Title: Give Me ButterfliesAuthor: Jillian Meadows
Series: Oak Sisters #1
Pages: 384
Publication Date: Jan. 21, 2025
Publisher: AVON BOOKS
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Synopsis:
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.
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Give Me Butterflies is a touching and heart-warming STEM romance that pulled at my heartstrings way more than I expected. I’ll admit, I was totally drawn in by that gorgeous cover, and when I read the premise I assumed this would be a light and sweet rom-com. But it was so much more than that.
The story includes sexism, grief, toxic relationships, workplace pressures and problems, and other serious subjects, but it never has a heavy or ominous tone. Instead, it’s balanced nicely with strong friendships, fun and interesting banter, and a fabulous romance.
Ah, Finn, you gorgeous, nerdy, frowny, dream-boat girl-dad to two adorable nieces. He is the perfect complement to Millie. I liked him from the beginning, but I adored him when he helped Millie during an anxiety attack. (Love the anxiety rep, btw. Really well done!) Finn knows what to say and how to be when Millie struggles with her anxiety. He never judges or treats her as less than, and it is just so heartwarming to see that kind of support and understanding.
I adored Millie and Finn’s enemies-to-lovers romance! I think because I liked them both so much individually, I rooted for them from the start. Workplace rivals, Millie and Finn initially have an antagonistic attitude, and some unfortunate incidents seem to solidify their dislike of each other, but the more Millie learns about the grumpy Finn, the more her opinion of him changes. The chemistry between them is fantastic, and they have so much chemistry!
I also loved the relationships both Millie and Finn have with Finn’s nieces. They’re so sweet and going through so much, and Finn and Millie show so much support and kindness. Finn is protective of his girls, and even though he’s grieving too, they are his top priority. Millie is wonderful with the girls and fits into their new normal so perfectly.
The story does touch on some difficult topics like grief, death, anxiety, and abuse, but the more positive and light-hearted moments balance the story well. Some of the scenes are so endearing and sweet, and others bordered on cheesy. Luckily, I like a little cheese with my romance. lol
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
“Strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet power that isn’t so obvious to the world.”
“Tell me what’s on your mind. We can figure it out together.”
- grumpy/sunshine
- workplace romance
- single parent
- found family
- he falls first
- women in STEM
Jillian Meadows writes swoony, sexy love stories. She lives thirty miles past The Middle of Nowhere, Texas with her husband, four wildly wonderful daughters, three unruly dogs, ten quirky chickens and her crippling sparkling water addiction. When she’s not writing or reading, Jillian can be found playing – and often winning – board games with her husband, “delighting” her children with made-up gibberish songs, or enjoying a beautiful west Texas sunset.
Aw, this sounds so good! Finn seems exactly like the kind of book boyfriend who could sweep me off my feet. We love a big hearted nerdy soft boi! 🥹 This cover is also stunning and I don’t know how it wasn’t on my radar before but it’s now going on my TBR wishlist. 😍 I also love that first quote you shared. Hits! Great review, Julie.
Thanks, Dini! It was such a good read, and I think you’ll really like it!
Ooooo I love the premise of this one! This is the kind of contemporary romance I look for…something a little more unique. Plus I also like bugs. Adding this one to my TBR for sure!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it!