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Buckle Up Buttercup
"Am I going to live my entire life doing what they want me to do just because I’m scared?"
Tilly Sheridan has always been a good girl. The youngest and only daughter who always meets the expectations of her parents, and everyone else in the small town of Kauri Creek.
But she's sick of society's shackles and tired of living up to everyone else's idea of what her life should look like. All she really wants is to score her dream job baking for Wildflower Ridge, even if it means working alongside her brother's best friend, who has a less than flattering reputation.
Zane Harrison has his reasons for being back in Kauri Creek, the town that's always seen Tilly as the sweetheart, and him as the total opposite. Somehow he's managed to land himself an amazing job, but unfortunately has no place to live.
Forced together by circumstance, the pair begin to reveal their truths, discovering more in common than either anticipated, including a quickly growing attraction.
When their mutually beneficial arrangement creeps towards its inevitable end, and real feelings get involved, Zane and Tilly must decide if they're happy to settle for what society expects from them, or if they're willing to risk it all to show the world who they truly are.
Buckle Up Buttercup is a spicy small town romance between the town's golden girl, and her brother's best friend from the wrong side of the tracks. You can expect flirty banter, caretaking, sweetness galore and two characters desperate to break free of society's expectations.
Tilly Sheridan has always been a good girl. The youngest and only daughter who always meets the expectations of her parents, and everyone else in the small town of Kauri Creek.
But she's sick of society's shackles and tired of living up to everyone else's idea of what her life should look like. All she really wants is to score her dream job baking for Wildflower Ridge, even if it means working alongside her brother's best friend, who has a less than flattering reputation.
Zane Harrison has his reasons for being back in Kauri Creek, the town that's always seen Tilly as the sweetheart, and him as the total opposite. Somehow he's managed to land himself an amazing job, but unfortunately has no place to live.
Forced together by circumstance, the pair begin to reveal their truths, discovering more in common than either anticipated, including a quickly growing attraction.
When their mutually beneficial arrangement creeps towards its inevitable end, and real feelings get involved, Zane and Tilly must decide if they're happy to settle for what society expects from them, or if they're willing to risk it all to show the world who they truly are.
Buckle Up Buttercup is a spicy small town romance between the town's golden girl, and her brother's best friend from the wrong side of the tracks. You can expect flirty banter, caretaking, sweetness galore and two characters desperate to break free of society's expectations.
- GenresRomance
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Elle Ashwell
5 books28 followersElle Ashwell has always been a hopeless romantic.
Dedicated to the swoon and happily ever afters, it makes perfect sense to combine her love of all things romance with the charm of small town life in New Zealand.
Her romances are sweet and a little spicy, with green flag guys and ride-or-die friendships.
When not lost in fictional small towns, Elle works in administration, is a farmer's wife and mum of three girls in rural New Zealand.
Dedicated to the swoon and happily ever afters, it makes perfect sense to combine her love of all things romance with the charm of small town life in New Zealand.
Her romances are sweet and a little spicy, with green flag guys and ride-or-die friendships.
When not lost in fictional small towns, Elle works in administration, is a farmer's wife and mum of three girls in rural New Zealand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars
Content warning: abusive parent-child relationship, overconsumption of alcohol requiring hospitalisation in a side character, threats of violence, briefly intentional sexual advances without consent from main character eluded to but stopped, controlling parental behaviour towards an adult, very mild and brief choking during sexual exploration
Thank you to the author for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.
As a fan of the Wildflower Ridge series, I was happy to return to Kauri Creek for a fourth time to read Zane and Tilly's story. I love the way Ashwell approached the topics presented in this book with an honest look at how toxic parenting can hinder and harm people, even into adulthood. Both main protagonists have had their fair share from their parents in vastly different ways, and it was cathartic to read Zane and Tilly finding acceptance and comfort with each other. The confidence growth for both characters was well-paced, especially since in some areas of life, they already had a level of confidence. However, the character growth in this book was well done to make them really step out from vulnerable self-beliefs and bloom into who they really wanted to be.
Sexual exploration was a key feature for this story, as Tilly hadn't really been able to take ownership of her body during sex previously, so it makes sense that the spice, once it appeared in the storyline, played a big part in identity and growth. It suited the overall arc of Tilly becoming more than just the "innocent good girl" as she was depicted in their small township to have sexual needs explored more thoroughly than in other Wildflower reads, and I was mostly accepting of the level of heat in this fourth book. I do feel the author missed a crucial point with a particular scene around menstrual suffering. I would have loved the author to lean into this topic a little more as I am someone who struggles with various conditions linked to hormones and menstrual cycles, which are so underrepresented in romance books. This is such a mild remark, however, and touching on the topic even as little as Ashwell did was appreciated by me; I just greedily wished for more.
I really liked both Zane and Tilly as individual characters and as a couple, and I am looking forward to the final book in this series, as it's been an absolute delight to have an NZ-based romance series to follow.
Content warning: abusive parent-child relationship, overconsumption of alcohol requiring hospitalisation in a side character, threats of violence, briefly intentional sexual advances without consent from main character eluded to but stopped, controlling parental behaviour towards an adult, very mild and brief choking during sexual exploration
Thank you to the author for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.
As a fan of the Wildflower Ridge series, I was happy to return to Kauri Creek for a fourth time to read Zane and Tilly's story. I love the way Ashwell approached the topics presented in this book with an honest look at how toxic parenting can hinder and harm people, even into adulthood. Both main protagonists have had their fair share from their parents in vastly different ways, and it was cathartic to read Zane and Tilly finding acceptance and comfort with each other. The confidence growth for both characters was well-paced, especially since in some areas of life, they already had a level of confidence. However, the character growth in this book was well done to make them really step out from vulnerable self-beliefs and bloom into who they really wanted to be.
Sexual exploration was a key feature for this story, as Tilly hadn't really been able to take ownership of her body during sex previously, so it makes sense that the spice, once it appeared in the storyline, played a big part in identity and growth. It suited the overall arc of Tilly becoming more than just the "innocent good girl" as she was depicted in their small township to have sexual needs explored more thoroughly than in other Wildflower reads, and I was mostly accepting of the level of heat in this fourth book. I do feel the author missed a crucial point with a particular scene around menstrual suffering. I would have loved the author to lean into this topic a little more as I am someone who struggles with various conditions linked to hormones and menstrual cycles, which are so underrepresented in romance books. This is such a mild remark, however, and touching on the topic even as little as Ashwell did was appreciated by me; I just greedily wished for more.
I really liked both Zane and Tilly as individual characters and as a couple, and I am looking forward to the final book in this series, as it's been an absolute delight to have an NZ-based romance series to follow.
March 3, 2026
"I’ll endure a thousand judgmental looks from strangers if Tilly keeps looking at me like that.
Like I’m worth something."
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Elle Ashwell's newest book, Buckle Up Buttercup (book four in the Wildflower Ridge Series). It follows the story of Tilly and Zane.
I loved getting to be back in the Wildflower Ridge world!
I lost myself in Tilly and Zane’s story and could not put it down.
I adored Tilly. I loved seeing her growth throughout the book and watching her become more confident in herself.
I am a sucker for a misunderstood guy who has had a rough childhood. Learning more about Zane and his backstory broke my heart, and I could not help but fall in love with him.
I also loved how supportive they were of each other.
Dare I say it, but Tilly and Zane might be my favourite Wildflower Ridge couple to date.
I enjoyed everything about their story and thought they were perfect together.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the Wildflower Ridge Series!
Thank you so much to Elle Ashwell for this ARC 💛
Like I’m worth something."
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Elle Ashwell's newest book, Buckle Up Buttercup (book four in the Wildflower Ridge Series). It follows the story of Tilly and Zane.
I loved getting to be back in the Wildflower Ridge world!
I lost myself in Tilly and Zane’s story and could not put it down.
I adored Tilly. I loved seeing her growth throughout the book and watching her become more confident in herself.
I am a sucker for a misunderstood guy who has had a rough childhood. Learning more about Zane and his backstory broke my heart, and I could not help but fall in love with him.
I also loved how supportive they were of each other.
Dare I say it, but Tilly and Zane might be my favourite Wildflower Ridge couple to date.
I enjoyed everything about their story and thought they were perfect together.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the Wildflower Ridge Series!
Thank you so much to Elle Ashwell for this ARC 💛
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tilly Sheridan has spent her whole life being the “good girl” of Kauri Creek, meeting her parents’ expectations and fitting the mold the town created for her. But she’s tired of living for everyone else and dreams of finally choosing something for herself, starting with a job baking at Wildflower Ridge. The only catch? She’ll have to work with her brother’s best friend, Zane Harrison, whose rough reputation has always contrasted sharply with her own polished one
Zane has returned to Kauri Creek for reasons he’d rather not share, grateful for a new job but stuck without a place to stay. When circumstances push Tilly and Zane into close quarters, their walls start to drop, revealing hidden fears, shared frustrations, and an undeniable spark neither expected. As their temporary arrangement deepens and real emotions take root, both must decide whether to keep following the roles the town assigned them, or risk their hearts to finally live life on their own terms
Wow, book four of the Wildflower Ridge series is finally done! I have adored this series right from the beginning. There is something so beautiful about the way it makes you feel, and this instalment was no exception
We’ve seen glimpses of Tilly throughout the previous books, but this one gives us such a deeper look into who she is. She’s the classic “good girl” in the public eye, well-mannered and kind, always trying to fit into the expectations placed on her. I loved getting to see her more personally. She’s talented, caring, strong, and her ambitions were so lovely to read about. Watching her pursue the work she loves made me like her even more
Zane was such an interesting character. I’ve been waiting to know more about him, and his backstory was heartbreaking. I was genuinely proud of the way he acknowledged the mistakes he’d made, and how he reflected on why he acted the way he did. His loyalty really shone through, especially with Max. Even though Max has done terrible things, Zane never forgot the kindness he was shown, and that added a lot of depth to his character. And the way he cared for Tilly..... swoon
The found family in this book is one of the strongest I’ve ever read. It makes you wish you could climb inside the pages and just be part of their group. Every interaction between them felt warm and full of heart
And the chemistry between Zane and Tilly? OFF. THE. CHARTS. I was kicking my feet and blushing while reading. The flirting, the tension, the spice, absolutely perfect. Seeing these two together after meeting them in earlier books was so satisfying. The “bad boy meets good girl” dynamic was built up so well, and it completely exceeded my expectations
I also loved the cameos from previous characters. Every appearance made me even more excited for the next book. I can’t wait to see more of my favourites again.
This was honestly such a perfect book to read, and a standout in the series
A huge thank you to Elle for letting me read an ARC!! <3
Zane has returned to Kauri Creek for reasons he’d rather not share, grateful for a new job but stuck without a place to stay. When circumstances push Tilly and Zane into close quarters, their walls start to drop, revealing hidden fears, shared frustrations, and an undeniable spark neither expected. As their temporary arrangement deepens and real emotions take root, both must decide whether to keep following the roles the town assigned them, or risk their hearts to finally live life on their own terms
Wow, book four of the Wildflower Ridge series is finally done! I have adored this series right from the beginning. There is something so beautiful about the way it makes you feel, and this instalment was no exception
We’ve seen glimpses of Tilly throughout the previous books, but this one gives us such a deeper look into who she is. She’s the classic “good girl” in the public eye, well-mannered and kind, always trying to fit into the expectations placed on her. I loved getting to see her more personally. She’s talented, caring, strong, and her ambitions were so lovely to read about. Watching her pursue the work she loves made me like her even more
Zane was such an interesting character. I’ve been waiting to know more about him, and his backstory was heartbreaking. I was genuinely proud of the way he acknowledged the mistakes he’d made, and how he reflected on why he acted the way he did. His loyalty really shone through, especially with Max. Even though Max has done terrible things, Zane never forgot the kindness he was shown, and that added a lot of depth to his character. And the way he cared for Tilly..... swoon
The found family in this book is one of the strongest I’ve ever read. It makes you wish you could climb inside the pages and just be part of their group. Every interaction between them felt warm and full of heart
And the chemistry between Zane and Tilly? OFF. THE. CHARTS. I was kicking my feet and blushing while reading. The flirting, the tension, the spice, absolutely perfect. Seeing these two together after meeting them in earlier books was so satisfying. The “bad boy meets good girl” dynamic was built up so well, and it completely exceeded my expectations
I also loved the cameos from previous characters. Every appearance made me even more excited for the next book. I can’t wait to see more of my favourites again.
This was honestly such a perfect book to read, and a standout in the series
A huge thank you to Elle for letting me read an ARC!! <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a rallying cry wrapped in flirty banter, buttercream dreams, and small-town tension that snaps and sizzles. Buckle Up Buttercup did exactly what it promised. It grabbed me by the feelings and told me to stop playing nice.
Tilly Sheridan is the kind of heroine you want to stand up and cheer for. The good girl. The golden daughter. The town sweetheart who’s quietly suffocating under everyone else’s expectations. Her internal struggle felt achingly real. That moment when you realise you’ve been living a life on autopilot just to keep everyone comfortable? Elle Ashwell nails it. Watching Tilly inch toward her own wants, her own voice, her own damn happiness was deeply satisfying.
And Zane Harrison. Lord help me. The misunderstood, rough-around-the-edges, brother’s-best-friend with a heart he keeps locked down tight. The town sees trouble. Tilly sees the man underneath. He’s protective without being controlling, vulnerable without being weak, and the way he supports Tilly as she figures herself out is pure book-boyfriend excellence.
The forced proximity hits just right. Shared space, late-night conversations, truths slipping out when they least expect it. Their chemistry builds naturally, charged with tension and tenderness, and when the spice shows up, it shows up with purpose. Not just heat for heat’s sake, but intimacy that deepens the emotional stakes.
What really made this book shine was the theme of choosing yourself. Of daring to want more. Of risking disappointment and judgment in exchange for a life that actually feels like yours. The romance doesn’t magically fix everything, but it becomes a catalyst for courage, and that felt powerful.
Buckle Up Buttercup is sweet, spicy, and emotionally grounding all at once. A small-town romance with heart, heat, and characters who feel like real people learning how to break free. If you love golden girl x bad reputation, brother’s best friend, and stories about finding your spine and your soulmate at the same time, this one deserves all five stars and then some. 🌸🔥💛
Tilly Sheridan is the kind of heroine you want to stand up and cheer for. The good girl. The golden daughter. The town sweetheart who’s quietly suffocating under everyone else’s expectations. Her internal struggle felt achingly real. That moment when you realise you’ve been living a life on autopilot just to keep everyone comfortable? Elle Ashwell nails it. Watching Tilly inch toward her own wants, her own voice, her own damn happiness was deeply satisfying.
And Zane Harrison. Lord help me. The misunderstood, rough-around-the-edges, brother’s-best-friend with a heart he keeps locked down tight. The town sees trouble. Tilly sees the man underneath. He’s protective without being controlling, vulnerable without being weak, and the way he supports Tilly as she figures herself out is pure book-boyfriend excellence.
The forced proximity hits just right. Shared space, late-night conversations, truths slipping out when they least expect it. Their chemistry builds naturally, charged with tension and tenderness, and when the spice shows up, it shows up with purpose. Not just heat for heat’s sake, but intimacy that deepens the emotional stakes.
What really made this book shine was the theme of choosing yourself. Of daring to want more. Of risking disappointment and judgment in exchange for a life that actually feels like yours. The romance doesn’t magically fix everything, but it becomes a catalyst for courage, and that felt powerful.
Buckle Up Buttercup is sweet, spicy, and emotionally grounding all at once. A small-town romance with heart, heat, and characters who feel like real people learning how to break free. If you love golden girl x bad reputation, brother’s best friend, and stories about finding your spine and your soulmate at the same time, this one deserves all five stars and then some. 🌸🔥💛
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
"Buckle Up Buttercup"
(Wildflower Ridge Book 4)
by Elle Ashwell
Tropes:
✨ Brother’s best friend
🏡 Small town romance
❤️🔥 Slow burn
💛 He takes care of her
🍀 strong character development
This book follows the story of Tilly and Zane.
Tilly is the golden good girl and Zane is a bad boy who happens to be her brother’s best friend.
Set in Kauri Creek (New Zealand), we watch as they develop a relationship: casual and tentative, at first, and then they embrace their feelings.
It is a cute story with some spicy scenes to complete the painting.
Releases January 21.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some of my favorite quotes:
Every time he looks at me I feel trapped, like a possum in headlights.
I'm dizzy from this tiny touch of him. Sparks are flaring under my skin and I'm struck with a desperate, aching need like I've never felt before.
I wonder how much of her sweet, good-girl persona is an act.
"The two of you are staying out at the farm with no one else around?"
"That's either going to end in horror or romance. There's no other way. For your sake I seriously hope it's the latter."
Every touch is so gentle, but the looks he occasionally gives me don't feel gentle. They feel like the burning fire of a thousand suns.
Matilda Sheridan is a forever kind of girl.
"Don't start something you can't finish." I tighten my arm around her and she giggles. She fucking giggles and the sound lights me up like a bloody Christmas tree.
Yes, I want her. I want her in ways her sweet mind probably can't even comprehend. I want to devour her, possess her, own her.
"I was so wrong about you. I thought you were a good girl, but you're really not, are you?"
"Buckle Up Buttercup"
(Wildflower Ridge Book 4)
by Elle Ashwell
Tropes:
✨ Brother’s best friend
🏡 Small town romance
❤️🔥 Slow burn
💛 He takes care of her
🍀 strong character development
This book follows the story of Tilly and Zane.
Tilly is the golden good girl and Zane is a bad boy who happens to be her brother’s best friend.
Set in Kauri Creek (New Zealand), we watch as they develop a relationship: casual and tentative, at first, and then they embrace their feelings.
It is a cute story with some spicy scenes to complete the painting.
Releases January 21.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some of my favorite quotes:
Every time he looks at me I feel trapped, like a possum in headlights.
I'm dizzy from this tiny touch of him. Sparks are flaring under my skin and I'm struck with a desperate, aching need like I've never felt before.
I wonder how much of her sweet, good-girl persona is an act.
"The two of you are staying out at the farm with no one else around?"
"That's either going to end in horror or romance. There's no other way. For your sake I seriously hope it's the latter."
Every touch is so gentle, but the looks he occasionally gives me don't feel gentle. They feel like the burning fire of a thousand suns.
Matilda Sheridan is a forever kind of girl.
"Don't start something you can't finish." I tighten my arm around her and she giggles. She fucking giggles and the sound lights me up like a bloody Christmas tree.
Yes, I want her. I want her in ways her sweet mind probably can't even comprehend. I want to devour her, possess her, own her.
"I was so wrong about you. I thought you were a good girl, but you're really not, are you?"
January 22, 2026
Buckle Up Buttercup is the fourth instalment in Elle Ashwell’s charming Wildflower Ridge series, and it delivers exactly what small‑town romance readers crave: warmth, heart, and characters you can’t help but root for.
At the centre of this story is Tilly—sweet, earnest, and every bit the quintessential good girl. She still lives with her parents, spends her days working at Sweet Treats in Kauri Creek, and dreams of one day joining the team at Wildflower Ridge.
Then there’s Zane—the boy from the “wrong side of the tracks” with a reputation he’s trying hard to outrun. His family life is messy, his past is complicated, and yet he’s determined to rebuild something better for himself in Kauri Creek. The twist? His best mate, Max, just happens to be Tilly’s brother.
Tilly and Zane are instantly likeable, and their differences only make their connection more compelling. When their worlds begin to overlap, the parallels between them become surprisingly tender. Their flirty banter, playful moments, and slow‑building chemistry feel effortless and genuine, right through to the final pages.
A lovely touch in this book is Ashwell’s use of New Zealand spelling, language, and rural terminology. She even includes a guide to kiwi‑isms and farming terms at the start, which is both helpful and endearing for readers unfamiliar with them.
If you adore small‑town romance, cowboy charm, and stories that leave you smiling, Buckle Up Buttercup is an absolute must‑read. It’s heartfelt, wholesome, and wonderfully bingeable.
And to Elle—thank you for the opportunity to read this story. It was a delight from start to finish.
At the centre of this story is Tilly—sweet, earnest, and every bit the quintessential good girl. She still lives with her parents, spends her days working at Sweet Treats in Kauri Creek, and dreams of one day joining the team at Wildflower Ridge.
Then there’s Zane—the boy from the “wrong side of the tracks” with a reputation he’s trying hard to outrun. His family life is messy, his past is complicated, and yet he’s determined to rebuild something better for himself in Kauri Creek. The twist? His best mate, Max, just happens to be Tilly’s brother.
Tilly and Zane are instantly likeable, and their differences only make their connection more compelling. When their worlds begin to overlap, the parallels between them become surprisingly tender. Their flirty banter, playful moments, and slow‑building chemistry feel effortless and genuine, right through to the final pages.
A lovely touch in this book is Ashwell’s use of New Zealand spelling, language, and rural terminology. She even includes a guide to kiwi‑isms and farming terms at the start, which is both helpful and endearing for readers unfamiliar with them.
If you adore small‑town romance, cowboy charm, and stories that leave you smiling, Buckle Up Buttercup is an absolute must‑read. It’s heartfelt, wholesome, and wonderfully bingeable.
And to Elle—thank you for the opportunity to read this story. It was a delight from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received advance copy for review by author
This is a cute small town romance with spice. Fast and easy read. This is the only book I've read in the series.
Being that it's not the first book in the series, that there's a few ahead of this one, some of the characters of Wildflower Ridge were confusing to me, essentially anyone involved in the Ridge. I couldn't understand the relationships and dynamics between the couples. Its all probably broken down in the previous books but the clarity of the characters relationships doesn't translate to a new reader if this is considered an interconnected standalone. This is where the book lost points for me. The characters though secondary, do play a major part of the storyline in relation to the main characters. The confusion for me took away from the story.
I enjoyed both MCs development in the story. It progressed well, I didn't feel that the ending was rushed, it seemed to be in good pace with the flow of the book.
Unfortunately reading this book does not make me excited to go back and read the beginning of the series, nor am I looking forward to the following books.
It was a good smalltown romance, brothers best friend romance that had some spice to it. It was a good read and I appreciate the advanced copy by the author
This is a cute small town romance with spice. Fast and easy read. This is the only book I've read in the series.
Being that it's not the first book in the series, that there's a few ahead of this one, some of the characters of Wildflower Ridge were confusing to me, essentially anyone involved in the Ridge. I couldn't understand the relationships and dynamics between the couples. Its all probably broken down in the previous books but the clarity of the characters relationships doesn't translate to a new reader if this is considered an interconnected standalone. This is where the book lost points for me. The characters though secondary, do play a major part of the storyline in relation to the main characters. The confusion for me took away from the story.
I enjoyed both MCs development in the story. It progressed well, I didn't feel that the ending was rushed, it seemed to be in good pace with the flow of the book.
Unfortunately reading this book does not make me excited to go back and read the beginning of the series, nor am I looking forward to the following books.
It was a good smalltown romance, brothers best friend romance that had some spice to it. It was a good read and I appreciate the advanced copy by the author
December 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Buckle Up Buttercup, the fourth book in Ellie Ashwell’s small-town New Zealand romance series, and I absolutely flew through it.
This is a sweet and sexy small-town romance featuring brother’s best friend and forced proximity, two tropes I always enjoy, and it was sooooo bingeable. I devoured it in a couple of days and honestly didn’t want to put it down.
I really loved both main characters. Bad boy Zane and good girl Tilly were relatable, likeable, and easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. Their chemistry felt natural, and the story kept me turning pages right to the end.
One of my favourite things about this series is the New Zealand setting and terminology throughout. Even though my brain kept trying to give everyone an American accent (too many small-town cowboy romances on audio!), it was so refreshing to read a romance set here at home.
The biggest sign of how much I enjoyed this book is that I’ve immediately circled back to start book two, with book three and the novella already waiting on my Kindle. I just want to spend more time with these characters and this world.
A really enjoyable read, and I’m so glad this series was already on my TBR.
Thank you to Ellie Ashwell for the ARC
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Buckle Up Buttercup, the fourth book in Ellie Ashwell’s small-town New Zealand romance series, and I absolutely flew through it.
This is a sweet and sexy small-town romance featuring brother’s best friend and forced proximity, two tropes I always enjoy, and it was sooooo bingeable. I devoured it in a couple of days and honestly didn’t want to put it down.
I really loved both main characters. Bad boy Zane and good girl Tilly were relatable, likeable, and easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. Their chemistry felt natural, and the story kept me turning pages right to the end.
One of my favourite things about this series is the New Zealand setting and terminology throughout. Even though my brain kept trying to give everyone an American accent (too many small-town cowboy romances on audio!), it was so refreshing to read a romance set here at home.
The biggest sign of how much I enjoyed this book is that I’ve immediately circled back to start book two, with book three and the novella already waiting on my Kindle. I just want to spend more time with these characters and this world.
A really enjoyable read, and I’m so glad this series was already on my TBR.
Thank you to Ellie Ashwell for the ARC
January 7, 2026
God this series just keeps getting better and better! If you haven’t checked out the Wildflower Ridge series yet and you enjoy small town romance but set in NZ you need to read them!
Matilda ‘Tilly’ Sheridan is the golden girl of Kauri Creek. She dreams of working at Wildflower Ridge as a baker for their events but her parents are determined she go to Uni. Tilly struggles to voice what she really wants. Zane Harrison is Tilly’s big brother Max’s best friend and he’s the town bad boy. He’s back to try and help his alcoholic mother but ends up staying with Tilly at her parents’ house after his mum kicks him out. No one can know though, and Zane knows he can’t touch Tilly. But Tilly is sick of being a good girl and she knows Zane would be the perfect person to show her how to shed her good girl persona. Zane ends up agreeing but limits their relationship to when Tilly’s parents get home.
This was such an easy 5 star read! I devoured this in one sitting. Zane sounded absolutely DELISH and I love how he made Tilly feel brave and know her self worth. The spice scenes were HOT but they didn’t take away from the actual storyline which was fab. The found family themes in this series continue to make me feel warm and fuzzy and Lady Sadie is still my fave side character haha. Love love love this series!
Huge thanks to @elle.ashwell.author for providing me with an ARC 💛
Matilda ‘Tilly’ Sheridan is the golden girl of Kauri Creek. She dreams of working at Wildflower Ridge as a baker for their events but her parents are determined she go to Uni. Tilly struggles to voice what she really wants. Zane Harrison is Tilly’s big brother Max’s best friend and he’s the town bad boy. He’s back to try and help his alcoholic mother but ends up staying with Tilly at her parents’ house after his mum kicks him out. No one can know though, and Zane knows he can’t touch Tilly. But Tilly is sick of being a good girl and she knows Zane would be the perfect person to show her how to shed her good girl persona. Zane ends up agreeing but limits their relationship to when Tilly’s parents get home.
This was such an easy 5 star read! I devoured this in one sitting. Zane sounded absolutely DELISH and I love how he made Tilly feel brave and know her self worth. The spice scenes were HOT but they didn’t take away from the actual storyline which was fab. The found family themes in this series continue to make me feel warm and fuzzy and Lady Sadie is still my fave side character haha. Love love love this series!
Huge thanks to @elle.ashwell.author for providing me with an ARC 💛
January 24, 2026
Tilly (Matilda) + Zane
Buckle Up Buttercup was such a layered read. Zane is forced to share quarters with Tilly because he's got no one else in his corner. Tilly is Max's little sister and best friend to Zane. Now that we've got that all cleared up.
Tilly is learning to speak up for herself with help from Zane and honestly, its so refreshing to see a MMC not only give the FMC a hard time but also create soft moments just for them. Zane becomes softer while around Tilly and Tilly becomes more confident.
Zane is a complex character. He comes back home to help family & what he finds is so much better. Found family. The sheep ranch where he works becomes so much more than just a place of employment. It becomes an opportunity of a lifetime.
Tilly is a soft spoken FMC who is now speaking up for herself with her job and with her family. I was so happy to see her character arc flourish as I turned the pages.
Buckle Up Buttercup is an easy read with some serious topics but Elle Ashwell does a great job of handling the TW beautifully throughout the book.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Buckle Up Buttercup was such a layered read. Zane is forced to share quarters with Tilly because he's got no one else in his corner. Tilly is Max's little sister and best friend to Zane. Now that we've got that all cleared up.
Tilly is learning to speak up for herself with help from Zane and honestly, its so refreshing to see a MMC not only give the FMC a hard time but also create soft moments just for them. Zane becomes softer while around Tilly and Tilly becomes more confident.
Zane is a complex character. He comes back home to help family & what he finds is so much better. Found family. The sheep ranch where he works becomes so much more than just a place of employment. It becomes an opportunity of a lifetime.
Tilly is a soft spoken FMC who is now speaking up for herself with her job and with her family. I was so happy to see her character arc flourish as I turned the pages.
Buckle Up Buttercup is an easy read with some serious topics but Elle Ashwell does a great job of handling the TW beautifully throughout the book.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved it!
I loved being back at the Ridge! This story was such a fun, emotional, and satisfying read from start to finish. The respect and admiration between these two characters was just perfect — it made every moment of their connection feel genuine and earned.
Zane is such a wonderful hero. I adore how he sees Tilly for who she truly is and then gently shows her just how confident, strong, and capable she can be. Watching her grow and step into her power was one of my favourite parts of the whole book.
The writing is so fun and effortless to read — it flows beautifully, keeps you smiling, and makes it hard to put the book down. And the spice between Zane and Tilly? 🔥 It’s playful, passionate, and so well-done that it adds just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the heart of the story.
Overall this was such a joyful, satisfying, and uplifting read. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world — I’m already excited for more!
I loved being back at the Ridge! This story was such a fun, emotional, and satisfying read from start to finish. The respect and admiration between these two characters was just perfect — it made every moment of their connection feel genuine and earned.
Zane is such a wonderful hero. I adore how he sees Tilly for who she truly is and then gently shows her just how confident, strong, and capable she can be. Watching her grow and step into her power was one of my favourite parts of the whole book.
The writing is so fun and effortless to read — it flows beautifully, keeps you smiling, and makes it hard to put the book down. And the spice between Zane and Tilly? 🔥 It’s playful, passionate, and so well-done that it adds just the right amount of heat without overshadowing the heart of the story.
Overall this was such a joyful, satisfying, and uplifting read. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world — I’m already excited for more!
January 22, 2026
ARC read - These are interconnected standalones, but I do think you benefit from reading the other books first, as there is an amazing group of friends in these books, but it is hard to put together how they all fit.
Forced Proximity
Choosing yourself
Brothers best friend
Good girl x bad boy
Small town romance
Caretaking
Found family
Spice level 2 chilli pepper
Our FMC is Tilly; she is the classic good girl, town sweetheart, who dreams of being a baker. Her parents have high expectations for her. I loved watching her become more confident in herself.
Our MMC Zane is the town bad boy, who is misunderstood and has had a rough childhood. He’s such a well-balanced MMC, and I loved their dynamic.
Overall i loved the dynamic Tilly and Zane shared. I loved Tilly's growth and Zane's healing. Also, shout out to all the rest of the found family who are always such a sweet addition.
Forced Proximity
Choosing yourself
Brothers best friend
Good girl x bad boy
Small town romance
Caretaking
Found family
Spice level 2 chilli pepper
Our FMC is Tilly; she is the classic good girl, town sweetheart, who dreams of being a baker. Her parents have high expectations for her. I loved watching her become more confident in herself.
Our MMC Zane is the town bad boy, who is misunderstood and has had a rough childhood. He’s such a well-balanced MMC, and I loved their dynamic.
Overall i loved the dynamic Tilly and Zane shared. I loved Tilly's growth and Zane's healing. Also, shout out to all the rest of the found family who are always such a sweet addition.
December 18, 2025
Elle Ashwell is back with another small-town romance, and I absolutely ate it up!
This was the perfect easy, cosy read. While the characters work on a farm, it’s not a cowboy romance. Instead, it leans heavily into small-town vibes, which felt really refreshing. Zane and Tilly’s relationship was incredibly sweet, and I loved the forced proximity that pushed them together.
There were other characters woven throughout the story, but their connections were easy to follow and never took away from the core relationship between Tilly and Zane. Tilly’s self-growth was one of my favourite parts of the book, watching her step into her confidence and become a total baddie who knows exactly what she wants was so satisfying.
Thank you so much to Elle for providing me with an early copy of Buckle Up Buttercup to read and review 🤍
This was the perfect easy, cosy read. While the characters work on a farm, it’s not a cowboy romance. Instead, it leans heavily into small-town vibes, which felt really refreshing. Zane and Tilly’s relationship was incredibly sweet, and I loved the forced proximity that pushed them together.
There were other characters woven throughout the story, but their connections were easy to follow and never took away from the core relationship between Tilly and Zane. Tilly’s self-growth was one of my favourite parts of the book, watching her step into her confidence and become a total baddie who knows exactly what she wants was so satisfying.
Thank you so much to Elle for providing me with an early copy of Buckle Up Buttercup to read and review 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book with my whole entire being. No scratch that I love this series with my whole entire being. Over the last two weeks I've binged book 2 and 3 so I could catch up and read book 4 before release and I am so happy I did.
Watching Tilly and Zane grow, learn and face trauma together was so beautiful. Tilly has always been a good girl and watching her interact with Zane and gaining confidence and realizing what she wants from life was beautiful, heartfelt and so relatable.
Learning more about Zane and his childhood was so heartbreaking. He's truly a soft boy and has a heart of gold but he is so guarded and has such low self esteem that he plays into the bad boy act that everyone believes him to be.
Both Tilly and Zane saw one another for who they truly are and pushed one another to show that to the world.
This is the sweetest book but rhe spice was hot. Zane has a dirty mouth which I loved!
I cant wait for book 5.
Watching Tilly and Zane grow, learn and face trauma together was so beautiful. Tilly has always been a good girl and watching her interact with Zane and gaining confidence and realizing what she wants from life was beautiful, heartfelt and so relatable.
Learning more about Zane and his childhood was so heartbreaking. He's truly a soft boy and has a heart of gold but he is so guarded and has such low self esteem that he plays into the bad boy act that everyone believes him to be.
Both Tilly and Zane saw one another for who they truly are and pushed one another to show that to the world.
This is the sweetest book but rhe spice was hot. Zane has a dirty mouth which I loved!
I cant wait for book 5.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To say I fell in love with this series is a major understatement ‼️
Every book in this series is super relatable and if you haven't already... add them all to your TBR!
Zane the towns bad boy and Tilly the towns golden girl.. you already know it's gonna be good with that right!?
Tilly and Zane's chemistry is one hell of a thing to read, Adorable and Zangy... you can't help but root for these two! 💓
I loved how Zane helped Tilly grow to know she has self worth and is a brave person, the found family trope was definitely here and it was a delight!
Eventhough we got glimpses into Tilly in previous books, they do not prepare you for her and Zane 🤭
If you are after a sweet/spicy and cozy/prickly read based in a small town in New Zealand... this is your book!
Every book in this series is super relatable and if you haven't already... add them all to your TBR!
Zane the towns bad boy and Tilly the towns golden girl.. you already know it's gonna be good with that right!?
Tilly and Zane's chemistry is one hell of a thing to read, Adorable and Zangy... you can't help but root for these two! 💓
I loved how Zane helped Tilly grow to know she has self worth and is a brave person, the found family trope was definitely here and it was a delight!
Eventhough we got glimpses into Tilly in previous books, they do not prepare you for her and Zane 🤭
If you are after a sweet/spicy and cozy/prickly read based in a small town in New Zealand... this is your book!
January 22, 2026
There’s Tilly, the good girl, with her family and small town’s expectations a weight on her back. But she’s tired of it, and wants to do something for herself.
Zane’s back in town, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and Tilly’s brother’s best friend.
With no place to stay, and Tilly’s parents away, Zane moves in.
This book gave me all the feels, the emotional development between Tilly and Zane and their love story …. Sigh
But this is also a story about found family, loyalty and heart. The supporting characters (this is book 4, the other couples are in this one too) mean Tilly and Zane’s story has some real depth and emotion outside their love story too.
Zane’s back in town, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and Tilly’s brother’s best friend.
With no place to stay, and Tilly’s parents away, Zane moves in.
This book gave me all the feels, the emotional development between Tilly and Zane and their love story …. Sigh
But this is also a story about found family, loyalty and heart. The supporting characters (this is book 4, the other couples are in this one too) mean Tilly and Zane’s story has some real depth and emotion outside their love story too.
January 3, 2026
I was lucky to read this book early.
I love the wildflower ridge series I was so excited for this book, & I was not dissapointed. This brothers best friend romance, but also town good girl x town troubled kid romance was so well written, good pace and such a great story line.
My favourite part was definitely the heart to heart with Zane and his bestfriend Max. I have fallen so in love with these characters, I cried way too much during a certain scene in this book. And I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
I love the wildflower ridge series I was so excited for this book, & I was not dissapointed. This brothers best friend romance, but also town good girl x town troubled kid romance was so well written, good pace and such a great story line.
My favourite part was definitely the heart to heart with Zane and his bestfriend Max. I have fallen so in love with these characters, I cried way too much during a certain scene in this book. And I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This is my first book by this author and this series, and it was amazing!
We follow Tilly and Zane.
Tilly is the epitome of a good girl image, but deep underneath she yearns to be seen for who she really is.
Zane has always had the bad boy image, coming from the wrong side of the track, but he is all the feels on the inside.
What happens if these two worlds come together?
How will the world view their love?
Their chemistry was sweet and delightful full with banters. Their 🌶️ was delicious.
A great feel good book.
5/5⭐️
This is my first book by this author and this series, and it was amazing!
We follow Tilly and Zane.
Tilly is the epitome of a good girl image, but deep underneath she yearns to be seen for who she really is.
Zane has always had the bad boy image, coming from the wrong side of the track, but he is all the feels on the inside.
What happens if these two worlds come together?
How will the world view their love?
Their chemistry was sweet and delightful full with banters. Their 🌶️ was delicious.
A great feel good book.
5/5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Zane has me absolutely swooning 😍 the way he helps Tilly find her confidence and who she is ugh amazing I love it
I enjoyed that it wasn't overly spicy cause with their love story I feel like it didnt make sense for it to be spice heavy
thank you so much to the author for accepting my arc request. I've now read this and forget me not as an arc and I will be going back and reading the first two books in the series I already miss this family and town
I enjoyed that it wasn't overly spicy cause with their love story I feel like it didnt make sense for it to be spice heavy
thank you so much to the author for accepting my arc request. I've now read this and forget me not as an arc and I will be going back and reading the first two books in the series I already miss this family and town
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received buckle up buttercup as an ARC. I have loved being back submerged in Wildflower Ridge.
Elle has wriiten another fantistic small town cozy romance with a touch of spice! Zane and Tillys story.
I admire Tilly's personal growth and strength through Zanes on-going support. I wasn't ready for their story to end.
Elle Ashwell had me hooked from beginning to end. I could put it down!
Buckle up Buttercup is my favorite so far.
Elle has wriiten another fantistic small town cozy romance with a touch of spice! Zane and Tillys story.
I admire Tilly's personal growth and strength through Zanes on-going support. I wasn't ready for their story to end.
Elle Ashwell had me hooked from beginning to end. I could put it down!
Buckle up Buttercup is my favorite so far.
January 21, 2026
I’m really loving Wildflower Ridge and the found family they’re creating there. Tilly seems to be the town good girl, while Zane was always treated as the screw up because of his mother and her drinking problem. They end up cohabitating in her parents’ house, and he starts to bring out her true nature. Her new found confidence turns him on, and she finally acts on her attraction to him. A bit of a slow burn, but the spice is worth the wait. Loved it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Oh man I couldn't put this book down i read it in 3 hours hooked me in straight away loved the story line how Tilly grew her confidence nd I swear if I ever find a hunk of a man like Zane who calls me Sugar ill be good thanks but I absolutely adored this story nd I just love Wildflower Ridge
Oh man I couldn't put this book down i read it in 3 hours hooked me in straight away loved the story line how Tilly grew her confidence nd I swear if I ever find a hunk of a man like Zane who calls me Sugar ill be good thanks but I absolutely adored this story nd I just love Wildflower Ridge
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always love visiting Kauri Creek and I really loved Zane-ifer!!
Max was a good friend, but the tension here was something else entirely.
Absolutely stoked that my first book of 2026 was by a Kiwi author!
Definitely recommend (As I do with all of the Wildflower Ranch stories!)
Thank you so much Elle!
I can't wait to see what else comes from her mind!
Max was a good friend, but the tension here was something else entirely.
Absolutely stoked that my first book of 2026 was by a Kiwi author!
Definitely recommend (As I do with all of the Wildflower Ranch stories!)
Thank you so much Elle!
I can't wait to see what else comes from her mind!
January 22, 2026
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*
Rating:5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Excuse me. The BANTER is CHEF’S KISS.
I’m obsessed with Tilly and Zane.
I love the way this book brought romance and tension to the forefront, but honestly brought the best kind of love story. Where they’re each others best friends too.
I genuinely could not have loved this more!
Rating:5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Excuse me. The BANTER is CHEF’S KISS.
I’m obsessed with Tilly and Zane.
I love the way this book brought romance and tension to the forefront, but honestly brought the best kind of love story. Where they’re each others best friends too.
I genuinely could not have loved this more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
Book 4 in the Wildflower Ridge series ticked all the boxes for me! Elle's writing as always is engaging and flows perfectly! I loved the dynamics between Tilly and Zane! If you love brothers best friend, forced proximity, good girl x bad boy and small town as much as I do you'll adore Buckle Up Buttercup!
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance copy to read.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance copy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read from Elle Ashwell. Loved getting to know this cute couple so much. Tilly and Zane was so good for each other. They grew as characters and was just so in love. Can't wait for book 5.
Review of advance copy received from Author
enjoyed this book small town romance both MCs are good together. Easy to read and get drawn in fast, finished it in one go just wanted to keep reading. a big thank you to the author for allowing me an advanced copy.
February 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Absolutely obsessed with this series! I had such a good time reading this book! Loved both the characters, the tropes, everything! He calls her sugar?! Swoon! I can not wait for the next book!
Absolutely obsessed with this series! I had such a good time reading this book! Loved both the characters, the tropes, everything! He calls her sugar?! Swoon! I can not wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ooof this was super damn angsty with a side of spice!
I loved being back in Kauri Creek with the Wildflower Ridge family. Zane and Tilly were a sweet couple, and I loved how supportive they were of each other but my god did they drive me a little loopy with their insecurities. I understood the trauma behind each of their issues but DAMN 😂
The crew at Wildflower Ridge were so great! I loved their easy camaraderie and all the teasing they did between friends and family.
I’m really enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see what’s up next!
I loved being back in Kauri Creek with the Wildflower Ridge family. Zane and Tilly were a sweet couple, and I loved how supportive they were of each other but my god did they drive me a little loopy with their insecurities. I understood the trauma behind each of their issues but DAMN 😂
The crew at Wildflower Ridge were so great! I loved their easy camaraderie and all the teasing they did between friends and family.
I’m really enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see what’s up next!
January 9, 2026
I absolutely love Elle’s writing and this book did not disappoint! A beautifully written love story about discovering yourself and being confident to follow through with what you want.
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