give me butterflies by jillian meadows

book review #65

Jun 03, 2025

Hey readers,

This book was for sure a 5-star read!

From the first chapter, Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows gave me that perfect blend of tension, humor, and heart that I crave in a romance. If you’re into miscommunication meets enemies-to-lovers with major Ali Hazelwood energy, buckle up—because this one delivers.

Let’s talk about Dr. Finn. The way he argues- flirts? HOT. Like, academic banter with heart-eyes levels of hot.

And the fact that he only bumped into Millie because he was curious (and okay, maybe a little jealous) about the guy she was gushing over, only to realize it was a book boyfriend? ICONIC behavior.

Their dynamic kicks off with a literal fender bender (on the exact day he’s on the committee for Millie’s promotion—because of course), and it spirals into this delightfully chaotic, tension-filled slow burn that had me giggling and kicking my feet, especially during Finn’s POVs. His inner dialogue is just chef’s kiss.

Also, the coffee gesture?? He remembered her favorite coffee shop and brought her a replacement because hers spilled when they bumped into each other. I melted. I'm a puddle. Goodbye.

Finn being a softie for his two little nieces (who he takes care of after his sister passed) completely shattered me, but in the best way. It’s not only adorable, it’s a powerful layer to his character and helps Millie see the gentler side behind all the sass.

And let’s not forget Lena, who deserves an award for basically orchestrating a pizza date for Finn, Millie, and the girls. Hilarious and wholesome. And when Millie falls (literally) and Finn catches her with a swoony “what am I going to do with you, Millie?”—I was feral.

One of my favorite scenes is when Millie sees her toxic ex and finally opens up to Finn about her past. He gets jealous and protective in the most satisfying way.

And during game night, when someone casually asks if Finn is her boyfriend, and she panics and blurts out that she has a date with someone else? Finn spirals, disappears to the kitchen, and has a mental breakdown. The fact that they both like each other but won’t say it? Comedy. Gold.

But when Finn finally asks her out, I melted all over again. That whole scene where they kind of accidentally confess feelings while pretending they’re not confessing?? Delicious.

Their email thread about a spider made me snort-laugh in public. It’s the kind of chemistry that sneaks into the quiet moments.

And when Finn gets sick, you bet Millie is there to take care of him.

Then he casually joins a FaceTime call with her mom and gets all soft, knowing Millie had mentioned him before for some reason? My heart stopped.

The man even steps down from her promotion committee so he can date her without a conflict of interest. CHIVALRY IS ALIVE.

Not to mention their first kiss happens as part of a “firsts” game dare, and it’s as sweet and swoony as it sounds.

I also adored that moment when Millie’s about to leave his house and Finn practically begs her to stay because he’s not ready to let her go. 🥹

Also, yes—Finn is jealous like 70% of the time and it’s hilarious, but he’s also so sincere and soft where it counts.

And when he takes his nieces to meet Millie’s family at the farm? Core memory unlocked.

Let’s talk plot twist: her terrible ex-boyfriend Kyle turns out to be the other candidate for the job Millie’s up for?! I screamed. I thought he was just there to stir up emotional chaos, not this.

And then there’s Finn’s mom, who turns out to be a lot. I found it powerful how the story compares her manipulative nature to Millie’s ex, showing how familiar emotional patterns can affect someone’s self-worth. It’s subtle but smartly done.

Finally, the I love yous? Absolute perfection.

The ending? Wholesome, romantic, funny—everything I wanted and more.

I’m obsessed with this couple, this story, and this author. I’m already counting down to whatever Jillian Meadows writes next. 💕

Read you soon,

Bea💓