Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC.
"Give Me Butterflies" by Jillian Meadows offers a charming take on young love and self-discovery, but it doesn't fully hit the mark. The story follows a relatable protagonist as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, complete with first crushes and personal challenges.

Meadows' writing is engaging, and some moments are beautifully captured, particularly the protagonist's emotional journey. However, the plot can feel predictable at times, and certain character developments lack depth. While the supporting characters add some interest, they sometimes feel underdeveloped and could have benefited from more exploration.

3.75 ⭐️

This was such a fun debut book.

Millie is an entomologist and Finn is an astrologist. Millie thinks Finn is this grumpy guy that works in astrology, but he goes deeper than that. One fateful day at summer camp, opens Millies eyes into Finn's life. This is the beginning of their relationship.

The relationship that is created between Millie and Finn is a healthy one. They communicate well and it wasn't completely perfect - there were a few bobbles, but they worked through them together. There was great balance between Millie and Finn getting to know each other but also blending in Finn's two nieces. By the end of the book, we had a really well made family. There were quite a few characters but I never felt confused and enjoyed the way they were all woven into the story.

While there isn't a huge conflict or third act breakup, both Millie and Finn had their own issues to overcome. We have a toxic ex, who irritates you when he shows up. There is also a set of toxic AF parents, but the character is able to stand up to them and create those boundaries.

Pacing was a little bit slow at times. I think Finn was just a bit too perfect and too much book boyfriend, but I still ate it up.

*thank you Avon and NetGalley for the eArc. This review is my own thoughts and opinions*

I don’t even really know what to say about this book other than it’s simply amazing. The chemistry the two main characters have with one another is off the charts and the way that they build each other up and support one another is beautiful. The invisible string theory goes hard in this book and I cried no less than four times throughout it because the story was so beautiful and heartwarming. These characters were truly made and written to be each other’s soulmate in a way that is very hard to find in a lot of other romance books.

13/10 absolutely recommend. I will be shouting my love for this book from the rooftops for all to hear.

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon books for the E-ARC!

I loved this book. A perfect mix of grumpy x sunshine, single guardian, museum romance. I can’t wait for her next book!

I throughly enjoyed this read. I loved the dynamic between Millie and Finn’s nieces. The author did a great job keeping me interested and I ended up finishing the story in one sitting. I highly recommend to anyone who loves stem romance.

What a treat—- a romance of two nerds! Minus one star for pretty spiced up SMUT but plus one star for absolutely hysterical family group chat. Minus one star for oatmeal raisin cookie slander. Plus one star for realistic child dialogue.

Millie is up for a big promotion, spills coffee on a sexy astronomer coworker and they fall in love. Her specialty is bugs. Finn has two little nieces that are very cute, twins he was given custody of after his sisters untimely death from pancreatic cancer. I loved the scenes with the girls, the plot was unique but all the contemporary romcom tropes we know and love.

Thanks to @netgalley and @avonbooks for the ARC. Book to be published Jan 21,2025.

#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #GiveMeButterflies

Give Me Butterflies is a delightful addition to the slow-burn romance genre, reminiscent of Ali Hazelwood's captivating style. The dual POV offers a rich and immersive experience, allowing us to delve into the minds of both Millie and Finn.

Millie, the dedicated entomology curator, is a relatable and inspiring protagonist. Her passion for her work and her unwavering determination to succeed are admirable. Finn, the grumpy astronomer, adds a layer of complexity to the story with his well-crafted character arc. His struggles with grief and his love for his nieces lend a depth to his personality that makes him both intriguing and sympathetic.

The relationship between Millie and the girls is heartwarming, to say the least. Their interactions are filled with genuine affection and humor, adding a touch of sweetness to the story. The decision to make Finn a single guardian rather than a parent is a unique and refreshing choice that adds a layer of realism and emotional depth to the narrative.

The novel's exploration of grief and trauma within the context of parenting is particularly poignant. The way Millie and Finn navigate their challenges is both heartwarming and inspiring. The supporting characters, including Millie's meddling friends and Finn's adorable nieces, add depth and humor to the story.

Give Me Butterflies is a beautifully written story that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The characters are well-developed and relatable, the romance is slow-burn perfection, and the emotional depth is truly captivating. This book is perfect for STEM-enthusiasts and fans of slow-burn romance!

This was SO CUTE. We love STEM and space and butterflies!!

I'm not sure how I missed that this was single guardian story but oh the scream I scrumpt!!! And he has glasses! And a BEARD. With cheesy space ties and punny space shirts. He was made for me, frankly!!

Millie girl! So supportive and kind. Willing to fight tooth and nail for what she wants. Unknowingly brave.

I loved this story of grief and healing. Of humor and seeing your person for who they are and celebrating that. They were so supportive of each other in every way and I just loved the way they kept showing up for the other.

And those two little girls! I love them so much. I hope to see more of them in what I am hoping is Fables story next 👀

Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.