut with A Little Bit Country (which I also loved). Kennedy has proven he can write warm and fuzzy YA’s with the best of them.

My Fair Brady is the amalgamation of My Fair Lady and She’s All That (yes, the 90s teen rom-com film), updated to appeal to today’s high school audience. Wade and Elijah make an unlikely duo, which took me a moment to warm up to... especially Wade who starts very self-centered but with a good heart. It was clear they complemented each other well. Their little ‘project’ to transform Elijah from shy/awkward into “Brady”, a cool/confident student anyone would want to be friends with - naturally grows their friendship. (The camping trip was sooo damn cute!)

The third part twist did make me feel a little negative towards the story - but I feel that was the point and the story needed it to progress adequately. Luckily they got their acts together by the end.

In short - I LOVED it and would recommend for any fans of YA queer romance.

Pick this up now anywhere where books are sold.

Thanks to @bdkennedybooks, @harpercollins and @netgalley for a chance to early review this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Tobe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like how mean Elijah’s inner thoughts were, Wade as the villain who needs reforming was just bizarrely overdramatic (he got dumped for a misguided romantic effort???), and then setting it up as a love triangle was painful. Also, the girls in this were woefully underutilized for how richly they were drawn. DNF at 60%. I think the part that really ruined it for me was when Elijah starts texting Wade’s ex, including making fun of him, sending him pics and then lies about it and continues to lie to everyone around him. Saw many reviews that call Elijah a cinnamon roll, but my friends, it is possible to be shy AND be a complete asshole. Yes, Wade fails at being both kind AND nice, but Elijah fails at being EITHER and there was no HFN for me where these two end up together. Wade deserves better and unless his HEA includes a full ride to NYU, shaking off the dust of his hometown, and joining Ava in committing themselves to a queer, platonic relationship for the ages, I’m just not here for it.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and I truly couldn't have loved it more.

I've loved My Fair Lady since I was a kid and have watched the movie adaptation an absurd number of times. I jumped to see it when Bartlett Sher's Broadway revival transferred to London a couple years back too so I was naturally beyond excited for a queer book that has not only a school production of it but a whole makeover/passing-someone-off-as-someone-else storyline by way of a 2000s rom-com. I genuinely don't know how you can hear this premise and not want to read it immediately.

This is such a sweet and funny story filled with heaps of queer characters, showmances, friendship, family, musical theatre references galore and a milkshake shop I truly wish I could go to. It brought back all the best memories of my school theatre experiences and the messiness and the camaraderie and l'm so prepared to read everything Brian D. Kennedy writes from here on out!

[Papie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute and fun! I really disliked Wade for the first half of the book but I’m so happy I didn’t give up.
❤️❤️❤️

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I’m so emotional I don’t even know where to start.

I absolutely adored A Little Bit Country, so when I saw Brian releasing a new book I immediately added it to my tbr. And honestly I can now say he’s an auto-buy author.

There’s something so simple about YA romances when written well. My Fair Brady transported me emotionally to a time when the smallest smile or light shoulder touch means the world - it’s the anxiety of your first crush, the nervousness of making your first friend, the horrible ordeal of putting yourself out there and the fear of being rejected. But also the small joys of friendship, sharing candy, showing up for each other, movie nights and weird trivia facts. It’s simple yet it cuts deep. It’s a book about teenagers putting on a musical so why am I crying?

Elijah Brady, shy sophomore nerd who lost his only friend to homophobia, wants to be different, better, more confident, worthy of Cool Connor’s affections. Through a rare burst of confidence or sheer desperation he asks the most popular theatre kid to teach him how to be confident, to Eliza Doolittle the shit out of him. Wade Westmore, very cool, over the top dramatic senior who’s just been dumped, comes to the rescue of Elijah - think Legally Blonde moment when Elle slaps her classmate for not returning her phone call in order to stop him from being bullied by girls who think they’re better than him - and ends up with a master plan to get his ex Reese back by showing him how selfless he truly is! What could go wrong?

Wade could catch feelings for the fun, sweet, cute sophomore who knows random trivia facts, had a sarcastic streak, and is too innocent for Flamin’ Joe’s milkshake names. It’s a slowburn - so slow Wade almost misses his chance! But as Elijah becomes “Brady” and grows in his confidence, making new friends, mistaking confidence for popularity, and learning alcohol does NOT fix his problems, Wade learns to treat life less like a musical he can direct, that failure is okay, his parents do care in their own sometimes absent way, and vulnerability is the hardest act of all.

While I don’t normally enjoy love triangles, this one was done well. While Reese was definitely used as a plot point and we didn’t really get to know him that well, there were good parts and bad parts to him. First and foremost, consent can’t be given while intoxicated so someone should definitely talk to him about that! Thankfully Elijah threw up before it truly went anywhere, but the point stands. Reese made a good point that Wade needed a reality check but he should get off his high horse after learning more about his friends, how they treated Elijah, and in the end how Reese treats Elijah. So I didn’t feel bad at all that Reese ends up sidelined after winning prom king while Elijah and Wade get their spotlight moment. Just like Wade has always wanted 🥰

This book covers a lot, more than I was expecting. From figuring out parental relationships, to the mortifying ordeal of being known, to first crushes and kisses, to dealing with perfectionism and failure, to balancing friendships and relationships. I felt like in the six weeks this book takes place I lived all four years of high school all over again. And felt validated in my own experiences. It’s a light and fun YA romance that sneaks in some emotional depth and heartbreaking internal monologue as a treat. 100% recommend 💜

Thank you Brian D Kennedy and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Hannah B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh we’re so back baby (she says every time she reads a My Fair Lady/ She’s All That romance)

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

100% of the reason I decided to read this book was because I saw it was narrated by Kevin R. Free , who voices my dearest Murderbot, and Michael Crouch, whom I also really like.

I feel conflicted, because on one hand, the book really felt like a 90s or early 2000s romcom, and that was super fun, but on the other, I hated how everyone treated Wade like he’d done something terrible the whole time.

Like, yes, agreeing not to do gifts and then making a huge public display wasn’t the best move ever, but it’s not like he did something horrible. He was just being an over-the-top drama teen. And Reese’s response was to humiliate him in front of everyone by saying he was never going to be a good boyfriend, and yet somehow Wade is the bad guy?

Same with Wade not telling his friends about the university’s decision. The boy was devastated. He didn’t hurt anyone, and it’s not like he betrayed anyone, but they all acted like he’d done something unforgivable.

As for the actual romance, I know Elijah/Brady, is supposed to be this super naive guy, but come on, did he really think hooking up with his friend’s ex was okay? And don’t even get me started on him being offended by Wade’s motives for helping him. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Whatever. Rant over. I still enjoyed the narration a lot, even if the book itself wasn’t my fave.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story! I do enjoy the My Fair Lady spin on this. Very well executed, even if the events are predictable - the ride to get there is all the fun.

I highly recommend this, AND the audio. If you're familiar with the source story, this is similar but of course about gay teenage boys. Not spoiling anything! Just read it.

I am so hoping for a 2nd book, but only if it's done well, duh.

The multiple narrators worked well, and I liked them.

5 stars and if you like cute YA romances, you won't be disappointed with this one.

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly There's so much more drama rather than romance I was expecting the opposite.
I also wasn't expecting the on page attempted SA.
Anyway I find myself in elijah shoes for most of the time but unlike me elijah try so much effort to blend it or become so tangled it in a lot of stuff I think the fact that he's a people pleaser factor in that as well.

[Ditte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Balzer + Bray and Netgalley for the ARC

My Fair Brady is a cute, fun, queer YA book about high school drama (and musicals), relationships, and popularity.

Wade Westmore's the handsome, popular guy at school, who's set to graduate soon and was expecting his last few months of high school to be more or less perfect. But when his boyfriend breaks up with him on Valentine's Day, and then is given the lead in the musical Wade was sure would be his, Wade's floundering a bit. He has to come up with some way to get his ex back, so prom can be magical but he's not sure how.

Enter Elijah Brady, the shy nerdy sophomore who doesn't have any friends, and is too awkward to talk to anyone. He joins the spring musical tech crew in hopes of getting closer to the popular kids, and manages to convince Wade to help him to learn how to act like a cooler version of himself.

Elijah might not know that Wade's motivations have to do with appearing selfless and kind so his ex will see and be impressed enough to take him back, but that surely won't backfire. After all, Elijah and Wade aren't even friends, they're just helping each other out. As the musical prep progresses, the two guys start getting closer and things become more complicated than they anticipated.

The book was an easy read, and it reminded me how simple life was in high school though it doesn't feel like that when you're there. There's so much drama (pun intended) and while most of it could be resolved with a little bit of communication, teenagers aren't big on that. Elijah and Wade are both pretty self-centered but not off-puttingly so, and they felt like realistic depictions of teens. The book felt pretty formulaic but sometimes those stories are just really nice to read as was the case here.

[Hazza902 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not like this one.

Elijah is an asshole, second only to Reese, yet somehow the narrative keeps trying to paint Wade as the villain. Wade. The guy who literally got dumped for doing something romantic. Apparently basic kindness is a crime now?

Meanwhile Elijah spends the entire book drowning in his own low self-confidence. And look, I understand insecure characters can be compelling, but when the same internal monologue gets repeated over and over again, it stops being character depth and starts being exhausting. We got the point the first dozen times. We really didn’t need the next eighty reminders.

The pacing is also painfully slow. Not “slow burn romance” slow, but “why is this still going?” slow. It feels like the story keeps circling the same emotional beats without actually moving forward.

And the POV switch? Completely unnecessary. It didn’t add anything to the story or the characters. If anything, it just made the whole thing feel more disjointed.

By the end I wasn’t rooting for the romance, I was rooting for the book to end.

[cinnamilk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my god, everyone is insufferable in this.

Wade does a grand dramatic gesture for Reese. Reese tells him he's narcissistic.

Wade is sad that he isn't going to his dream college and says something relatively innocuous. Hannah tells him he's an elitist.

Wade doesn't tell his best friend that he didn't get into his dream because she did and he doesn't want her to be forced to comfort him. He plans on telling her later. Ava, the friend in question, tells him he made her look like an idiot and that he only cares about himself.

Don't even get me started on Elijah.

Wade was literally the only character I liked and he was meant to be the antagonist.

[Rasa || beviltiska_romantike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, it happened again. I read (rather listened to) YA book and I loved it. The story was a simple one, but so wholesome, just what I needed at the moment. 4.5/5

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute but I wish the love declaration would've happened waaaaay sooner than the very end of the book 🫠

[kiki]

Очень скучно + оба персонажи никакие, кроме фиксации Элайджи на своей не-социальности + меня бесит Уэйд, считающий, что помочь новому знакомому, у которого явные проблемы, это акт ✨ благотворительности ✨ + сюжет явно даже не пытается мне понравиться + эти странноватые фразочки про порно и половые органы, проскальзывающие иногда. нет. + за 30% книги не произошло ничего, goodbye and good riddance

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single minute of this book. I loved the whole theatre and Musial aspect the happy ever after. It was for me one of the perfect ya romcoms and seeing the development between wade and Elijah was so cute. It was predictable I knew how it was going to turn out but that seriously didn’t affect me in the slightest.

[Laxmama]

I am having a difficult time with an actual rating for this one. I liked this one and was super hooked and invested in the story when I started it, I also enjoyed both narrators.

Wade the MC who I understand the author trying to portray Wade as the “selfish “ MC, however I don’t think the incident was all that. Remember we are talking about HS kids that are all self absorbed or oblivious 99% of the time. I don’t see him as the villian, he was dumped by his selfish, phony boyfriend, didn’t get into any schools he hoped for, helped out Elijah only for him to backstab him.

The characters…. had a real issue about half way through the book - Elijah ; he asked Wade for help , he desperately wants friends, well he invited his new friend in Wade, on a camping birthday trip, but he acts like a pouty baby and ignores him to text Wade’s ex behind his back. If he wasn’t doing anything g wrong why not tell Wade ? Why he’s Selfish!! How about when the promposal he would have known how humiliating that was to Wade but he didn’t care because he was SELFISH

Reese IS THE WORST !! He is supposed to be this super nice amazing guy but he is a phony!! First he dumps his boyfriend because his gift was too OTT. Then he tried for the head role in the play when he had his own other set of friends - Wade introduced him to all his Drama friends and the theater. Next Wade introduced him to Elijah ( he admits latter that he asked him out to make Wade jealous ) when he knew they were close and said he saw how Wade felt about him , but he did exactly what he said he broke up with Wade did and made a whole humiliating prom-proposal - he knew how much that would hurt Wade. He is a DICK!!


I wish Elijah vomited on him and Wade got into NYU and told both of them to F’off and found someone better

[Gabriela · Rating 3 out of 5]

”Not everyone gets to have their dream come true, the sooner I accept that, the better.”

Sometimes I feel like reading about high school and teenage, and I have a good time. That’s why I can’t stop thinking this book is lacking something.

I’m not going to say is bad, but I do feel it kind of dull. Despite the whole “accept yourself as you are” -wich is a very strong message- the rest of the book isn’t too strong. The romantic connection between the characters just wasn’t there, and is a little sad that friendship wasn’t enough; I mean, the sudden crush wasn’t necessary.

[akacya ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2024 reads: 24/250

2024 tbr: 16/120

i won an eARC in a giveaway hosted by the publisher. this did not affect my rating.

wade westmore’s senior year was supposed to be his best one yet. but he receives multiple blows to this when he loses his boyfriend, most of his friend group, and the lead role in the spring musical. elijah brady is used to being overlooked, which he’s mostly fine with, except for the fact he doesn’t have many friends. he joins stage crew and soon makes a deal with wade to learn how to be more popular.

messy theatre kids will always have my heart, so getting to know the dramatic (and, let’s face it, self-centered) wade and the wayyyy-too-self-conscious elijah was really enjoyable. wade was dumped because of how self-centered he was, and even when he agreed to help elijah, he had his own self interest at heart. elijah almost immediately regrets joining stage crew but learns to love it. they both went through so much growth and i’m proud of them🫶

i highly recommend this book to YA readers and i look forward to reading more from brian d. kennedy!