2.5 stars

"Give Me Butterflies" was overly... cute and lighthearted. While the book delivered on cozy romance vibes, I couldn’t help but notice the plot wasn’t really plotting. The story lacked depth, and the grump-to-sunshine dynamic fell flat—Finn wasn’t grumpy enough to leave an impression, and the STEM aspect wasn’t as prominent as I’d hoped.

That said, decent debut from the author and she did a lovely job exploring grief and family dynamics, adding emotional weight to an otherwise lighthearted read. The mushy, over-the-top romantic moments might not be for everyone, but for readers who love cozy, heartwarming stories, this could be a perfect pick.

Overall, it’s a sweet, easy read, but ultimately a forgettable one for me. If you’re looking for a fluffy romance with minimal conflict and plenty of feel-good moments, it might be worth a try!

★★★★☆
Give Me Butterflies (Jillian Meadows - releasing 01.21.2025)
e-ARC Review | DEBUT (first published on Kindle)

✧ Read with me ✧ Instagram ✧| @haileydianereads

A massive thank you to NetGalley, Avon, Harper Voyager, & the amazingly talented Jillian Meadows for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌

“Strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet power that isn’t so obvious to the world.” 🌠🦋

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
Dual POV
Grumpy x Sunshine
Slow burn and strong communication
Women who laugh loudly
Books that aren’t afraid to discuss the hard topics - grief, loss and loneliness

First, I just want to say that the dedication is AMAZING. The first note I wrote about this book review was “the dedication is perfection.” Not to spoil the book, but here’s the dedication you have to look forward to because it was something I needed to read myself:

To the chronic apologizers: let that shit go.
Don’t apologize for things that aren’t your fault.
Don’t apologize for things you don’t regret.
And definitely don’t apologize for who you are.

For a light read, Jillian Meadows really knows how to pack a punch. I am so happy to know that there will be more stories involving the other Oaks sisters. As her debut novel, Meadows puts out an extremely strong first book. If you read a lot of romance, I’d say this has the feel of a Sarah Adams novel (think When in Rome series) meets the depths of an Ashley Poston novel (think The Seven Year Slip). Meadows brings it all - characters going through some tough family relationship dynamics, grief, and an incredible amount of hope. If you are looking for an uplifting read, look no further.

This is the first installment in the Oaks Sisters series. I look forward to the other stories that are sure to delight!

RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting and world building, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:

📖Plot and Pacing
Here’s what I immediately loved throughout the book. While both characters were definitely going through some personal issues and forced growth, there wasn’t an abundance of DRAMA. It’s always nice to read a romcom that really gets the emotional depth without unnecessary spats and miscommunication. Sure, we get a fun trope in the beginning of the book, but we work past communication breakdowns. You won’t find characters rilling themselves up for no reason in this book! Millie and Finn are both museum curators in different departments; Millie works in entomology and Finn works in astronomy. Millie thinks she knows just the type of grumpy man Finn is, but she is shocked to learn he has more on his plate than what she sees at work. Finn is a single parent to his late sister’s twin girls. I never felt a lull in the book. In fact, I found myself a bit sad when it wrapped up. I’m glad to know this will be a sibling series!

NOTE: If you’re looking for a lot of drama and action, this might be a “slow” read for you.

🧞‍♀️Characters and Development
Millie is self-aware and we are HERE FOR IT! After a toxic relationship with her ex, she’s worried about letting anyone else in for the fear of losing herself again. However, she’s not going at life alone. She has a supportive family with a hilarious family group chat and friends that want to see her thrive. We should all be so lucky! Finn, on the other hand, is struggling with loneliness and grief after the death of his sisters. Additionally, he spends every moment that he’s not at work taking care of his nieces without support from his parents as they are absolute narcissists. If they had it their way, they’d parent the girls like they did their own children - completely absent and with a nanny. Finn wants to give the girls everything he never received emotionally from his parents, but at what cost? Millie and Finn struggle through their own issues, but find that spending time together brings out the best in each of them.

🌇Setting and World Building
While there wasn’t a need for world building, the three main settings Meadows creates for us are Finn’s home, Millie’s family farm and Maggie’s Bakery. I feel like all three are well-described. From the comfort of your favorite coffee shop to the love found in both new and old family homes, Meadows brings you along to each of these comfy and safe spaces.

🗣️Dialogue
Believe me when I say that there are some laugh out loud moments between the characters’ banter and dialogue in this book. Reading this on a plane ride and trying not to laugh was indeed a challenge. During the first few interactions with the FMC and MMC, Millie really lets the readers know what she thinks of Finn and his grumpy disposition. However, as the plot progresses, we see both main characters, their families and her friends all bring personalized dialogue to the table. What I wouldn’t give for a game night with the Oaks family!

📝Writing Style
We have already established that I love a dual POV, so seeing both characters’ internal monologues added to the overall story. With a lot of dual POV novels, I feel like the characters can sometimes be a bit too messy which is why the dual POV might lead a reader to scream at the character (think horror movie bad decisions). What Meadows does well is showcase two adults who are aware of their flaws, but maintain honest communication throughout the story. Additionally, the realistic aspects of the characters and “slice of life” writing lent itself to a well-detailed book that more closely resembles real life.

❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
I saw myself in the FMC in many ways. One of those being that she is a chronic apologizer and has a bit of anxiety. I loved how focused this book was on character development and growth throughout the plot. I also saw my past self in the MMC’s struggles with grief and the terrifying loneliness that can accommodate those moments. Overall, the biggest connection I felt was that the readers are treated to a story about two adults who have faults and are each trying to work independently and co-dependently through their issues. A true balance of seeing what you need to do yourself and how others can lift us up in trying times.

😤The Flaws
As it can be with the genre, at times, Finn feels a bit too perfect and adjusted. But, hey, he’s been through a lot and sees a therapist (woohoo - we love a therapy moment). However, this man is a five-star date planner, and that was just too much for me to believe. Am I glad Millie was spoiled by a man who has the best attention to detail? Absolutely. So, maybe I’m just jealous. There’s a little cheesiness in the book, but we all want it. Regardless of what we complain about.

Lastly, and I will only type this once - oatmeal raisin cookies are disgusting. 😂

Gratitude, always.
- H.

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️

“Strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet power that isn’t so obvious to the world.” ✨🦋

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Give Me Butterflies is one of my all-time favorite romance reads! Everything about this one was absolute perfection. Millie and Finn’s love story is so adorable. I love how the author thoughtfully addressed some more serious topics while still keeping the book lighthearted. Millie’s anxiety and experiences from a toxic previous relationship were highlighted while showing her determination and strength to remain positive. This book is filled with so much love, positivity, hope, and good vibes. I instantly knew I’d love it from the first chapter!

Both MCs have some insecurities/past experiences that they have to overcome and seeing how they do so together was beautiful. Finn is grieving the death of his sister and doing his best to raise his twin nieces. The way in which Millie’s relationship between her and Finn’s nieces develops was one of the most heartwarming parts. Also, the found family aspect and Millie’s family were also so amazing!

And when it comes to Millie and Finn’s relationship, their support and respect for one another coupled with their amazing chemistry makes them an incredible couple.

A wonderful, sweet, and uplifting read that I’d highly recommend!

Tropes:
- workplace romance
- friends to lovers
- grumpy x sunshine
- single uncle/father figure
- slow burn
- he falls first

this book was just perfect, i will definitely be rereading this in the future! I was rooting for Finn and Millie from the start, these two were absolutely meant to be! Finn is the guardian to his two nieces (who are the sweetest) and he works with Millie at the museum. Amazing grumpy sunshine vibes with an amazing connection. The way they built their friendship that turned into love was so sweet and i couldnt get enough of these two!

Requested this one on a whim and I am so glad I did! If you are looking for a healthy relationship portrayal with wholesome vibes, you have to pick this one up. Give Me Butterflies follows Millie (sunshine) and Finn (grump) who both work at a museum. Millie is putting herself back together while Finn is grieving his sister's passing as he raises her two twin five year olds. They keep running into each other (literally) at work and eventually realize their connection.

This book was the epitome of a warm hug and cozy read. Super low angst and at times was a lil bit cheesy, but was so heartwarming I found myself smiling as I was reading. Honestly Millie's family and the girls absolutely stole the show for me. I loved their relationship and it made me so happy to see them love on Eloise and Avery.

- workplace romance
- single guardian to twin girls
- grumpy x sunshine
- email flirting
- they cook and bake together
- star gazing
- slow burn
- nicknames
- caretaking
- no third act breakup.
- he falls first and harder
- he remembers her coffee order
- he plans the cutest dates

Thank you Netgalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC copy!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager as well as NetGalley for the ARC of Give Me Butterflies with new added bonus content.

As fate may have it, I missed the first release of Give Me Butterflies in 2023. However, by the luck of the draw, I received the updated version to be re-released with bonus content March of 2025. What an extraordinarily happy circumstance for me because I absolutely loved this book! I loved this book so much that I literally read it in two sittings across 24 hours.

Millie and Finn’s love story is absolutely adorable and is one of my favorite romance reads of 2024. While this books oozes adorableness all over the place, it also hits on a couple big issues that I felt the author addressed so gracefully. Millie experiences some pretty deep seated anxiety issues stemming from an emotionally abusive and controlling previous relationship filled with gaslighting and negative sense of self. As a reader, that was tough to experience through Millie’s eyes as your heart just breaks for her and those who experience similar situations. This is an incredibly tough issue to tackle and incorporate into a story in a tactful and impactful way, but Jillian handles it so well. Tough subjects aside, the rest of the book was filled with so much love and positivity that it just roped me in and I was a goner from chapter 1.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book was watching Millie’s relationship develop between her and Finn’s two five year old nieces of which he has custody after the passing of his sister. The love there is so wholesome and you watch those little girls heal Millie in ways she never thought possible. Two of my absolute favorite characters!

Give Me Butterflies is Jillian’s first installment of the Oaks Sisters series and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book that was released Oct of 2024. An excellent and uplifting read to end my year with. Also, as a side note, I LOVE the new cover art for the re-released version of this book! It sucked me in immediately! Most certainly a 5 star read!

This was a quick and fun read. I was drawn to this book because of the STEM elements however they certainly weren't as prevalent as I hoped.

This was a very sweet and touching story. Both the main characters have insecurities and troubles that they have to overcome. Finn is still grieving from the death of his older sister, but he’s doing his best to raise his twin nieces who are as cute as can be.

Millie is sweet and joyful, which is just what Finn and his nieces need. Her family is lots of fun and I found their group family texts quite amusing. However, she does have her own weaknesses since her former boyfriend gaslit her into losing all her confidence in herself.

Another aspect of their growing romance is that they first became friends and actually talked to each other. Sure, they were attracted to each other, but they put that on hold so they could cook together and play with the little girls and just communicate. So many romance books skip that stage of a relationship and just communicate a false idea of what a strong relationship might be based on.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

4⭐️/2🌶️

I’m so thankful to have received an arc of this book from NetGalley :)

-workplace/boss/coworker
-single uncle/dad figure
-grumpy/sunshine
-cute cooking lessons 🫶🏽

This was a very sweet and lovely story omg. I was so happy to have time to finish it before new years too.

Finn is one of my favorite boy names so we already started with an advantage. But this man was just absolutely to die for. So sweet and caring - a very present and patient father and boyfriend to Millie :”) how supportive.

Millie’s family is also to die for, one you dream of having. It was amazing seeing her have that kind of support in contrast to what Finn was raised with.

This book was cute. Two museum curators, one is sunny and happy while the other is a black cat and grumpy. One is into bugs, the other is into astronomy.

I loved that that main FMC was into bugs and was an entomologist, you rarely see that as an occupation for a romance character, nonetheless a female one. I also loved that the MMC was a single dad raising his two nieces. It really made him a more personable character.

Thank you to Jillian Meadows, NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ebook.

Tropes:
. Grumpy x sunshine
. Characters in their 30s
. He falls first and HARD
. He's always liked her
. Workplace Romance

First time reading this author. This was a cute story. Easy reading. Love the setting, made for some fun times. Finn and Millie are both very lovable characters. I enjoyed this book.

Give Me Butterflies gave me butterflies the whole way through!! Millie & Finn had chemistry that was off the charts from the beginning, coupled with a huge amount of respect that they had for one another 👏👏👏
I truely enjoyed the found family aspect, specifically Millie’s parents and the girls. I would absolutely re-read this. 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋/5
Thank you to Net Galley & Avon/Harper for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

One sentence synopsis: A grumpy astronomer and a sunshine entomologist who work at the same museum realize they have feelings for each other.

This was… fine. It’s your typical grumpy x sunshine story where two people end up getting together after the sunshine thinks the grumpy hates her. 🤷🏼‍♀️ The writing was super basic and the spice was cheesy which is why I didn’t love it. I DID love the side characters — Millie’s family and Finn’s nieces (whom he has custody) — and i read it in one sitting.

Read this if you:
🐜 love going to museums and checking out the exhibits
🔭 have ever fooled around in a forest (🫢)
🐜 get angry when your favorite coffee shop runs out of pastries

Millie Oaks is an entomologist at the Natural Science Museum in her town, but with her boss retiring, she’s applying for the position of Director of the Entomology department. She knows she has a good chance at the position until she sees who happens to be one of the people deciding her fate, Finn Ashford a co-worker from another department that in the past couple weeks she’s spilled coffee on, bashed her head into his nose, and had a fender bender with.

Finn is a 30-something scientist working in astronomy who happens to have a thing for the pretty entomologist he works with. He’s often been short with her, not knowing what to say, but when he brings his twin nieces that he’s guardian of to a science camp, they start to connect over her love of baking and cooking and his lack of being able to cook almost anything.

Millie and Finn are both working through some heavy trials in their lives, but the short amount of time they’ve spent together has them wondering if them being something more than friends was meant to be.

Millie and Finn’s story was really enjoyable. It started as a grumpy/sunshine story, but the grump quickly turned into a soft cinnamon roll with the right person there. I felt like the grief of Finn for his late sister was well written and him with his nieces was adorable. Millie was healing from a past relationship, but I felt like the story gave us a mature response to everything she was dealing with which I really appreciated. This is the first book in the Oaks sisters books (Millie being the middle sister) and I’m looking forward to reading more from this family. Millie is close to her two sisters and parents and I absolutely loved the family text chain they had. I have 3 daughters and hope that one day we have a family chat that cool. The other two sisters’ books aren’t out yet, but Wreck My Plans is a story about Millie’s roommate Lena and is out now.

Everyone needs to read this book! I absolutely loved it! I loved how it takes place in a museum. The Star Wars and Star Trek references were so cute. I enjoyed the single guardian trope. It was so adorable. The love story between Finn and Millie is one of my favorites. I went and preordered a physical edition which I don’t do a lot with eARCs unless I truly enjoyed the book. And I really enjoyed this. I hope there are more books in the future!

Review posted go Goodreads 12/30/24

If you like Ali Hazelwood's STEM romances, you will like this!

What happens when an entomologist that is up for a big promotion runs into and spills coffee on the grumpy astronomer that works at the same museum? This steamy rom-com that will tug on your heart strings.

For a debut novel, Meadows did a fantastic job at balancing humor with emotion. There are so many moments that made me swoon. Some moments dragged on a little bit, and then the conflict seemed rushed. I'm not the biggest fan of extremely long smutty scenes, which this had many of (but there is definitely an audience for it).

Thank you Avon for the ARC! (book is being republished)

If Finn is grumpy when he meets Millie its just because his life is overly complicated and falling for her adds a level to this and he isn't ready for that. Millie is up for a promotion at work, and one grumpy man could possibly be in her way of that. She doesn't know why Finn doesn't like her, but she wants to find out why. When his nieces come to her summer camp a the museum, all the pieces start fitting into place.
Finn lost his sister and has become a guardian to his two nieces very recently and Millie is still trying to work through her last relationship. The two form a friendship and little by little Finn's resolve begins to crack. If you want a "he falls first" book, this is for you. I, in fact, always want a he falls first hero so this was for me absolutely.
Another thing I loved about this book was the fact that they openly communicated. These two could tak about their feelings and it was refreshing. Millie came from such a bad place and Finn was all the green flags waving her right into him and his orbit and I couldn't have been happier with the two of them finding this HEA. I am so looking forward to the next book, and it better be about Fable. Just saying. 4.5 stars.
Thanks to Avon, Netgalley and Jillian Meadows for an early copy.

I almost DNF'ed this one but I decided to power through and I'm glad I did. There were aspects I really enjoyed, but not enough to overlook the elements that I struggled with. The intimacy coordinator was in the room with us and the romance was adorable, but the plot and character development was lacking. This is marketed as an enemies to lovers and grumpy/sunshine dynamic but within 50 pages the MMC was suddenly in love with her. Honestly, it was after he was checking her out bent over her car that he was all heart eyes. From that point on things went quickly, she over at his house, they were friendly, and he was very obvious about his feelings for her. Which, looking at how well the author wrote their romantic dialogue and intimate scenes I get her desire to rush getting them together. Another point I struggled with was the whole previous boyfriend story line, I just wanted her to block his number and then report him to her workplace. Speak up girl! You have the support!

Anyway I am giving this a solid 2 stars. Maybe I'll read the next one, maybe I won't.

✨Workplace Romance
✨Nerdy MMC
✨Guardian MMC
✨Found Family

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this E-ARC.

I loved reading Give Me Butterflies, exactly what I'm looking for when reading romance. Both Millie and Finn were great, as well as the rest of the cast (well everyone except Kyle). I found myself having a hard time putting it down.

4.25 stars

I neglected some responsibilities today to devour this book. Just something about a man falling hard first and FMC’s personal growth work for me. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait for more. I see that Lena has a book out but I want more! When is Theo and Fables book coming out?

I received an arc of the special edition version from Netgalley and the publisher.