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WORK TITLE: Give Me Butterflies
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WEBSITE: https://www.jillianmeadowswrites.com/
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PERSONAL
Married; children: four daughters.
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CAREER
Writer.
AVOCATIONS:Board games, family outdoor time.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
[open new]Jillian Meadows is an author of cozy romances that she hopes bring joy and warmth to readers’ hearts. In an interview with Elise Dumpleton for the Nerd Daily, Meadows buoyantly recalled her beginnings as an author: “I fell in love with writing in high school! I had an amazing English teacher whose passion for creative writing brought that same passion out in me, and I’ll never forget the paper I wrote in her class about my first kiss. It was awkward, funny, and cheeky, and I had a blast finding my voice (and poking a little fun at my first kiss accomplice at the time).” In the years that followed, Meadows blogged about her life, tried her hand at writing middle-grade novels, and eventually started dreaming up romances. She admitted to Dumpleton, “I love love stories. Give them to me in any medium—books, movies, tv series, conversationally, through visual art … I’ll soak them up. There are a million ways to show love, experience love, share love, and I’m here for all of it.”
Meadows self-published Wreck My Plans in November 2023 before gaining mainstream publication the following year. A Christmastime romance, Wreck My Plans finds Lena returning to her snowy hometown hoping to unwind after losing her job. But crossing paths with Gavin, her older brother’s best friend and a sturdy architect—with whom she has a precarious past—redraws her itinerary.
Give Me Butterflies, originally self-published in July 2023 and reissued by Avon in 2025 as the opening book in Meadows’s “Oaks Sisters” series, locates looming love in a science museum. Entomologist Millie Oaks is anxious to be interviewing for the position of department head at the Wilhelmina Natural Science Museum, the more so because astronomy director Finn Ashford, handsome but rather cranky, is the type to leave her accidentally spilling coffee and apologizing. When she learns Finn is preoccupied because he is trying to raise nieces Avery and Eloise after his sister’s death from cancer, her heart starts opening up to him. While striving to prevent the revived antagonism of an abusive ex-boyfriend from sabotaging her livelihood, Millie meets the nieces at museum camp, and life looks like its headed toward fireflies and starlight.
Reviewers were impressed with this cerebrally sweetened series opener. A Publishers Weekly affirmed that Meadows “wows with a contemporary that’s funny, sexy, sweet, and deliciously nerdy” all at once. The reviewer enjoyed how friends, family, and a cute dog provide “plenty of heartwarming moments” to balance the “serious explorations of grief” and abuse. In Library Journal, Neal Wyatt declared that Meadows “showcases deft dialogue, strong scene-building, and an ease at creating characters” in this “companionable romance.” Booklist reviewer John Charles clased Give Me Butterflies among “perfectly executed grumpy/sunshine love stories” and proclaimed that fans “will want to snare a copy of Meadows’ superbly written romance.”[close new]
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, November, 2024, John Charles, review of Give Me Butterflies, p. 32.
Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2024, review of Give Me Butterflies.
Library Journal, October, 2024, Neal Wyatt, review of Give Me Butterflies, p. 104.
Publishers Weekly, October 7, 2024, review of Give Me Butterflies, p. 124.
ONLINE
Jillian Meadows website, https://www.jillianmeadowswrites.com (May 20, 2025).
Nerd Daily, https://thenerddaily.com/ (January 20, 2025), Elise Dumpleton, “Q&A: Jillian Meadows, Author of ‘Give Me Butterflies.’”
Writer’s Digest, https://www.writersdigest.com/ (January 22, 2025), Robert Lee Brewer, “Jillian Meadows: All Writers Have Bad Days.”
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I love to write romance that feels like a warm, cozy hug. That makes you smile and laugh and blush. That gives you that heart-bursting, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling that we’re all searching for in a love story.
If that’s your vibe, welcome! I’m so happy you’re here!!
I live thirty miles past The Middle of Nowhere with my husband, four wild daughters, two unruly dogs, and my sparkling water addiction. When I’m not writing, you can find me devouring a romance novel, playing board games, or enjoying the outdoors with my family.
Q&A: Jillian Meadows, Author of ‘Give Me Butterflies’
Elise Dumpleton·Writers Corner·January 20, 2025·5 min read
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We chat with author Jillian Meadows about Give Me Butterflies, which is 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—realise they are the perfect match.
Hi, Jillian! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi, readers! I’m Jillian Meadows, a contemporary romance author who loves to write romance that feels like a warm, cozy hug. I hope my books give you that heart-bursting, butterlies-in-your-stomach feeling we’re all searching for in a love story.
When I’m not writing, you can find me devouring a romance novel, playing board games with my family, trying to learn the skills needed for latte art, or enjoying the outdoors!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I fell in love with writing in high school! I had an amazing English teacher whose passion for creative writing brought that same passion out in me, and I’ll never forget the paper I wrote in her class about my first kiss. It was awkward, funny, and cheeky, and I had a blast finding my voice (and poking a little fun at my first kiss accomplice at the time).
Over the years, that love of writing morphed from blogging about random stories from my life, to writing a few middle grade novels that never saw the light of day, to now writing love stories for people I’ve made up in my head!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
The first book you ever remember reading: Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
The one that made you want to become an author: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Your latest novel, Give Me Butterflies, is out January 21st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Cozy, heartwarming, swoon-worthy, nerdy, steamy
What can readers expect?
Give Me Butterflies is a nerdy, swoony workplace romance that takes place in a museum. We’ve got a grumpy astronomer named Finn and a sunshine-y entomologist named Millie, and we get to see them both overcome some emotional and traumatic events so they can find love with each other. At its core, Give Me Butterflies is about finding joy after loss, how we can help heal the people around us, and what an important role found family can play in our lives. And in between all of that, you’ll find moments that make you laugh, kick your feet, and maybe even blush!
Where did the inspiration for Give Me Butterflies come from?
Well, I’ve always loved museums. I have four daughters, and we have visited many museums during their childhood. On a visit to a science museum, I just had this thought that it would make a fun setting for a romance novel, and the story just took shape from there! I knew I wanted both main characters to have a STEM-related job, and I loved getting to bring Millie into this insect-centered role. And honestly it helped me fall in love with entomology along the way!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I’m a lover of side characters. Trust me, I absolutely adore Millie and Finn, but side characters are my jam. I think authors get to have a little more freedom and fun with them— making side characters one of my favorite parts of writing. So, Millie’s best friends were a blast, and then I also had so much fun with Finn’s nieces, Avery and Eloise. They are modelled after two of my daughters, and it was so exciting to get to bring my daughters into the story that way.
Did you face any challenges? How did you overcome them?
Oh, I’m constantly facing challenges as an author, and most of them are just inside my own brain. Impostor syndrome is running rampant through my mind on a daily basis, and I also struggle quite a bit with how to keep my creative brain space working properly. But honestly the best way to combat both of those is to take breaks from working. It’s hard— so hard— when I’m on a deadline or time constraints, but going outside or spending time doing something completely unrelated to work really does help.
We’re also living in an age where most authors are trying to be very present on social media, and I love so many aspects of that part of my job. It’s the best way for me to interact with readers and hear what they love about my books and keep in touch with other authors. But it really can wear on me mentally, and I find my healthiest (and coincidentally most productive) days are the ones where I set myself a time limit or stepped back from social media.
Why romance?
I love love stories. Give them to me in any medium— books, movies, tv series, conversationally, through visual art… I’ll soak them up. There are a million ways to show love, experience love, share love, and I’m here for all of it. Often, a romance novel isn’t just exploring the love between the two main characters, but is also showing the love of family and friends and even pets, and how all of that impacts our lives.
See also
Q&A: Deborah Falaye, Author of ‘Blood Scion’
At its core, I believe romance is about hope. No matter what our backgrounds are or where we are in life, we’re always hoping for something, and seeing a character in a book hope for the same things and achieve them gives us a sense of comfort and encouragement for reaching that ourselves. Seeing our selves and our feelings portrayed in our favorite characters is invaluable.
Romance holds such a special place in my heart for that reason. It’s a safe space to explore, learn, and experience life from someone else’s point of view and see their happily ever afters come true.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully many more books! I have two more books to publish in the Oak Sisters series, and then I have many ideas brewing in the background. I’m excited for the chance to dive further into those and see which avenues I want to persue next. I might try out some romantasy, magical realism, or dip my toes into a romantic suspense idea, but no matter what, more romance will be on the way!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up in 2025?
How much time do you have?! Because here are SO MANY! But I’ll list a few:
First-Time Caller and Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
Winging It With You by Chip Pons
You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon
Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Love is a War Song by Danica Nava
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
Jillian Meadows: All Writers Have Bad Days
In this interview, author Jillian Meadows discusses the differences between self-publishing and traditionally publishing her romance novel, Give Me Butterflies.
Robert Lee Brewer
Published Jan 22, 2025 1:00 PM EST
Jillian Meadows writes cozy love stories that make you swoon, smile, and squeal. She lives thirty miles past The Middle of Nowhere with her husband, four wild daughters, two unruly dogs, and her sparkling water addiction. When she’s not writing, you can find her devouring a romance novel, playing board games, or enjoying the outdoors with her family. Follow her on Instagram.
In this interview, Jillian discusses the differences between self-publishing and traditionally publishing her romance novel, Give Me Butterflies, the universal experience of bad writing days, and more.
Name: Jillian Meadows
Literary agent: Lauren Spieller
Book title: Give Me Butterflies
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon Books
Release date: January 21, 2025
Genre/category: Contemporary Romance
Previous titles: Wreck My Plans
Elevator pitch: 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.
Bookshop | Amazon
[WD uses affiliate links.]
What prompted you to write this book?
For me, writing really started as a self-care project. I’m a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of four, who had gotten very lost in my day-to-day life. I felt like I was spending every moment on someone else, and I remember having this awakening one afternoon when I couldn’t think of the last thing I had done for myself.
I had this story growing in my head and an itch to write it, and it just wouldn’t go away. So, one day I thought, What if I just tried? Even if it was a hobby and no one else ever read it, at least I could try doing this for myself.
Of course, this plan involved shutting myself in my bedroom, getting some noise-cancelling headphones, and letting a few things like housework slip through the cracks. But I just started sitting down to write as a form of “me time.” It was a creative outlet that used a different part of my brain, and it forced me to push myself to try something hard.
How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?
It took me about nine months to write Give Me Butterflies, and I originally self-published it. Now, it has gone through a few more rounds to get to this traditionally published version. So overall, it has been a little over two years since the idea began.
And, yes, it has definitely changed along the way! I would love to be a writer who could type out a first draft and never change anything, but my brain runs a little more chaotically than that. Everything from character names to major plot points to entire scenes have shifted, changed, or been completely taken out.
One of the biggest lessons I learned while writing this book was the importance of allowing myself to change something. At first, I was keeping myself very constricted as I edited. I thought, Well, I’ve already written this entire scene. I don’t want to waste it. But I quickly learned just how much better things could piece together if I was willing to be open-minded. It was almost like I wouldn’t allow myself to think any bigger because I was trying to fit the story into the parameters of what I’d already written. But once I listened to my instincts and learned to trust myself, everything came together so much clearer. It’s painful— oh, so painful— to throw out thousands of words, but sometimes it opens up completely new ideas you hadn’t even thought of.
Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?
Well, I can say honestly that the entire process was a learning experience. Since I originally self-published this title, every step was a surprise. I was scouring the internet for help with every single detail, and I still had to learn the hard way through my many, many mistakes.
Then shifting to traditional publishing has been another steep learning curve, but this time I have a team holding my hand along the way. They have been so patient with all my emails that start with some version of “I don’t know what this means…” But I think the most surprising thing so far has been realizing just how many people are working behind the scenes to get these books out into the world. I’m so grateful for all the teams of people helping make this happen, and I couldn’t do it without them.
Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?
I think the biggest surprise was the fact that I was able to complete a book at all! There were many days where finishing felt like an overwhelming task, and I didn’t know if I’d make it. But struggling through those bad moments and coming back to my computer the next day and then the next slowly built up my confidence in myself. And that was the most rewarding feeling.
I went from never believing in myself— never considering myself a writer— to finishing a book! Then that confidence pushed me to actually publish it, let people read it, find an agent. Literally every step that happened after I typed The End was because of that confidence I had built up in myself by sitting down to write every day, and I’m so proud of that.
What do you hope readers will get out of your book?
Above all, I aspire to write books where my readers feel like they’re hanging out with their best friends. When a reader opens my books, I hope they experience a cozy, comforting warmth, while simultaneously feeling a heart-bursting, butterflies-in-their-stomach giddiness over the characters and their story.
I also hope my readers feel seen and understood through my books. I want my characters to feel real— even their flaws, insecurities, and struggles— because that’s what helps us as readers see ourselves in the characters we read about. Those happy, perfect moments are important. They’re what draws us to romance novels. But seeing a character struggle and overcome something significant is what shifts are own world view. It gives us just as much hope and empowerment as the happily-ever-after.
If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?
There are a million different ways to be a writer. We all have our own goals and journeys to get there. But the thing I wish I had realized earlier is that all writers have bad days. It’s universal.
Sometimes when you’re in the thick of it— hunched over your computer, living on caffeine, and struggling with a particularly frustrating scene— that bad moment can feel hopeless. That bad moment becomes a bad day, a bad idea, a bad book. And you start to wonder if you were even meant to do this. Should I be a writer at all? Why am I even trying? I’m so awful at it.
In my early days, I spiraled like this on a regular basis. I thought, since it’s so hard, I must not be good at it. Surely “real” authors aren’t struggling like this.
But that’s just simply not true. We. All. Have. Bad. Days. It doesn’t make you any less worthy of being a writer if you have one. In fact, I think it makes you an even better writer. You are part of the Bad Writing Day Club, and we welcome you with open arms.
So, take a break. Go for a walk. Get a snack (make sure you’ve got some protein in there, too). Stay off your phone for a bit to give your brain a chance to stretch out a little. And just know that it’s going to be okay. Somewhere in the world your favorite author might be doing the same thing that day.
Meadows, Jillian. Give Me Butterflies. Avon. (Oaks Sisters, Bk. 1). Jan. 2025. 336p. ISBN 9780063416161. pap. $17.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Originally self-published, the first book in Meadows's (Wreck My Plans) "Oaks Sisters" series is getting reissued with bonus content and a new cover. A STEM romance set in a science museum begins when entomologist Millie spills her coffee on astronomer Finn. Finn is known to be grumpy but soon shows his softer side to Millie. As the Oaks family weighs in on the relationship through hilarious texts, and Millie and Finn start to build what looks like a future, the past invades Millie's life again when her abusive ex-boyfriend begins a new campaign against her. With a promotion at work, a future with Finn, and her own sense of self on the line, Millie must manage her way through. The tale is told in alternating points of view, so Finn also shares his backstory and, with the help of his therapist, works through the complications of losing his sister to cancer, making a family for his nieces, weathering his parents' icy disapproval, and, of course, falling for Millie. Meadows showcases deft dialogue, strong scene-building, and an ease at creating characters. VERDICT A companionable romance that emphasizes family and friends, support and mental wellbeing, and building a happy life.--Neal Wyatt
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/
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Wyatt, Neal. "Meadows, Jillian. Give Me Butterflies." Library Journal, vol. 149, no. 10, Oct. 2024, p. 104. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A813629172/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fefa5005. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Give Me Butterflies
Jillian Meadows. Avon, $17.99 trade paper
(384p) ISBN 978-0-06-341616-1
Meadows (Wreck My Plans) wows with a contemporary that's funny, sexy, sweet, and deliciously nerdy all at the same time. Entomologist Millie Oaks is up for a major promotion at the Wilhelmina Natural Science Museum. She did well in her first interview, despite getting rattled by the grumpy (and gorgeous) director of astronomy, Dr. Finn Ashford. Now she just needs to focus on the next round of interviews without getting too distracted by Finn, who, she learns, only comes off as icy because of the stress of juggling his job and his young twin nieces, Avery and Eloise, whom he is raising following the recent death of his sister. Millie is immediately charmed by the girls during museum camp and, as she and their uncle grow closer, it isn't long before Millie willingly immerses herself in Ashford family life. This sweet found family is a relief from the abusive relationship she escaped only months before. Millie's friends, her family's group chat, and her adorable dog also provide plenty of heartwarming moments that help balance out serious explorations of grief and emotional abuse. Admirers of Ali Hazelwood's STEMinist series should snap this up. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Literary. (Jan.)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Give Me Butterflies." Publishers Weekly, vol. 271, no. 38, 7 Oct. 2024, p. 124. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A812513495/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=4ae92f3e. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Give Me Butterflies.
By Jillian Meadows.
Jan. 2025. 384p. Avon, paper, $17.99 (9780063416161);
e-book (9780063416178).
Millie Oaks, an entomologist and natural science curator at the Wilhelmina Natural Science Museum, knows bugs, and Dr. Finn Ashford is definitely an acriculus insecto (grumpy bug). Millie can't figure out why Finn, an astronomer, is so cantankerous. After all, it's Finn's fault that Millie spilled a minuscule amount of coffee on him. Ordinarily, Millie would just ignore Finn and his sexy, cranky ways, but Millie is up for the newly vacated department chair job at the museum, and Finn just happens to be on the hiring committee. What Millie doesn't know is that Finn has lost his sister and is trying anxiously to care for his nieces. As Millie works to smooth things over with Finn before her interview, she discovers that other side to him, the one that could make working with Finn even more challenging! Collectors of perfectly executed grumpy/ sunshine love stories will want to snare a copy of Meadows' superbly written romance in their reading nets. With an intriguing STEM-centered storyline, an abundance of steamy sexual chemistry, and plenty of sharp wit, the start of Meadows' Oak Sisters series is a rare specimen indeed.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Charles, John. "Give Me Butterflies." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 5-6, Nov. 2024, pp. 32+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A829739818/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=33b89520. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Meadows, Jillian GIVE ME BUTTERFLIES Avon/HarperCollins (Fiction None) $17.99 1, 21 ISBN: 9780063416161
Two scientists find love and healing in this steamy, nerdy romance.
Entomologist Millie Oaks is a candidate for her dream job as director of the department where she works at the Wilhelmina Natural Science Museum. She's flustered to find out that grumpy but annoyingly handsome astronomer Finn Ashford is on the hiring committee, since he seems to glower every time he sees her. At first, Finn tries to avoid bubbly and friendly Millie, but when they keep running into each other--literally--his barriers begin to come down. He recently became the guardian of his twin 5-year-old nieces after his sister died, and between that adjustment and dealing with his cold, manipulative parents, he seems to have little room for a new relationship. But he's captivated by Millie, and when she starts teaching the girls at the museum's summer camp, she fits seamlessly into their lives. Millie doesn't want to jeopardize her chances at the job and is still working through issues after ending a toxic relationship, so she tries to think of Finn as just a friend--until that boundary becomes impossible to maintain. Some of the conflicts in this series kickoff feel contrived, but the focus is more on the low-angst, feel-good moments, anyway, with some physical passion sprinkled in to turn up the heat. The topics in this story aren't all light--loss, grief, and emotional abuse play important roles--but the predominate takeaway is how wonderful it is to have the support of your loved ones. There are many beautifully tender and heartwarming scenes, especially when Finn's nieces or Millie's friends and family are involved.
A delectable blend of sugar and spice.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Meadows, Jillian: GIVE ME BUTTERFLIES." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Dec. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A819570210/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=9251c757. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.