Member Reviews

ARC review for Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
As a person with ADHD I truly appreciated the rep in this book! I feel like she highlighted it very well! I loved the awkwardness from the first meeting to the romantic spark later in the book! This book is a good supporter of first impressions don’t always make or break the relationship! This book is more young adult but I loved it just the same as her more adult book I read!
I loved the dual POV!
This book also highlights communication barriers and how easily it is to misunderstand someone!
Mazey Eddings is now one of my favorite authors I just read her book The Plus One and this was just as good!
🧠 🧠

#booksofig #bookishpost #bookstagram #bookishfriends #bookcommunity #readersofinstagram #bookfriends #bookishfriends #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookishfollow #bookloversunite #bookrecommendations #bookreviews

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I love Mazey Eddings' steamy adult romances so very much, but Tilly and Ollie are so sweet. So pure. This being a YA, there are no sexy times, but there is mention of sexual activity, talk of safe sex/condoms and lots of kissing.

Tilly knows what she wants to do with her life, but her parents want her to be like her older sister, Mona. A college grad and business owner, Mona offers to let Tilly go on "tour" with her start-up nail polish company as a hand model. Tilly is looking forward to vacationing in another country away from her picky pokey mother. See, Tilly has ADHD, and her mother seems to put a lot of pressure on Tilly to decide her future. Only Tilly's mother wants Tilly to choose the future she wants, not the one Tilly wants.

On the plane ride to meet her sister in London, Tilly sits next to Oliver and it's a rocky ride. Come to find out, Oliver is also working for Tilly's sister, and as the time goes on, the two of them collide in ways they didn't see coming. Oliver is autistic and feels a pull toward Tilly, but he doesn't understand it. They learn to communicate in their own way, as Tilly models nail polish and Oliver photographs her.

This dual POV book is the best of both worlds as the neurodivergent brains of Tilly and Ollie give us insight to how they spin and sputter, stall and soar. The way Oliver thinks about Tilly just melted my heart. He is so in love with her even before he knows what he's feeling. It is absolutely the sweetest thing. And Tilly - dang. I just wanna hug that girl and tell her she is everything. At one point, Oliver does tells her that.

This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. I loved every second, and I can't wait to get a paperback copy to add to my collection!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks so much to Mazey Eddings and NetGalley for my ARC of Tilly in Technicolor! This book is Mazey’s debut into the world of young adult books, with the neurodivergent representation that fans of hers know and love!

Tilly Twomley has just turned eighteen and has no idea what she wants to do with her future. Her writing means everything to her, but parental pressure to go to college and lack of familial understanding about her relatively new ADHD diagnosis can send her spiraling in a panic. Oliver Clark has his future entirely planned out to a T: a popular Instagram page on the presence of color in daily life, plus art school to study color theory and design. His autism has made it difficult for him to connect with others, but his few close friends and family members are enough for him (so he thinks). The two first meet as seat-mates on a comically disastrous trans-Atlantic flight and are horrified/surprised to find out they will both be working as interns for Tilly’s sister’s start up, traveling around Europe in a hunt for clients. The two could not possibly be more different on the surface, but a summer together will show them both how alike they really are, and how much they can learn from each other.

This book was SO cute! An absolutely sweet first-love story, Tilly and Oliver are deeply developed over the course of a little over 300 pages, and the dual POV perspective really gives readers the opportunity to take a peek into their heads. Getting to see how differently the two think, but also how they were secretly (or…not actually so secretly) pining for each other was adorable. I also loved that the third act breakup was not an extended point of drama, but only lasted a few hours and was remedied by an honest discussion of each’s needs for the future. I love seeing characters, especially young ones like Tilly and Oliver, being open with each other and communicating! It can be super challenging as a neurodivergent person to find productive ways to express yourself to others, and I love the fact that these two were able to be mature beyond their years in order to fix things between each other! Tilly’s talk with her mom at the end of the book was also super powerful, and it made my heart so happy to see her opening up and being honest about her emotions in order to have a better relationship with her mother going forward.

Fans of Mazey Eddings, young adult books, and neurodivergent love stories will definitely appreciate this precious gem of a story!

Was this review helpful?

I love Mazey Eddings, and I love Tilly, and I love Oliver. These precious babies are so sweet, and I adore the neurodiverse representation in a YA book, specifically. Such a good coming-of-age story.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?