Quick Synopsis – Millie has never taken the expected path. Her childhood love for bugs and science led her to entomology, and her role as a curator, inspiring museum visitors every day. It’s her dream to run her own department—so when a rare director position opens, she is determined nothing will distract her from her goal. Especially not Finn, her grumpy coworker with his permanent scowl, electric blue eyes, and endless supply of astronomy ties.

Song This Reminds Me Of – Butterflies by Kacey Musgraves

Publication Date – Jan. 21, 2025

Content Notes – There is emotional abuse by a former partner depicted throughout the book. There is also a panic attack. This is an adult romance and there are adult romance scenes on page. There is the death of a sibling off page.

Spicy Rating – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5

Review – This is a cute grumpy meets sunshine romance novel and one of my only 5 star reads this year! I seriously have no notes. The characters are realistic and aren’t like 20 years old, I love a romance with characters that are of a more reasonable age. Millie is a woman in a male dominated field and the book doesn’t shy away from that. Multiple times the book focuses on the prejudices women in STEM can face. Part of the reason Millie doesn’t want to fall for Finn is because Finn is on the hiring committee for a promotion at work. She knows that even if it isn’t true, it would be perceived as sleeping to the top.

Millie is such a sweet character with an amazing support system. Her family and friends all support her in such loving ways. Millie had been in a long term emotionally abusive relationship and is still dealing with the fallout from breaking up. Her family and friends never belittle her experience and continue to support her through recovering from having her self-worth shattered. Finn is also a multi-faceted character, he adopted his sister’s daughters after she passed from cancer. Finn is rebuilding his life after not only losing the family member he was closest to, but also now having to be a parent to two girls.

Millis and Finn come together first as grumpy coworkers, then as friends, and then as friends who maybe really like each other. The story progresses naturally and is just a lovely love story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.