ARC provided by Netgalley and Wednesday books in exchange for an honest review.

I usually stick to adult romance and might read one YA book a year, so I was worried that this would make me cringe if it referenced any cringy high school drama. But, this was the complete opposite, it was so easy to resonate with Tilly about not knowing what you're doing with your life or where you're going next.

I also LOVED Tilly's Babble posts and probably cried reading every one of them.

Loved. Thank you for the digital copy, I ended up receiving a physical copy and will be reviewing on my socials that way. Thank you again for the digital ARC.

Simply put, a marvel of a book.

One that gives voice to young people with ADHD and autism. Highlighting their strengths, while empowering their voices in a rich and heartfelt tenor. I loved every messy moment from the awkwardly hilarious meet-cute, to the next chaotic scene, Ollie and Tilly’s love story is one I literally couldn’t put down.

As a mother with two children diagnosed with ADHD, it’s refreshing to see characters who share similar experiences as my own, especially my oldest. It’s a reflection for me personally as a parent. Hearing Tilly’s interactions with her mother gave me pause.

Wondering if maybe I’m too overbearing, too critical, too much for my own middle schooler. And it’s those reflections that help connect the dots when communicating with our own children. To truly listen when they’re talking and when they aren’t. Taking in their point of view. Realizing everything they are capable of without constraining them into an uninhabitable space that can make them feel less and unworthy of a fulfilling life.

A wonderfully bold story that will splash your life with brightly bold colors young adults and fans of Mazey’s adult novels will thoroughly enjoy Tilly in Technicolor.

Now go pre-order this book!

Happy Reading ~ Cece

TILLY IN TECHNICOLOR is Mazey's young adult debut in the contemporary romance genre. It is an Own-Voices story featuring two main characters, Tilly and Oliver, who have ADHD and autism, respectively. The story follows Tilly and Oliver as they travel throughout Europe for the summer in hopes to get Mona and Amina's nail polish company off the ground (with some other motivations of course).

Yet another masterpiece and love letter to being neurodivergent written by Mazey Eddings! There was no erasing or hiding anything about their neurodivergence. Instead, it was embraced, mentioned on almost every page with the good, the bad, and everything in between explored. Again, Mazey has written a book "for every brain" as her website says. Again, she has contributed to creating a beautiful, heartwarming, cozy, safe space for neurodivergent and LGBT+ people (almost everyone is queer, love to see it). I loved reading the gradual connection between Tilly and Oliver and the individual inner growth, especially with Tilly. I loved seeing her find a new circle of friends that accept, support, and uplift her just the way she is. Reading about Tilly struggling and seeing those conversations with her mother going nowhere was hard so I was basically cheering, heart bursting when she met so many people that felt otherwise. Oliver's love for color and how it was described? I definitely have a bigger appreciation for color. I might have fallen back into my Pantone rabbit hole while reading...

However, my biggest issue with this book (and it hurts me to say so) is the romance. Overall, I think I would have been fine if this book didn't include the romance between Tilly and Oliver. If the story continued with that and this budding friendship became a catalyst for Tilly's accepting that she'll be taking different steps than everyone else and how to navigate this pivotal point in her life with her ADHD, this would have been a higher rating for me. Unfortunately, the romance just didn't do much for me.

Chapters 35 to the end felt like they were a slightly faster pace than the previous 34 chapters. I don't think I can fault the story too much because that is also a teenager/young adult thing to do. Sometimes they are overwhelmed with emotions and make quick decisions, overthink, miscommunicate, and make mistakes. I think would've liked some of those moments (feeling the "I love you" between Tilly and Oliver, groveling after 3rd act breakup, Tilly's family conversations) to last longer.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, the character development and embracing being neurodivergent (from the characters and the story itself), but was disappointed by the romance in the last 30%. 4 stars

I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It is so incredibly stimulating and captivating, full of insightful information and thoughts and FEELINGS; I couldn't stop nerding out. All the Color Theory talk? The way Oliver thought in colors (complete with Pantone color references)? Tilly and her beautiful mind? It was amazing. I would have LOVED to read this in high school. But very grateful to have read it now all the same.

One of the big reasons I love reading about neurodiverse characters is how much I am able to learn. These books are such great reminders that everyone's brain works differently, and not just in a neurodiverse & neurotypical kind of way, but even further than that. It creates the space for understanding and empathy. As a neurotypical person, I really appreciate the insight. And as with her other books, Mazey delivers that so profoundly.

The writing is incredible, too. I can't even tell you how many whole-pages I highlighted and mades notes for.

This is a special one. I hope you love it as much as I did.

Thank you so much for the ARC!

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, for allowing me to read Tilly in Technicolor early!

Eddings' YA debut was everything I hoped for. I read her works before and enjoyed them dearly, so I was fervently awaiting this young adult novel to see if she could keep on her winning streak and she did! Fantastic.

This book is the YA book that all libraries should have and will benefit readers of all ages. Mazey can write anything and I will stand by that statement as her YA debut is whimsical and reflective in all the best ways.

I always appreciate it when the main characters in YA books feel real and are the chaotic and confused reflections of what it’s actually like to be a teen. I loved the neurodivergence representation and how ADHD and Autism come together to show that although each presents it’s own set of challenges, you can still be on the same wavelength. I have never related so much to YA characters before nor have I ever highlighted so many quotes in a book before. I related so much to the characters despite it being a YA-targeted book and truly think this book is perfect for all ages.

The writing in this book was captivating and left me unable to put the book down. The banter and missed social cues were so relatable and I loved how Oliver was obsessed with color and accepted Tilly as both his sunshine and rainbow. The dynamic between them was so unique and I loved getting to watch the characters grow into themselves as they helped each other navigate life, especially when learning how to communicate with each other. I really appreciated the bumpy start between Oliver and Tilly as it perfectly reflects how things don’t always start out smoothly and require a bit of adaptation and communication. I also really loved all the side characters as well as the LGBTQ+ representation. This book has lessons about navigating life and managing expectations that any age reader can benefit from and/or relate to.

Overall, I’m extremely impressed with Mazey’s debut YA novel and will continue to devour her books and multidimensional characters. This book will have you seeing the world in technicolor and feeling like a teen again!

FLEW through this excellent, incredible book. Tightly written, earnest, laugh-out-loud funny at several parts—one of the best YA books I've read in ages.

I loved these two together. They were so great. I loved their background history and their chemistry, the love and support for one another, the angst, the push and pull, the tension between them, everything was so well executed by the author. The characters were not perfect, they had their own struggles and obstacles they had to overcome before they came to the realization that they are better together than apart. I’m so happy with how everything wrapped up at the end. It was such an enjoyable book.

This book speaks to me in every way and I cannot say enough good things about it. Fun and thoughtful and fabulous and wonderful and MAZEY EDDINGS SEES ME.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

ARC Review

Thank you Netgalley and St Martins Press for this incredible book!

Mazey Eddings has once again played havoc with my heart. Tilly in Technicolor is her first YA book. Personally I want you to ignore that and just read this!!!

Tilly has ADHD and Oliver is on the autism spectrum. They meet, they bicker, they become friends…. You know what happens next.

What makes this book incredible is how Mazey makes her characters multifaceted and real. I felt like I knew these characters. I know Tilly, I am Tilly and this book made me weep. Also Oliver describing Tilly in colour Swoon! Ollie and Tilly are so sweet they will capture your heart!

Representative in books is so important and it is because of authors like Mazey Eddings that romance novels are including neurodivergent characters who struggle with anxiety, PTSD and trauma.

Mazey Eddings your writing is a gift and mirror to my soul. Thank you!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (actually no amount of stars are enough)
No steamy scenes but seriously lots of angsty goodness!

What to expect:
Dual POV
Forced proximity
ADHD and Autism representation
Funny and awkward sweet moments
Self-acceptance

This book will be released August 2023

Mazey Eddings' YA romcom debut is a breath of fresh air. The author describes it as a love letter to neurodiverse brains & it was exactly that—Ollie & Tilly's love story is infused with the way their neurodiversity shapes their experiences with the world. Eddings captures the struggles of living with autism and ADHD while also making room for the hope, joy, and beauty that can come with it. For anyone who’s neurodiverse and feeling lost, this book is a must-read.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. Will recommend it to everyone I know!

Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings focuses on Tilly and Oliver, two neurodiverse teenagers working for Tilly’s sister by travelling around Europe to sell their nail lacquer.

This book is fantastic. You’ll find Mazey’s signature brand of hilarious chaos in heavy doses right alongside her other signature, moments that make me cry. Tilly and Oliver are sweet and fun, and their relationship reflects that well. There was a perfect blend of romance and self-discovery. I will protect these children at all costs. Plus, every chapter title was a hoot.

Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Tilly in Techincolor is a own voices ya romance about 2 neurodivergent teens, Tilly who has ADHD and Oliver who has autism.
Tilly and Oliver have a not so meet cute on the plane London. Tilly flying over to work with her sister for the summer and Oliver heading back home after an intern in the states. Tilly soon finds out that Oliver is his sister's new intern and they will soon be spending the whole summer together.
I really loved watching Tilly and Oliver's relationship grow and learning about each other.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book. Below is my honest review.

I loved A Brush With Love and Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake, so I couldn’t wait to dive into Tilly in Technicolor.

Tilly is ready to get out of Cleveland. She, and her big sister Mona, are traveling through Europe all summer. Of course, Tilly is technically acting as her sisters intern for her nail polish startup. But, she’ll do anything to catch a break. Tilly’s family doesn’t understand her. They think her ADHD is something that changed her and isn’t a part of her. It doesn’t help that she is constantly disappointing her parents because she doesn’t want to go to college.

On her flight to London, Tilly sits next to Oliver, who we learn is autistic. Disaster strikes on this flight over and over again. Spilled ketchup, a young kid gets sick, bumps and bruises, and more. Absolutely nothing goes right. And then, of course, Oliver is another intern working for Mona. Because OF COURSE HE IS. Oliver is the social media coordinator as well as the photographer for Mona’s startup. Tilly is the hand model. Those two can’t seem to find a way to communicate.

Will Tilly and her family find a way to understand each other? What about Tilly and Oliver? Will they ever get along? Will Tilly find her place in the world and show her family just how amazing she really is?

Oh boy, did I love this book. The author does an exceptional job, in my humble opinion, describing Tilly’s ADHD and Oliver’s autism. She points out how easy it is for them to misunderstand both neurotypicals
and each other, the struggle with consistent masking, and just how hard it is for them to muddle through in a neurotypical world.

Tilly was a joy to read. She was vibrant, terribly funny, and oh, the snark. I also felt, down to my bones, Tilly’s description of how she just falls into reading. Oliver was the perfect character to play off her charm. I absolutely adored his love of colors and couldn’t it stop smiling when he described the colors he sees in the world using their associated Pantone names and numbers.

There were several well developed and extremely likable side characters. Cough, Cubby, cough.

I cannot say enough good things about this novel. Cubby’s story cannot come soon enough!

These two neurodivergent kiddos are so cute, and the writing is so compassionate and fully of feelings! I can't lie and say I didn't walk away to catch my breath a few times. As a mommy of an autistic toddler this book was soooo refreshing to me and made me feel so much peace that my daughter will one day find her forever love too. Even if this was a YA I absolutely loved this book and will recommend to everyone I encounter!! Mazey Eddings absolutely executed everything with this book!

I love Mazey Eddings, and her first YA offering is so lovely. Tilly heads to Europe to intern with her sister for a summer, ready to leave her complicated relationship with her parents behind. She meets Oliver, sparks fly, etc.

These two neurodivergent kiddos are so cute, and the writing is so compassionate and fully of feelings. Will read everything by this author!

Mazey Eddings has such a magical way of writing not only neurodivergent characters, but the way the world and people around them respond to them and inform their worldview. The ADHD and autism representation was fantastic and watching Tilly and Oliver fall in love and appreciate each other and their emotional and mental needs was so heartwarming. I'm so glad teens will have this kind of mental health representation.

Tilly in Technicolor is a MUST READ! YA but appropriate for adults too.
Tilly has ADHD affecting mostly executive function. It’s hard to follow/stand at the beginning but that’s the point. It’s great to have an inside look on how her brain works and what makes sense to her.

Tilly’s Mom tries to help by giving guidance but unnecessarily puts pressure on Tilly to fit into a mold, which she may not fit into. Also, the comparison between siblings is unfair and puts pressure on both Tilly and her sister, Mona.

When Tilly gets the chance to intern at her sister’s startup in Europe for the summer, she jumps at the chance – the flight there is hilarious and probably overdone but also probably realistic for someone with ADHD.
Oliver is her seatmate on the plane and ends up being her co-intern. He sees the world through colors and is very fixated on them. Everything is described in color and helps him understand the world.

These neurodiverse characters are so much than their diagnoses. At first, both are cautious about sharing their diagnoses but once they do, they connect on a different level and use different methods to understand each other. This is a beautiful story of self-discovery, accepting who you are, exploring the world, keeping an open heart and mind and so much more!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press / NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a DARLING read. A poignant love story about two neurodivergent young adults navigating a world that sometimes feels overwhelming. It's inspiring, uplifting, and wholesome. Closed-door romance, and safe for younger teen readers. Covers atypical career path, sibling comparison, parental expectation, stimulation coping and much more. LGBTQIA+ friendly. Great messages on living and accepting your authentic self.

While this is shelved as YA, it's a great read for anyone looking to understand life through the lens of someone living with ADHD and/or autism. A solid 5* and I heartily recommend!