This contemporary romance centers around Millie, an entomologist vying for a promotion, and Finn, a director of astronomy at the same museum.

I found this story to be a refreshing take on the grumpy single dad/sunshine female character story. Finn is the twin girls uncle who has been given custody after his sister’s death and has some parenting struggles. While Millie is happy-presenting, she also has real issues and life situations in the story.

I would have liked to see more STEM in the story; there are a couple of threads in it that could have had a bit more punch. The family dynamics were well done with both healthy and toxic representations.

Thank you HarperCollinsPublishers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

I *loved* Finn and Millie's story oh my gosh. She's the sunshine to his grumpy and this was the workplace romance I didn't know I needed and I just know this is going to be one of my favorite reads this month.

Both cautious due to past trauma, after a few run ins (literally) some of the walls they both had built start crumbling down and with the help of Finn's adorable nieces, him and Millie strike up the most wonderful friendship before it inevitably turns into something more. We got to watch sparks fly through Disney songs and Millie teaching him how to cook, through him supporting her when her ex resurfaces and her working towards a promotion at the museum they both work at and each of them showing up for the other in the spots when they needed it the most, i was a puddle of all the feelings for most of this story! With plenty of banter, melt worthy moments and all the almond croissants one could want, I didn't want the book to end! 🥰


Thank you Netgalley, and Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my review!

Lookout Ali Hazelwood! We got another author writing STEM romances.

We have Millecent (Gerry? Gary? Larry? You there, dad?) and Finneaus. Millie is a kind hearted butterfly enthusiast getting out of a relationship with a toxico and attempting to pursue a big promotion at work. Meanwhile, Finneaus is trying to stay afloat after becoming the primary caregiver to his nieces after the death of his sister. And he's got some toxicas too! So many times the characters in romance book don't have any nuance. These people were really in the thick of it, and I appreciate when authors give their characters loves that feel realistic.

Love the black cat/golden retriever vibes of these two. Millie put in the WORK holding open the door for that old man, allowing him to steal her croissant, tho. In the words of Taylor Swift, 🎵 karma is a cat purring in my lap cause it loves me 🎶 you like grumpy/sunshine? You'll like this.

I sat and was forever at work with all the pop culture references in this book. So few books manage to do it well, and I feel like Meadows achieved a good balance. The OMEGA-verse references were clear as day. Honestly, I was dying. Break the fourth wall babe! Then let us watch you break the glass ceiling 😉

The characters were giving; however, the plot was not. There wasn't much plot other than these people forming a power couple and taking over the museum (I desperately need to utter "Get out of my museum!" to someone now...). Honestly, even though I'm a plot girly, this was still fine. And there were many small twists that surprised me! The spicy scenes were a bit much. Ma'am the entire "bonus epilogue" could stayed on Wattpad lol. My only additional complaint was I wanted MORE nerd entomology and astronomy talk. Other than that, no notes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for early access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The new cover is a huge improvement.

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows was a wonderful way to start the year off. I loved reading about Millie and Finn. Their relationship was adorable and healthy and seeing how they communicated with each other was rewarding to read about.
There are so many amazing things about this book that readers are sure to love. The only problem I had with it was that I felt like the book needed something extra. I am not sure what; it just felt a little empty.
Overall, the story was super adorable, and I couldn’t stop smiling. If you want a fast-paced, cute book, this is for you.

I used to have a book by Judge Judy and it said to never judge a book by its cover but as soon as I saw the cover for this, I decided I MUST READ IT IMMEDIATELY.

It’s become one of my favorite romances and I can’t wait to see the series continue!! I loved every moment and I have zero bad things to say. There wasn’t any unnecessary fights and drama. The communication between the FMC and MMC was amazing and the took time to understand each other. him being a impromptu dad and taking care of his late sisters children was heart warming and it shows the challenges one would face when that happens. He FREAKING HIRED A CHEF AT THE LOCAL CAFE TO TEACH HER HOW TO MAKE ALMOND CROISSANTS. How romantic is that?! There was no 3rd act breakup which happens in EVERY romance book!!!! And all the charecters are so lovable minus that dumb ex and his parents.

I highly rocommend this book if you want a GOOOOOOD romance!!

Always lovely to get back into the world of Finn and Millie! It is just as good as I remembered the indie version. They remain adorable with a sweet development of friends to lovers. Get your nose ready: there is a lot of talking about their scents, and there is a lot of baking you will want to try (or eat) while reading this!!

I will note for newer readers of Jillian Meadows: this book was written before Lena and Gavin, and it is set before. The trad publishing timeline is weird, so Lena will be single in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Jillian Meadows for the opportunity to read this book early.

We follow Millie, who is working on a promotion at her museum. Finn, who also works at the museum, is a grumpy single dad who continuously clashes with Millie's sunshine. Together they go on a path of healing and growth. Finn was such an interesting MMC for me, add in that he's broody like Kylo Ren and I'm hooked. His relationships with his nieces was so sweet, I loved reading his pov chapters while interacting with them as I don't think we see that enough in romance novels. If you have read Jillian's other novel, Wreck My Plans, we do interact some with the main female character from that book which was super fun. I loved learning more about her. If you're a fan of cozy romances, grumpy sunshine, and single dad this book is for you.

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