I refuse to believe this is Jillian Meadow's first book, because it is absolute perfection!! I adored all of the characters and the banter was beautiful! This is a "he falls first," STEM romance with a twist on the "single dad" trope. The female main character embodies what it means to be a strong, independent woman who finally gets her happily ever after. This book left me giggly and happy at the end. I am already pre-ordering her next novel!!

This is a sweet and adorable romance set in the STEM world that follows Millie, a natural science curator, as she pursues a promotion at work! On her way to the interview she runs into the car of her grumpy coworker, Finn, and spills her favorite coffee (no 💔😭). So begins a 4 week trial period for Millie in the new position and spending more time with Finn, especially after meeting his twin nieces who he now has custody over after losing his sister to cancer.

Some of the themes in this novel are heavy such a grief/loss, misogyny, and emotional/mental abuse. However, I felt that Jillian Meadows depicted these heavy themes in a respectful and realistic way that also demonstrated good communication between the characters.

This is a slow burn romance and I didn't love the intimacy scenes. I also felt that the ending was really drawn out and could have been cut ~50 pages.

Thank you Avon and Harper Muse for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when an adorably nerdy entomologist crosses paths with a scowling astronomy buff, Give Me Butterflies is the answer—and it's everything you never knew you needed! Millie and Finn’s love story is like a delightful bug-and-constellation-themed rom-com, full of charm, humor, and a surprising number of accidental collisions in museum hallways. Seriously, these two are magnets for chaos and chemistry.

Millie is the kind of protagonist who just gets you: passionate about her work (bugs, obviously!), filled with dreams of museum-director glory, and determined not to let anything distract her. Except, of course, for Finn. He’s the grumpy guy with electric blue eyes, a collection of astronomy ties that would make Carl Sagan weep with joy, and a glare that could probably shoo away a swarm of bees. He’s also dealing with some serious life stuff, like grieving his sister and learning the delicate art of not burning dinner (he’s still working on it, bless his heart).

Their dynamic is a classic case of sunshine and storm cloud—Millie is all bright smiles and optimism, while Finn’s over here like, “Please stop being so cheerful, it’s ruining my scowl.” And yet, fate (or the museum’s interview committee) throws them together, and what follows is a slow-burn romance that’s both heartwarming and hilarious.

The museum setting adds a quirky, charming backdrop for their budding romance. Millie’s love for bugs is infectious (pun fully intended), and Finn’s journey from surly astronomer to soft-hearted uncle trying to win over his nieces is both sweet and relatable. I mean, how can you not root for a guy who’s trying to make his nieces smile while simultaneously fending off feelings for the human sunshine that is Millie?

Meadows strikes the perfect balance between humor, heart, and the kind of swoon-worthy moments that give you, well, butterflies. There’s just something about watching these two opposites attract while navigating grief, career ambitions, and their mutual (initial) annoyance with each other that makes this book so enjoyable.

Give Me Butterflies is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud romance that’ll have you rooting for Millie and Finn from the first page to the last awkward museum encounter. It’s cute, quirky, and leaves you grinning long after the final chapter. Highly recommended for anyone who’s ever found themselves falling for the person they least expected—or who simply loves a good nerdy romance with a side of bugs and stars.

Give Me Butterflies is a super cute & hilarous workplace romance that will tug at your heartstrings. I loved the museum setting and the hint of STEM - Finn is the director of the astronomy department, and Millie works in the entomology department and is applying to be the director.

All of the characters in this book are honestly precious. Finn absolutely made me swoon with his two nieces that he took custody of after their mother died. They’re still dealing with the grief from that, while Millie is dealing with some past trauma from her ex boyfriend. The two of them fit together so well and almost brought a tear to my eye many times.

This was an amazing debut from Jillian Meadows and I’m looking forward to reading more!

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows is a superlative STEMinist contemporary romance that will be perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood.

This story was hilarious filled with modern references that millennial readers will get a kick out of - I was a huge fan of the family group chat/texts, the relationship our MMC has with his nieces, and the character development our FMC goes through after getting out of an abusive relationship.

This book reminded me a bit of Ali Hazelwood's Bride without the paranormal aspects. I had such a fun time getting to know Millie Oaks and following her story as a woman in STEM hopeful to be promoted to the director of her department. Her office crush Finn gives us all the green flags, especially watching him take care of his nieces who he has custody over after his dear sister Clara loses her battle with cancer. The entire Oak family is a HOOT, and I look forward to reading more about what her sisters Fable and Tessa go through.

I highly recommend this book to those who love the STEMinist. This one is hilarious without being cheesy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and Miss Jillian Meadows for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback - I look forward to reading more from this author!

A lovely workplace romance that deals with one overwhelmed hero Finn and a heroine who is sunshine but insecure Millie. What's starts as friendship soon develops into more as the couple learn to support each other through their various emotions. Not necessarily a light hearted read but very heartfelt.

#netgalley #GiveMeButterflies

I’m so thankful to have been approved for this ARC! I believe it’s republishing with a new cover? Correct me if I’m wrong. I’ve noticed so many authors republishing their works with new and improved covers, and I think that’s awesome! For this book especially, I am IN LOVE with the new cover. 😍 It’s absolutely perfect, and I have no complaints.

On to the nitty gritty of the book itself, I find that it starts off fairly cheesy, but I ended up liking the characters anyway.

Millie and Finn both work at the museum in different departments. Millie in entomology, and Finn in astrology. Through various coincidences, they get to know each other a little more and the rest is history…

I absolutely love the dynamic of a romance novel when kids are involved, especially when there’s a child who doesn’t care what he/she says and expresses him/herself freely (a.k.a. acts with the innocence of a child). I don’t know if that’s because I have kids of my own or not, but I love these girls and their differences!

For me, I didn’t really feel a spark between the two main characters. There was a little bit of banter, but other than simple physical attraction, I didn’t feel any dangerous tension or longing/forbidden looks. It felt sorta “instalove” without the explanation. I loved the storyline and all the characters, but I was missing that electricity from the couple that I otherwise would have looked for.

If you’re looking for a low stakes, light romance read, this book may be for you!

Arc Review
Give me butterflies by Jillian Meadows
Available January 7
4.75⭐

First off i would like to thank. Jillian, Netgalley, @Avonbooks and @HarperVoyagerUS. For the opportunity to read & review this book. Thank you for this gifted E-Arc.

This story follows Millie & Finn. Millie is an entomologists who is up for a promotion at her job. Finn is head of the astronomy program & on the committee to determine if Millie gets her promotion. The banter. The tension. The friendship. The spice. 🥵🤭

Millie is a sunshine anxious girly who loves her job & wants to take on a bigger role in her department. She is trying find herself after a bad break up. The way she slowly stands up for herself & finds her confidence. She attracted to Finn but also annoyed by him at the same time till she starts to get to know him & finds her self struggling to keep it as just friends. Her feeling safe & comfortable with Finn & being able to be her true vulnerably self 🥺. Her connection with the girls & her willingness to be a safe space for them. The little & big things she does for Finn & the girls is so beautiful. Her bond with her family & her friendships is so amazing

Finn is a grumpy overwhelmed guy who is struggling to raise his nieces while working & trying to find time for himself while dealing with his grief. His protectiveness over his nieces & Millie is so wholesome. Finn is attracted to Millie but holds of on it for as long as possible due to his nieces coming first. (Love that he puts them before himself) Finn's ability to be honest and open with Millie is absolutely beautiful. His bond with the girls is the sweetest 🥰. The little things he does for Millie to see her smile & show he cares for her.

5/5 Recommend this book. Jillian is a new to me author & I absolutely loved the way Jillian writes & the emotions she lets you feel from her characters. The way her characters her complex but raw is so well done. I will continue to read whatever she writes. 💚

3.5 stars

Be still my found family loving heart! I really enjoyed this book for more than just the romance at the heart of it. While certain aspects of the plot felt sensationalized and overdone, the book held my attention and kept me entertained. I also loved the unique workplace setting.

I know this book will come off as a very unserious read to others, but I loved watching Millie grow closer to Finn's nieces. It added more emotional depth than I was expecting due to the tone of the book. While this book is no where near a perfect romance read, I am excited to read more from this author as she fine tunes her character work and plot progression.

This was really cute and so sweet, I enjoyed it. I struggled to really connect with it, though. Millie was my biggest struggle, so much of her internal monologue and her dialogue read as pretty immature for a 29 year old going for a big promotion at work. The fact that she didn't block her toxic ex irritated me to no end, why is she allowing him to contact her? Some of the scenes and dialogue felt really choppy, the story didn't flow to me.

There was a whole lot to enjoy though. Her and Finn have some cute and steamy moments, I love the relationship she builds with Eloise and Avery, and the friend group is fun. It might just me a me thing, or my mood, I've been in a slump.

Omg this book was ADORABLE!!

-Found family
- Workplace romance
-Hot nerd
-kind of single dad
- he falls first
-acts of service
- adorable nicknames
- banter
- adorable kiddos

This book theme reminded me of Ali Hazelwood but sooo much better! Finn mf Ashford is literally the most wholesome man ever!! I could feel the chemistry between these two characters and Finn is the definition of if he wanted to he would! Millie is a strong ,smart, bad ass who loves fiercely. I loved the little family they created and Finn’s nickname for Millie….. (HEART MELTED 🥹😭) Millie’s family groupchat had me laughing out loud! Seeing Millie interact with Eloise and Avery made me tear up and giggle! I highly recommend this book!! 🦋💜🌱

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Millie is an entomology curator who is up for a promotion for the department director position. She suffers from anxiety, but is determined to not let it stop her from achieving her goals. After the loss of his sister, Finn Ashford spends his time balancing the care of his twin nieces and work. He comes across as standoffish but really he’s grieving the death of his sister and trying to do right by his nieces.

This was a sweet workplace romance novel that featured grumpy/sunshine and found family. Though Finn has his hands full raising his twin nieces, he is lonely. After a couple of cute run ins with Millie, they form a friendship. Finn is part of the committee that will decide Millie’s promotion, so she is keen on keeping things strictly in the friend zone. But the more time Millie spends with him and the girls, the more she falls in love with them all.

This was such a wholesome novel. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this as grumpy/sunshine because there’s only a couple of interactions where the MMC could be considered grumpy, as he always has a hint of playfulness. I think Ms. Meadows could have shown a more gradual cinnamon roll reveal. I did enjoy the scenes of the two caring for the girls together. It was so sweet to see the family they were creating. I also really appreciated the honest communication. It’s so refreshing when the MC’s talk to each other openly and honestly. The miscommunication trope is so overused that while I’ve become accustomed to it, I swoon when couples speak honestly to each other.

Overall this was a low angst, enjoyable read.

Give me butterflies
Millie and Finn work together at a local museum: she’s the bug lady and he’s the astronomy guy. Millie initially finds Finn to be moody and grumpy, only to learn that he’s a newly single dad, having taking guardianship of his twin nieces after his sister’s passing. They become friends in many ways because of his girls, but this is a love that is so inevitable as they help each other on healing journeys from loss and toxic relationships.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Liked
* This is one of the healthiest adult relationships I’ve ever seen written into a book. They are honest, clear and kind with each other even when it’s hard.
* Always here for a bad ass lady scientist!
* Finn MFing Ashford. Holy moly. Honestly I can’t figure out how Finn came out of that childhood so well-rounded and mature.
* This book was so pure and safe and warm, even in the face of the hella toxic relationships with her ex and his parents.
* What an absolutely beautiful portrayal of grief and resilience.

Disliked
* Disclaimer: all dislikes are immediately superseded by the glory that is Finn Ashford
* Some of the chapters ended a bit abruptly
* The continued verbal and emotional abuse from Kyle was a LOT.

🫡 Tropes deployed: workplace romance, single dad, grumpy/sunshine, grief, toxic relationships

Millie Oaks is an entomology curator who is filled with passion and joy for her job and is hoping to fill the director position at the museum she works at. She’s a busy woman, and will not let anyone get in the way… except, the hot and nerdy astronomy director. She doesn’t understand why he avoids her, but every interaction, it’s a catastrophe. So when she sees him in her hiring committee, well, shit.
Finn Ashford doesn’t mean to mean-mug everyone around him. But, navigating his busy job, grief and his new life as a guardian of his two nieces, well, I don’t blame him for a scowl or two. He wants to provide a good life to his nieces, and when Millie Oaks crashes into his life with cookies and pizza, it’s like the sun came back.
I… DEVOURED this. As I’m writing this, I have butterflies over Millie and Finn. Within the first few pages, I was laughing in public from reading this book. It was funny, romantic, relatable, it was everything I needed and more. As someone who has worked specifically with kids who’ve had parents with cancer, it’s so important to bring joy and happiness to their life. Kids deserve to be kids, and Jillian Meadows wrote Millie’s character so well, trying to emulate child-like joy. Finn’s character is so beautiful. He’s so caring and loving, and so well-written, I just love him so much. I cannot get enough of these two.
I’m so excited to read more from Jillian Meadows.

Love the new cover! This was an amazing romance book with powerful themes and lessons. The settings of the museum, the house, and the farm were the perfect backdrop to Millie and Finn's blossoming relationship. The found family aspects with Millie cherishing the twins was also adorable (and, frankly, necessary) to offset a lot of the tension from other conflicts in the book. The only question I had was how Finn was affording to pay for all of those things he purchased? I don't think museum department directors get paid THAT much!

Oh my goodness, I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I absolutely loved it!

This book is a masterclass in showing a true adult relationship, with real communication on feelings and fears. Throughout the story, Finn and Mille both have fears, pasts, and feelings, and they are able to communicate with each other! They may take time to internalize their feelings, but they always share!

I also love the importance Finn takes in knowing Millie's role as a female scientist in a male dominated work field, and supports her how she asks and does not try to solve the problems, but gives her the opportunity to investigate all on her own.

All of the problems that entail throughout their story are real, and they learn how to tackle them together. Its gorgeous!

Overall, I'm here for just seeing a healthy relationship grow and blossom with real world problems. What a wonderful story Jillian Meadows! Cannot wait to read more of your works in the future!

Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Give Me Butterflies was my very first ARC! Thank you @jillianmeadowswrites , @avonbooks and @harpervoyagerus for believing in me and approving this! 💛 I actually finished this a few days ago and it kinds of sits with me still.
I didn’t think that I would discover STEM romance and I would looove it! 🙌

Characters in the book are cozy and lovely. I was reading it with a mug of tea and woolly blanket. I would recommend it to read as Autumn/Fall romance too. To sum up, just two cute nerds who work almost together and fell in love :) And grumpy x sunshine trope - gosh, I love it so much. ✨

P.s. I was debating on rating (4 or 5), but I decided to give 4 stars because I would have loved to see more drama from Millie’s side about her previous relationship. I thought it was undiscovered path for characters development.
BUT...! It is only my personal opinion :) Other than that, I highly recommend to read it - as it is light, cozy, funny, and of course - dog in the book gives more Karma points 🫶

Hopefully, to read more of Jillian’s books ❤️

Give Me Butterflies is a sweet romance between two museum professionals who both know love, grief, and build their own little family.
We first meet Millie and Finn having a few crashes (literally) at the museum they both work at. Millie is up for a promotion and Finn happens to be on the hiring committee, but they get off to a bad start. Their relationship quickly turns around when Finn brings his nieces, who is he is also the guardian of, to the museum day camp, and Millie helps to make their camp experience great.
I adored the relationship that Millie builds with Finn and his girls throughout the book, and even how her family was so involved with them from the start. Finn and Millie are both mature and manage to solve any potential problems that come their way, and put the girls first in their relationship.
I hope we get to see Millie’s sisters get their own love stories and more from her friends as well! All of the characters make this story a great read, and I thought the friendships in the book were perfect examples of true friendship!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyage for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

**Book Review - 4.25 Stars**
Thanks to NetGalley, Jillian Meadows, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read an ARC of this!

I actually really loved this book! One of the highlights for me was the anxiety representation—it was handled thoughtfully and made the characters feel even more real. The strong friendship aspects were also a standout, giving the story a solid emotional foundation.

I really liked both Millie and Finn (aren’t those great names?!). I was so relieved that there wasn’t a third act breakup; I was worried about it, but thankfully the story avoided that trope, which made me *very* happy! Millie’s family was another sweet touch, and there were several laugh-out-loud moments that made this a fun read.

I'm officially a fan and will be picking up Jillian Meadows' next book. I’m especially hoping we get to learn more about Fable and Theo in the next installment. Can’t wait!

I read this when it was indie published and it is just as perfect the second time around! This is such a special story, and I seriously will never be over it. And let's have a moment for the updated cover. Jillian's prose and storytelling is captivating and the quiet and tender love that builds between these characters is everything.  
 
What you can expect:  
🦋 Workplace romance 
🦋 Microtropes galore (Hand flexing, he takes care of her, he buys her romance books)  
🦋 Sloooow burn (But worth it lol)  
🦋 Special nickname for her  
🦋 Amazing communication/no 3rd act breakup  
 
I highly recommend this one and I can't wait for what's next from Jillian.