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* Disclaimer: all dislikes are immediately superseded by the glory that is Finn Ashford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.

I love a good book about a woman in STEM! Plus this cover is to die for! I was super excited to receive an ARC for this book. This is a great book for any fans of Ali Hazelwood, I felt like the writing style and premise felt very Ali but at the same time still unique to the author. This book follows Millie an entomologist curator at a museum and her rivalry turned romance with Finn the astrology curator. When they have a series of bad run ins Millie feels as though Finn truly despises her when in all actuality, he fell in love with her the first time she spill coffee on him. I will admit that in the beginning I wasn’t the biggest fan with the fact that Finn was raising his nieces because I don’t typically enjoy reading books with characters who have kids, but I felt like story wasn’t just about him raising these kids and we did still get some decent spicy scenes so no complaints here. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for fans of Ali Hazelwood, women in STEM, and fans of fast paced romances with coworkers.

This book was SUCH an absolute delight to read!

Phenomenal plot, great and VERY charming characters, and great writing. I absolutely want to be part of the Oaks Folks group chat, and had a number of moments where I was just squealing with happiness.

It definitely inspired me to take a second look at the bugs outside and the stars in the sky and now I'm dying for someone to call me stella mia.

I would absolutely recommend this book (in fact I already have to multiple people), will definitely be buying it (I LOVE the new cover), and am SO looking forward to the next books in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5⭐️ 2🌶️ | TikTok |

The romance is this book was cute but the portrayal of grief, loss, and the healing after stole the show in this book, get your tissues ready.

What I loved…
- STEM Romance Entomologist 🐛🦋 & Astronomer 🪐✨
- Disastrous first impressions (which are adorable to read about)
- Hot single guardian (him)
- no 3rd act breakup
- Grade A tension
- Positive mental health + therapy representation
- Dual POV
- Cookie dough scene 🥵
- The greenest of the green flags MMC
- fun & supportive side characters

What I didn’t love…
- At times they had kick ass communication, but it often took a little while to get there and that toed the line of miscommunication for me.
- I wholeheartedly disagree with how the FMC handled the Kyle situation on so many levels - It felt like a really bad great example of what not to do when dealing with an emotionally abusive ex.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

**Title:** *Give Me Butterflies*
**Author:** Jillian Meadows
**Rating:** 4/5

**Review:**

Jillian Meadows’ *Give Me Butterflies* is a charming, heartwarming romance that perfectly balances workplace tension with personal growth and emotional healing. With lovable, flawed characters and a slow-burn romance that will give you butterflies (pun intended), this book is a delightful read for fans of opposites-attract stories with a healthy dose of emotional depth.

Millie is an instant favorite as the quirky, passionate entomologist who finds joy in her work as a museum curator. Her enthusiasm for insects and natural science makes her unique, and her determination to land a director position adds a layer of ambition to her character that makes her easy to root for. She’s sunny, optimistic, and full of life—a complete contrast to her grumpy coworker, Finn, whose stoic demeanor and scowling face immediately set him up as her perfect foil.

Finn’s character is much more complex than just the stereotypical brooding, grumpy love interest. He’s dealing with the weight of personal loss—grieving the death of his sister while caring for his nieces—and this makes his internal struggles deeply relatable. His stoicism is a defense mechanism, a way to keep everything from falling apart, and it’s touching to see his layers peel back as Millie enters his world.

The dynamic between Millie and Finn is the classic sunshine-grump trope done right. Their early interactions are filled with tension and awkward encounters, with Millie’s bright, cheery nature clashing against Finn’s guarded personality. But as the two are forced to spend more time together—particularly with Finn serving on the committee that will decide Millie’s career future—their animosity begins to dissolve, replaced by something far more complicated and tender.

What sets *Give Me Butterflies* apart from typical workplace romances is how well it intertwines the personal growth of its characters with their evolving relationship. Millie’s journey isn’t just about getting the job she’s after; it’s about understanding her own value, both in her career and in her relationships. Likewise, Finn’s arc is about learning to let people in, dealing with his grief, and realizing that he doesn’t have to do everything on his own.

Meadows’ writing shines in the small, intimate moments between Millie and Finn—whether it’s a quiet conversation in the museum or a shared meal with Finn’s nieces, each scene adds layers to their connection. Their slow-burn romance builds naturally, making every moment of chemistry feel earned and genuine. The witty banter and undeniable attraction keep readers engaged, but it’s the emotional vulnerability beneath the surface that makes their relationship truly compelling.

The museum setting adds an extra touch of magic to the story, especially with Millie’s love of insects and Finn’s passion for astronomy. Their respective fields play a significant role in the book, and the juxtaposition of Millie’s love for the earth and its creatures with Finn’s fascination with the stars creates a poetic undercurrent to their story.

Overall, *Give Me Butterflies* is a sweet, slow-burn romance that captures both the joy of falling in love and the challenges of overcoming personal hardships. It’s as much about Millie and Finn’s individual journeys as it is about their romance, making the story feel well-rounded and emotionally satisfying. For anyone who loves a well-developed, character-driven romance with a touch of workplace drama and heart, this book is sure to leave you with butterflies.

I will 100% confess that in the first few chapters, i thought this was going to be a DNF for me. Millie skirted way too close to the line between "quirky" and "irritating" while I was also completely done with MMCs who speak five whole words and entire book. However, I am so glad I stuck with it because by chapter five, I was ready to ride or die for this couple.

The character development means that the seemingly annoying behavior happens for a reason, and stops as the characters grow and develop. The tragic pasts drive the plot, but aren't played just to drive the narrative (almost like how IRL people act!). The romance is sweet and hot, but also realistic. The conflicts make sense and the resolution happens without anyone having to suddenly redefine their entire life or personality. A well-written story set against the backdrop of a museum adds an extra element of delight. Watching a bunch of nerds live their best lives is always a good time.

If you want a contemporary with a perfect balance of kindness, spice and promises of more in the series...snap this one up.

This book was absolutely adorable and heart-wrenching at the same time.

Finn and Millie are the cutest pair and their push and pull has me kicking my feet and giggling throughout the entire book.

As an entomology nerd, however, I was disappointed by the lack of entomology in the book! Give me weird bug facts!

I loved this book! I can’t believe it’s a debut. The grumpy hero, the science representation, the cute girls that really brought the hero and heroine together.

I cannot recommend this enough the Ali Hazelwood lovers

*Give Me Butterflies* by Jillian Meadows is a heartwarming romance that delivers all the feel-good emotions with authentic characters and a swoon-worthy love story. Millie, a passionate entomologist, is chasing her dream job while navigating the aftermath of a tough breakup. Enter Finn, her grumpy coworker who’s recently become the guardian of his two nieces after his sister's tragic passing. While Millie initially sees Finn as cold and distant, her heart softens as she witnesses his tenderness with his nieces, and soon, sparks begin to fly. The slow-burn romance, rooted in themes of family, healing, and finding oneself, is both sweet and immersive.

The chemistry between Millie and Finn is undeniably charming, as their initial tension gradually gives way to genuine connection. Meadows does a fantastic job of creating depth for both characters—Finn’s role as a reluctant yet devoted guardian and Millie’s journey of rediscovering herself after a toxic relationship make them relatable and endearing. The STEM setting, with Finn working in astronomy and Millie as an entomologist, adds a refreshing twist to the story. Their work at the museum creates natural opportunities for interaction, and their shared passions make their connection feel authentic and layered.

With a blend of the grumpy-sunshine trope, found family elements, and past relationship trauma, *Give Me Butterflies* keeps readers emotionally invested throughout. The writing flows beautifully, making it easy to become immersed in the characters’ world. The lighthearted banter, wholesome family dynamics, and moments of spice all come together to create a captivating romance. Fans of academia or STEM-themed romances will find this a delightful addition to their collection. With its adorable cover and engaging story, *Give Me Butterflies* is sure to leave readers with a smile and, as the title suggests, butterflies in their hearts.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6872279727

**Book Review: "Give Me Butterflies" by Jillian Meadows**

Rating: ★★★★★

"Give Me Butterflies" by Jillian Meadows is a heartfelt and captivating romance that had me hooked from start to finish. Millie and Finn’s relationship is the highlight of the book—completely engrossing and full of delightful banter that kept me smiling throughout. I absolutely adored how their dynamic starts off as a sunshine and grump pairing, only to evolve into something deeper—a sunshine and protective/obsessed cinnamon roll!

One of the standout elements for me was Millie’s bond with Finn’s nieces. As someone who loves kids, seeing Millie's affection for them brought an extra layer of warmth to the story, making the characters feel even more real and relatable. This book didn’t shy away from tackling heavier themes either, especially when it came to Millie’s past with her abuser. Jillian Meadows did a great job showing how easily people can be misled when they don't have the full picture, adding a thoughtful dimension to the plot.

I was fully on board with the romance the entire time! The chemistry between Millie and Finn, their playful exchanges, and the depth of their connection made this an absolutely delightful read. If you're a fan of swoon-worthy, feel-good romance with a dash of seriousness, "Give Me Butterflies" is a must-read!

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

This book gave me all the butterflies in the best possible way. The characters were authentic and adorable without being obnoxious or over the top.

Millie's interviewing for her dream job, trying to get over, breaking up with her ex, who caused her to lose herself. Finn is her grumpy coworker who recently ended up single when his ex couldn't handle his priorities changing when he suddenly became the guardian for his 2 nieces when his sister died of cancer.

As Millie starts to see Finn with his nieces and get to know him outside of work, she begins to wonder if he's not as much of an asshole as she originally thought... but they can only be friends because they work together AND he's on her interview committee.

I loved the single parent, found family, and prior relationship trauma elements to this book because they just made me feel all the feelings. Add to that Finn is the sweetest parent to his neices, and Millie just falls in love with them both immediately. Millie bothered me at a couple of points with her choices, but honestly, it's probably just because I would have done the same thing even knowing it was the wrong choice 🤣

Started the new year with this DELIGHTFUL story from one of my new favorites Jillian Meadows. This story was full of heart, joy and contentedness - a story of hope which kicks 2024 off in the best way!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a grumpy/sunshine workplace romance that was so cute and easy to sink into. Millie is an entomologist trying to get a promotion at the museum where she works. Finn is an astrologer at the same museum and is also on the hiring committee. She thinks he hates her....<3

Past relationships, family drama, he's caring for his twin nieces, and life all come to play in this romance. It's sweet and fun and a little steamy but definitely an easily consumed and enjoyable afternoon read.