Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows | Book Review

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
Series: Oaks Sisters #1
Published by Avon on January 21, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 378
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher (Netgalley)
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A swoony, steamy, STEM romance in which two curators at a science museum—a handsome but grumpy astronomer and an anxious but sunshine-y entomologist—realize they are the perfect match. Equal parts nerdy banter and fiery tension, it’s perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey.

Millie was never one to take the expected path. She's an entomologist who loves her job as a natural science curator, inspiring museum visitors every day. It's her dream to take a larger role in the planning of her department, so when a director position opens up, she is determined not to let anything distract her from her goals. Especially her grumpy coworker with his permanent scowl, electric blue eyes, and nerdy astronomy ties.

. . . Not that she’s spent much time noticing any of those things.

Finn doesn’t mean to glare at everyone, but he’s juggling his role at the museum, navigating the grief of losing his sister, attempting to make his nieces smile, and trying not to ruin dinner for the fifth night in a row. He can't afford to let anything slip, and certainly doesn't need anything more on his plate. Millie literally stumbling into him with her bright smile and sunny optimism, is the last thing he needs.

They want nothing to do with each other. But with Finn on the interview committee, avoidance is impossible. And Millie soon realizes it's one thing when a job is on the line. It's quite another when it's her heart.

Give Me Butterflies is so, so sweet. I don’t typically like workplace romances (actually, I avoid them), but apparently I do if they’re nerdy. I adore nerdy characters so much. You’ve got an entomologist and an astronomer, both curators at a science museum! They’ve crossed paths, but try hard not to until interacting is forced upon them (in the form of a literal collision). As they begin to interact more and more, their chemistry starts to sizzle and I was here for all of it. There’s found family, super cute little girls, a grumpy hero, a sunshine heroine, he falls first swoons, healing from various forms of trauma and loss, and lots and lots of stars and butterflies.

I really loved Millie’s cute and quirky personality. She’s a bit awkward and lacking in confidence–which she’s working on (aren’t we all?). She’s been unlucky in love in the past and has guarded her heart well. I identified with her so much. But Finn stole the entire show for me. This man is a dream. He’s grappling with his sister’s death while raising his two young nieces, so that grumpy facade is actually hiding quite a loving and loyal cinnamon roll. He’s in touch with his emotions and has a very tender heart. Mille quickly discovers he’s not all he appears to be and begins to peel back his layers, making room for herself in his little family. This found family is honestly one of the sweetest I’ve read about ever. The girls glom on to Millie, and the three of them have a very healing effect on each other. The love between all four of them grows so quickly because they all steal (and then fiercely protect) one another’s hearts. I loved the light that Mille brought to a dark time for Finn and his nieces, and I loved that they reflected that light right back at her, helping her move on from the pain of a previous relationship that stole her sparkle and finally stand up for herself. I loved all the “slice of life” scenes, the text messages between Millie and her family, and the humor. The story was light, yet deeply meaningful and romantic.

All in all, this was a total win for me and I am so excited for the next book in the series, which comes out in March 2026. Jillian Meadows is an author to watch for sure!

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