I adored this one. Millie is such a bubbly, lovely human being and I love the growth she had throughout the story! Her chemistry with Finn was sooo sooo sooo good and their interactions with Eloise & Avery made me soo mushy. I also LOVE a sick scene bcs theyre always so cute!

It was good, i just wished it was more in-depth in general. It was more surface-level with everything.

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows

Give Me Butterflies is so, so sweet. I don’t typically like workplace romances (actually, I avoid them), but apparently I do if they’re nerdy. I adore nerdy characters so much. You’ve got an entomologist and an astronomer, both curators at a science museum! They’ve crossed paths, but try hard not to until interacting is forced upon them (in the form of a literal collision). As they begin to interact more and more, their chemistry starts to sizzle and I was here for all of it. There’s found family, super cute little girls, a grumpy hero, a sunshine heroine, he falls first swoons, healing from various forms of trauma and loss, and lots and lots of stars and butterflies.

I really loved Millie’s cute and quirky personality. She’s a bit awkward and lacking in confidence–which she’s working on (aren’t we all?). She’s been unlucky in love in the past and has guarded her heart well. I identified with her so much. But Finn stole the entire show for me. This man is a dream. He’s grappling with his sister’s death while raising his two young nieces, so that grumpy facade is actually hiding quite a loving and loyal cinnamon roll. He’s in touch with his emotions and has a very tender heart. Mille quickly discovers he’s not all he appears to be and begins to peel back his layers, making room for herself in his little family. This found family is honestly one of the sweetest I’ve read about ever. The girls glom on to Millie, and the three of them have a very healing effect on each other. The love between all four of them grows so quickly because they all steal (and then fiercely protect) one another’s hearts. I loved the light that Mille brought to a dark time for Finn and his nieces, and I loved that they reflected that light right back at her, helping her move on from the pain of a previous relationship that stole her sparkle and finally stand up for herself. I loved all the “slice of life” scenes, the text messages between Millie and her family, and the humor. The story was light, yet deeply meaningful and romantic.

All in all, this was a total win for me and I am so excited for the next book in the series, which comes out in March 2026. Jillian Meadows is an author to watch for sure!

I was so excited to see this book by Jillian Meadows after reading Wreck my plans this past holiday season and her style of writing. I am really liked how this was a romance with substance. It's romance with extra heart as the relationship builds and you learn more about Finn as the guardian of his sisters twin daughters and Millie's anxiety after a toxic relationship. Though it covers heavier topics it is delightful and light. If this is her debut I can't wait to read more from her.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager, for the opportunity to read this book.

If there is something that I love as a reader, it is a good STEM novel and this one by Jillian Meadows was SO. MUCH. FUN! If you like books by Ali Hazelwood, I think this would be right up your alley. I enjoyed this so much that I immediately bought a physical copy after reading this on my Kindle.

He’s an astronomer. She’s an entomologist. He is grumpy. She is sunshine. And they are absolutely adorable together once they realize their hearts’ true feelings. There are some elements of grief and trauma-bonding as well. There is plenty of spice in this book but it also has it’s wholesome moments, which I think is a large reason of why I enjoyed this book so much.

I had not read anything by Jillian Meadows before but now I can't wait to read everything of hers I can get my hands on. Such a beautiful story of empowerment in the midst of pain. Just having that found family by your side and knowing the people who really love you have your back. The protagonists were both coming from really hard places in very different ways but the banter and they way they were able to help each other grow was beautiful to see. Can't wait for the next Meadows book about another of the sisters!

Give me Butterflies is a heartfelt slow burn romance that excels at showing a character's whole universe - I enjoyed the way this story let us see Millie and Finn in the context of their lives and families, and not just each other. The grumpy-sunshine combination provided lovely angst and tension, and makes for a solid romance read.

If you love contempery romance this is for you! I loved this book so much I was locked in from the beinging with all the chaotic events that evolve.
the characters dynamics are very interesting Finn becomes guardian to his nieces and is struggling to raise them. He is struggling and needs help overall. in comes Millie who helps him out with meals and the plot just takes off. The story was very believable and very well written.
I loved this book so much! Thank you publishers and Net galley for the ARC!

This was such a sweet and fun start to the Oaks Sisters series! I really loved the chemistry between the main characters and the lighthearted romance that felt genuine without being over the top. The story flows nicely, and while a few moments felt predictable, it didn’t take away from how charming the overall read was. Definitely a series I’ll keep following!

I am SO HAPPY that I finally got to this book!! I ended up listening to the audiobook and I can't wait to gush about it to everyone. The cover is absolutely adorable and the story warmed my heart. I love a grumpy single dad and Finn was PERFECTION. The way the title is the perfect fit for this book makes me so happy. I thought the story progression was done super well. This was also spicier than I was expecting and I was not mad about it. Highly recommend & can't wait to check out more from this author!

Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager for giving me the opportunity to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

Give Me Butterflies is a decent enough romance with relatively low stakes and a single guardian trope that I think a lot of readers will eat up. Unfortunately, this fell a bit flat for me at times. The pacing was a bit weird - it felt like a ton of time was passing between the characters' interactions or plot developments, but in reality it would only be a few days or a week at most. I also found that the original introduction to Finn and Millie was very superficial and immediately resolved. Essentially, they have a few bad interactions, so they dislike each other based off their first impressions, but these strongly held opinions about each other are very quickly changed/doubted with little contention or reasoning in between. It made the beginning of their story seem pointless and I felt like they could've just met for the first time in the beginning rather than having the weird "omg I hate them" to "wait I think I like them" switch that was too quick. Due to the above mentioned points, I didn't find myself completely immersed in the story, but I didn't completely dislike the characters or the story. I think Give Me Butterflies is just middling when it comes to romance, but I'm sure there are people out there who would obsess over Millie and Finn's story.

Thank you to Avon, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

This is a story with a little bit of everything to melt your heart. The characters are absolutely fantastic. I love the dynamic between them. The rapport that continues to build and change as the story progresses is absolutely wonderful. The plot is a very interesting one with different layers that appealed to different parts of me. I can see going back to thi story. I was left the a very happy feeling and big smile at the end of this story.

Again with the cute illustrated book cover. Meadows rights an cute love story.

I love a good grumpy x sunshine trope and this one did not disappoint.

I liked this one so much I bought my own copy.

I adored this book!

Two people dealing with their own traumas. Millie, who is finding herself and her confidence after ending a relationship with a man who loved to tear her down, to find subtle and overt ways to break her down until she didn't know who she was anymore. And Finn, who's sister died and left him to raise her twin daughters. Who has no idea if he's doing anything right, his own parents only an example in how to withhold and berate.

When the two collide at work, literally, Millie spilling her coffee all over Finn, it's only the start of their orbit of each other. Both work at a science museum, him in astrology, her in entomology. Millie is less than pleased to find that Finn is on the interview panel when she's applying for the head of department position, wearing the same glare as when she spilled coffee on him, and accidentally ran into his bumper...

Unbeknownst to Millie, Finn's glare is his way of hiding his attraction. When his girls, Avery and Eloise, come for the science camp and Millie manages to get them to come out of their shells, he isn't ready for the moment to end. His mention that he doesn't know how to make cookies and invitation was just a gamble, but it turns into a tradition - Friday nights, cooking with Millie. Watching the girls bond, getting meals and treats much better than he could have provided, but more than that, the dance parties and coloring, watching them come alive. The trust and openness.

I love the game nights. Finn being prepared to buy Millie a library. His devotion to his girls, but also to Millie. The very real setbacks along the way.
There were moments that both had to deal with as an individual, before they could go back to being a couple, and I felt like that was a very real way to handle things. The communication was great, it had it's stumbles, but came back strong.

This is a book that was just pure joy to read, even when I wasn't having the best time physically, which made me appreciate it even more. From the sneak peek chapter, I will admit I'm a little bummed that we're not getting a Fable and Theo book next ,but I will read anything Jillian Meadows writes! I'm excited for the next book regardless! .

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows completely stole my heart. This is the kind of romance that feels like a warm hug — comforting, swoony, and impossible to put down. I absolutely loved that it’s a wholesome workplace romance with a perfect mix of grumpy x sunshine, he falls first, and a soft, heartwarming found family dynamic.

One of my favorite things about this book was the sciencey side of it. Millie being an entomologist was such a fun and refreshing detail, and her passion for bugs brought such a unique charm to her character. Finn, on the other hand, is a grumpy astronomy head who serves on the interview committee, and I loved how their worlds collided in such an unexpected and sweet way. Their connection felt so organic and full of tension, and the academic setting added a really fresh backdrop to the romance.

Finn falling first had me melting. The way he softens for Millie, while still being his gruff, guarded self, was everything. Their banter was hilarious, their chemistry was undeniable, and the emotional growth between them made the romance feel so earned and satisfying.

Jillian Meadows also did a beautiful job weaving in themes of belonging, vulnerability, and healing. The found family element was touching, and every character felt real and lovable in their own way.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Jillian Meadows for the ARC. Give Me Butterflies is smart, tender, and delightfully nerdy in all the best ways. If you love STEM heroines, emotionally repressed astronomy guys, and all the cozy, heartfelt romance tropes, this one is an absolute must-read.

Omg, this book was amazing! You can’t tell me that Finn and Millie are not soulmates, their love for each other was so pure. Don’t get me started on the girls, I couldn’t get enough of Avery and Eloise! I loved how Finn and Millie’s relationship blossomed and the deep bonds she formed with the two girls. I loved how supportive Finn and Millie were to each other, no matter what dilemma was occurring. I’m mad at myself for not picking this book up sooner!

3.75 🌟
"Give Me Butterflies" is a cute, easy read with a dash of quirkiness. Millie is an upbeat ray of sunshine, compassionate entomologist who is over coming a deeply toxic relationship, while Finn is the grumpy, nerdy head of the astronomy department, who recently became the sole guardian of his sister's twin daughters. The pacing seemed a bit disjointed, with Finn going from not ever talking to Millie to "tracing her collarbone and neck" in a matter of pages. Finn falls fast and it's definitely an "insta love" but this is still a fun read. I'm excited to read Millie's sister's book next!

What we get
Dual pov
Women in stem
Grumpy×sunshine
He falls first
Nerdy hot guy
No third act breakup 🙌
Open communication and therapy!
Single dad/guardian

What might not work for you
Insta love leading to insta nicknames🫣
Very little drama=felt long

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

It has taken me way too long to review this book. I read this back in January and it was easily a five star read for me. In fact, it likely will be one of, if not the, top favorite books of the year. I loved everything about this story. Give Me Butterflies tells the story of Millie, an entomology curator, and Finn, the head of astronomy, who both work at the same museum. Millie finds herself up for a promotion but Finn being on the interview committee might mean disaster for her. What begins as a grumpy x sunshine romance soon turns to the sweetest, most endearing relationship ever. Finn is dealing with a lot of personal sadness, which is what Millie interprets as his grumpiness. But when his walls begin to break down and the two of them form a bond that is like none other, there's no stopping them. This is one of the most incredible romances I've ever read and I never want Jillian Meadows to stop writing books. As someone who often forgets what they read days later, the fact that these two have stuck with me all this time says something for sure.

Thank you to the publisher for my eARC.

I absolutely loved this book! I loved both characters, their grumpish/sunshine tropes, their careers, and their personal lives. I love how they started as friends who were attracted to each other and their path to romance felt believable and real. I thought the beautiful cover was such a great compliment to a fun story!

Millie loves bugs. Yes, the creepy crawly little creatures that most people do not enjoy. She loves them so much that she is an entomology curator at the museum in town. There she is able to share her passion and love with everyone. However, she’s not able to share it with her grumpy space loving coworker, Finn Ashford. But there’s more to Finn than meets the eye, he’s juggling a job, grief, and raising two little girls. That’s a lot for one man to handle. At the rate him and Millie keep crashing into each other, literally, things are bound to happen right? Only time will tell.

Give Me Butterflies was a cute quick read! I think I definitely like science romance book more than I realize because this was giving Ali Hazelwood vibes. Both Millie and Finn are very passionate about their work and I love how Killian Meadows was able to tie both of their passions into their budding romance. *If you know you know*

Aside from their passions, being able to see/read how both Millie and Finn overcame their internal struggles gave them more depth and rounded out their characters even further. I love when main characters are able to work through their personal struggles and they don’t always have to rely on their love interest to do so.

However, at times I felt that Millie’s character overanalyzed and stressed about some things a little too much at times. It sometimes took away from her growth as a character. Plus the romance seemed a little rushed to me but that also could have been because there was a couple weeks with a time jump, so maybe there wasn’t any rushing at all. But the spice definitely helped make up for it.

Overall, this was a cute read that made me giggle throughout. I’m excited to see where the author takes this series and explore the different Oaks sisters.