Give Me Butterflies is such a great read. I stayed up late to binge read the vast majority of the book because I was thoroughly invested in Millie and Finn’s story. To start, I absolutely loved the STEM aspects of this book and how Millie’s entomology dreams tied into her childhood on the farm. I adored the chemistry and banter between Millie and Finn. The scene with the spider is going to live rent free in my head. One of my other favorite parts of this story was the visit to the game and bookstores. As someone who loves both, it was a fun little surprise. I also appreciated that the relationship struggles Millie and Finn went through were realistic and believable. They also had mature reactions to their struggles and recognized that they needed time to process. I adored the relationship between Millie and the girls as well. Meadow presented a clear juxtaposition between the relationship the girls had with Millie’s parents and Finn’s parents. Overall, this book was a gem, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Give Me Butterflies - ARC Review
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PUB DATE: January 21st
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FEATURES:
-Adult Contemporary Romance 
-Women in STEM
-Single Guardian
-Grief and Loss
-Anxiety Rep 
-Found Family
-Coworkers to Lovers
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WHY 5/5: While this book could be described as “two scientists fall in love” (I would read that in a heartbeat), it's really so much more.
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It's about a grieving brother desperate to find some light after a devastating loss.
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It's about a female scientist trying to chase her dream job, despite all of the sexist opinions that have been thrown at her over the years.
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It's about healing enough from toxic relationships to say “yes” to love again.
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And, ultimately, it's about finding your people  - the family you choose or who choose you. The people who stand up for you, ground you, and act as healing balm for your deepest wounds. The people who love you during your mess and fight to help you re-build your broken pieces.
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@jillianmeadowswrites has an incredible gift of storytelling - somehow managing to find the perfect balance of funny, heartwarming, deep, and swoony. Her characters will become your dearest friends and you will root for them as they work hard to help each other shine. 
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Friends - This is foot-kicking, cheeks hurting, heart melting, happy tears, and warm fuzzies kind of good.
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Thank you @netgalley for my eARC copy. I was given this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
#GiveMeButterflies #BookReview #Romance #FiveStars

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book

I thought this book was super adorable and I loved the romance in this story. Jillian Meadows is a fantastic writer and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a swoonworthy romance, or anyone who is having a bad day and needs a literary pick me up. If only I could rate this book more than 5 stars!

The pacing was good! This book actually spanned over a decent amount of time which I appreciate. I hate when contemporary romances take place over like two weeks and I’m just supposed to believe it. I believed this one.

Millie made me cringe a few times in the beginning. The game night scene was painful. The girlbossery was a little heavy handed with her at times, but with her history it felt more genuine.
And Finn… is kinda a horny menace! I still liked him a lot, he was upfront and honest.

While j don’t think this book is bad, I don’t think it’s for me. I loved the science aspect, the witty banter, and the warm vibe! The pacing was what ultimately scrapped it for me. Things moved too fast and then too slow. Overall it’s a cute book but I don’t think it’s going to be one I think about often.

There's debuts, then there's debuts that absolutely blow everything out of the water. This is the latter and Jillian absolutely nailed this story!

First of all, unique STEM rep in our FMC as an entomologist? Heck yeah! I loved Millie as a character and how she tackled her self-doubt and anxiety while chasing after her curator dreams. Then here comes Finn in all his broody glory with a heart of gold and his nieces that have become his world. This is such a beautiful and story that leaves you swooning and giggling and kicking your feet with giddiness. Finn and Millie's relationship was healthy, full of support and understanding, and they grew together beautifully through all of the emotional moments. This book will absolutely give you butterflies like the title says.

I read this book when it was released indie and I'm so glad to see that it was picked up for traditional publishing. The perfect excuse to reread it if you ask me. Jillian's writing is so genuine and heartwarming with a cast of characters that's you'll adore and relate to and I can't wait for more people to discover her books!

I love this one so much! Jillian really got me with the entomologist and astronomer main characters. My scientist heart was so happy to read about people successful in their respective scientific endeavors. To be honest, I could’ve read even more about their work and their plans for their departments at the museum. Give me another 350 pages, please!

“It’s one of my greatest joys in life to prove idiots wrong - especially men.”

This book was refreshing and fun. I loved the humor from all of the characters throughout the story. Millie and Finn being unapologetically nerdy and teasing each other about it was so cute. Their dates were so fun and creative, I found myself getting jealous of them!

Normally, I avoid books with children as prominent characters but I was in love with Avery and Eloise. I want to join their family and spend time coloring and reading books with them. They were adorable and added to the story in a way I didn’t expect.

I will absolutely be recommending this book to my friends! It was so fun and a nice easy read for my weekend.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for access to the eARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Hello, I am obsessed with this book. It has ALL my favorite things including:
*tall, hot nerdy grump with glasses who is secretly obsessed with the heroine
*entomology
*healthy communication
*young children who are perfect and never annoying (least realistic aspect of the book, though)
*banter via work e-mails
*almond croissants
*did I mention the hot nerd with glasses?

This was so good; they were both such good people I was rooting for them from page 1. It made me incredibly happy when I was reading it, with a big grin on my face and kicking my feet the whole time. I already read Wreck my Plans so it was fun to see Lena before that book took place. I already can't wait for Jillian's next book!

Thank you to netgalley and Avon for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review

A laugh out loud and emotionally charged romance about self love, grief and family. Jillian was quickly able to grab my attention with relatable characters and witty banter.

Thanks to the publishers for the e-arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of Give Me Butterflies! I absolutely LOVED this book! And cant wait to get my hands on a physical copy! Truly loved this story and all of the elements it covered - mental health, therapy, grief, etc. I look forward to reading more from this author!! For fans of Ali Hazelwood and B.K Borrison.

Millie and Finn have the sweetest, cozy love story in “Give Me Butterflies.” The journey that these two were on felt so authentic. It was a tough week for me at work, and it was nice to not feel alone in this, seeing Millie navigate work-related anxiety of her own. The fast-paced writing style made this an engaging, quick read. I was really excited going into this one about the science museum setting, and I would have liked to experience more of that in the story.

For those who love:
🦋Workplace romance
🦋Grumpy/Sunshine
🦋Single Dad
🦋Museum setting
🦋Astronomer + Entomologist
🦋Fun nerdy references!
🦋Caretaking
🦋Open Door

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Give Me Butterflies is the story of Millie, an entomology curator and hopeful future department director, and Finn, the grumpy astronomy director at the same museum, who just happens to sit on the interview committee for her promotion. At first, they completely bump heads (literally), but as they get to know each other, Millie learns that his grumpy facade is not what it seems.

This was a very sweet workplace romance with great side characters and friendships! I also very much enjoyed Finn’s nieces, and who doesn’t love a single guardian. I also thought Millie’s entire arc of interviewing for her promotion was very inspiring, and her self doubt came across as very relatable and believable, which is not always the case for similar characters in other books. I think the author does a great job of covering some difficult topics and going below the surface, especially considering the sweet and wholesome nature of the romance.

I did think the plot was a bit random - lots of “slice of life” scenes thrown in versus scenes that moved the plot forward. I also would’ve liked to have seen the rivals portion played out a little more - I really wouldn’t consider this rivals/enemies to lovers but rather just grumpy/sunshine. I think a little bit more build up to their friendship might have made it a little more enjoyable for me.

Overall, I thought this was a very sweet romance with some depth, and if that’s what you’re looking for, I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to Avon/Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

Thank you for the opportunity to read this debut romance by Jillian Meadows. I was drawn in by the gorgeous cover and the idea of unique profession in our FMC, Millie, an entomologist. There were parts that I think were well done, and some parts that felt awkward? Less believable? Over dramatic (Finn's mom, encounters with Kyle)? I wanted a little bit more about her profession and I kept waiting for a romantic scene in a Butterfly House that never came. The relationship development with El and Ave was very sweet though.

4.5/5 stars

"I Donn't need the sun when you're here, Stella Mia. You're the brightest star in my universe, and I've been orbiting around you since you poured coffee all over me. I could spend the rest of my life watching you shine."

THIS. FREAKING. BOOK.
There's so many things that I loved about this book.

Reading this book was like reading Ali Hazelwood's books: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.
If you love Ali Hazelwood's books and then this book for sure is for you. I don't know if it was just me, but it was just giving me that vibe! The whole STEM romance is one of my favorites.

The references to Star Wars and Star Trek it was just absolutely amazing. I loved every moment of it especially the nicknames and the halloween part towards the end.

Another thing I loved about this book was the whole single uncle trope. I love me some single dad tropes don't get me wrong, but this was a whole different trope that we don't really see in books AND I WAS LIVING FOR IT.
It was honestly HOT reading this whole ass single man take guardian of his nieces. ugh my heart exploded every single time he and his nieces had interactions throughout the book. The girls were so darn cute and deserve so much, so im glad they have their uncle Finn to give them the world.

I loved Millie and Finn together. Their connection was so strong in the book. There was no unnecessary dramas and the communications were top tier. There was times in the books their communication took a bit, but it eventually they understood each other.

Finn did not hesitate to show how much he cared for Millie and the girls. He was there for them instantly no matter the circumstances. When Millie was sick, he called her dad to show him how to make his famous soup like come on that is amazing and so dang sweet.

I seriously hope this book gets recognize. It is truly a masterpiece and I'm glad I'm going into 2025 knowing I read this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sending an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Not sure if I can add too much to what others have said but I did enjoy the alternating POVs and the family group chat transcripts. I thought her ex stuff came a little
out of left field (I won’t spoil it). But the other thing I think is interesting is that the covers I’ve seen are different from the one Goodreads has. The one here on GR isn’t nearly as hot/sexy as the one I saw elsewhere, and honestly the spicier seems to fit better. This definitely gives very Ali Hazelwood/women in STEM vibes, in a good way.

Give me butterflies felt like a mix between the hating game and any Ali Hazelwood book. There was fun banter, awkward misunderstandings and adorable kids which made it fun to read. That being said it did feel like it drug a little. It seemed like each issue was introduced, dealt with and wrapped up before the next one came up. Or an issue is introduced but the resolution happens off screen and becomes a non-issue in the end. I think this could have been resolved by having more work focused scenes. That being said I still read it in two days and enjoyed the ride and the story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This book was so cute and unique. I loved how our main characters and their relationship grew throughout the book. I loved their communication and the found family aspect of the book.

A very sweet grump/sunshine workplace romance. Even with the heavier themes of emotionally abusive familial and romantic relationships, loss of a loved one, and struggles of self-worth this book remains beautifully comforting. As a chronic apologizer the dedication pulled me in and as someone who has experienced relationships like Finn and Millie I was hooked. I appreciated how the focus was on two damaged people helping each other become whole again and doing it together. The evolution of their relationship was very sweet and the girls were an added bonus. I wish we had some more Eleanor and even more Oaks family interactions! I will happily keep reading Oaks Sisters series, they stole my heart. Thank you Avon & NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review!

I really liked this book! It was sweet, swoony, cozy. It was nice to see Millie have a great support system to help build herself back up after having an emotionally abusive ex and I really enjoyed seeing Finn do his best to support her and himself while also taking care of his nieces.
I did take off a little since it wasn't exactly grumpy/sunshine since Finn was pretty much down bad for her from the get-go and STEM wasn't really a pivotal thing in the plot at all.
I also appreciated the book not having a third act breakup, it didn't feel necessary considering the arcs the characters were already going through aside from the decent communication they'd built together up until that point.

Thank you again NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Give Me Butterflies" by Jillian Meadows was one of my most anticipated books! I ended up reading it in 2 days because I just couldn't put it down!
I absolutely loved it!!

The workplace romance, found family, slow burn, and grumpy/sunshine tropes were just written perfectly! I even loved the single uncle aspect! Sometimes the surprise kids trope is not a favorite of mine but in this case it just made the mmc so much more likable and relatable! The nieces were adorable and impossible not to love!

I did think this would have more of an enemies to lovers feel and to me it was more insta-love with a fornbidden romance. This did not take away from how much I loved it though!

Finn Ashford will forever be one of my favorite book boyfriends!

Thank you so much Netgalley for the eARC and Avon for the physical copy!!