Stand Guard Buttercup: Some Secrets Don't Stay Buried

by Feri G., Cristal Nunez (Illustrator)

274 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2026

About the author

Writer of suspense romance who obviously loves to read. First book The Rebels published 2017, but currently rewriting the whole story.

Reviews

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to @wingsandwordspr & @authorferi.g for this awesome arc. Stand Guard, Buttercup

It had me from the beginning. Insta spicy, back with my fave peeps & omg did i love the animal pov it had me cackling.

Feri's writing was done incredibly ❤️ you felt every edge, tension, stomach flutter, the description and imagery was amazing. The spice scene were corrrr 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 (so gooood). The dramatic scenes particularly the *spoiler spoiler spoiler* (Feri you know what I am referring to)

I...it.....hmmm..the....offty. 😮‍💨
And the little holiday break and the animals ❤️ this was so wholesome ❤️.. I cried like such a girl 😮‍💨🤣❤️. This is when the book REALLY cracked up and ommmmmmmmf it was like 5am before i was like dudeee so close..
That twist. What in the fuck?! Feri...omg.. I... ... whaassttttt... woman. Feri...👀😮‍💨🥵😭

Im ... yeah.. i need more now.

My review is not a reflection on the editorial slip throughs we were informed about in the server, it is purely based on plot, story & my connection to it!

Thanks feri 😭❤️❤️❤️

💬💬💬💬💬💬💬 Fave lines:
“Okay, listen carefully, you tiny orange traffic cone. You may terrorize the furniture, and steal my socks"

"I release my most terrifying sound—the one that says touch me again and I will haunt your bloodline."

“I love you, Mia. I don’t want one year with you. I don’t want ten fucking years. I want all of them. Every stupid argument. Every burnt dinner. Every birthday. I want you beside me through all of it.”

#ferig #indieauthor #wingsandwords #arcread #contemporaryromance

[Rainbowsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought Book 1 was unputdownable, brace yourself—I devoured Stand Guard, Buttercup in just two sittings (and only because the kids actually needed my attention on vacation! 😅).
​This sequel picks up Jace and Mia’s story and takes everything to a whole new level. While it tackles some intense topics, it never feels overly heavy. On the contrary, Feri G. balances the emotional weight so well that the book still reads cozy, smooth, and super engaging. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the emotional moments pulled at my heartstrings in the best way possible.
​Of course, I was thrilled to see our favorite mischievous cat, Ginger, make a return! 🤣😂 Ginger brings so much chaotic humor to the story. Tank was also such a fantastic, sweet addition, and the way he was woven into the family and plot made it even better.
​Favorite Quote:
​"Jace Adrien Carter," she hisses, gripping my wrist. "Don't you dare start something then back away like that."
"Full names and all? Someone sounds desperate."
​And let's talk about the heat—the spice and smut in this book were absolutely top-tier! 🔥 If you're a fellow smut lover, Stand Guard, Buttercup is a non-negotiable must-add to your TBR list. Feri G. completely knocked it out of the park with this sequel!

[Kimberly Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read it had a lot of twists and turns in it and spice n I went in it blind so for that it was a great book.

There was some sad parts to it n exciting too but you will never know what you are getting into tell you read deep into it.

[Katie Worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Feri.G and Wings and Words for the opportunity to arc read this book.

I read Stand Guard straight after reading Batter up and as other reviewers have said, the book follows a different pattern and you are introduced to new plots and characters along the way. It made the book fresh in its own right and a tense read at times.

Jace and Mia remain the consistent throughout and we see how their relationship has developed and grown over time. He really would burn down the whole world to keep her safe.

Tank was by far my favourite character in this book. Sorry Ginger 🤣

[Emma Austwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Beth at wings and words and to Feri for allowing me to arc read this book.
I love Jase and Mia as a couple, they are just perfect, Jase looks after Mia they way a woman should be looked after, when he wanted to be with Mia especially when he was injured, (Swoon)
I loved it, I was sad though when ginger disappeared, and never returned. I devoured it

[Laura Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Feri G has only gone and done it again! She certainly knows how to send you on a rollercoaster of emotions. What I love about this book is how different it is to the first but equally as good. I loved the suspense and all of the oh my god feelings. I was so pleased to see Ginger again, not so pleased at one point but I won’t spoil it! Another amazing read by Feri xx

[Cazlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from the first book, Jace and Mia are happily settled into their new home with Ginge, and everything seems perfect.

Until it’s not.

Jace had a dark past before he met Mia, and now his past is starting to catch up with him. If someone wants to hurt Jace, they know exactly where to hit him — Mia, the love of his life.

Can Jace keep Mia safe, and at what cost? And what will she think when she discovers the truth about his past?
The secrets are coming out, and everything they’ve built is about to be tested.

🍞🥖🥐🥯🥨🫓🥪

I really loved the first book, but I think I loved this one even more. It’s soppy, sweet and squishy, but it also has a much grittier storyline that really gives you something to get your teeth into.
I actually cried at one part, which I definitely wasn’t expecting!

I love Jace with my whole heart. He’s a gentle giant with a filthy mouth. His conversations with the cat had me laughing so much. Seriously, how many different ways can you diss a ginger cat? Apparently, Jace has plenty 😂😂

I also loved the dog and cat POVs. They added so much humour and had me howling!! .

🎂🍰🧁🥮🍥


Grumpy x sunshine

Family Secrets

Pet sidekicks

Friendship betrayal

High spice


Thank you Feri and Wings & Words

[Marisa Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so different from the first. We went from cutesy, flirty, goofy smiles and kicking your feet to dark, dangerous and has your on the edge of your seat. I loved it!

Mia and Jace are getting settled into their lives; newish house, Mia still has her bakery and Jace has a gym he’s using to help keep teenagers out of trouble.

But of course there are old scores to be settled.

After a little trouble finds them at home, they take a little trip away, but trouble follows them.

You will be never know what’s going to come next! This books so well written and so intriguing. I couldn’t put it down!

[Chloe Downie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1.5 🌶️. It’s good to be back with Mia and Jace. I love their banter and relationship.

The real highlights of this for me was the animal moments. Absolutely hilarious and animal POV chapters? Brilliant!

My only feedback for me personally I would have liked a little bit of elongation to the ending. Particularly with how the peril of the whereabouts of our main characters. One moment we were (as a reader) wondering where everybody was and what could possibly be happening, the next we found out where they were and there wasn’t quite enough building for me. It felt as if there could have been another chapter or two to have filled in those blanks a bit and made the ending a bit more mysterious, emotive and complex.

But other than this I really enjoyed this story and I do love the way Feri writes her characters.

This review copy was sent from the author and wings and words for the opportunity to read in advance and this review is honesty and voluntary.

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, quick read! I absolutely love the Pet Povs! We continue on with Jace and Mia's story, as well as, Jace and Ginger's contentious one. Then we have the introduction of Tank! Everything is going along smoothly until outside forces just can't leave them alone and then the mysterybegins. There is humor, suspense, twists, and plenty of spice. I do have questions, but I'm hoping they will be cleared up in the next chapter of their lives.

[Samantha Rouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realise this was book two and I hadn’t read book one but I was still able to understand the story and the characters. I love the dynamic between the two main characters and the spicy scenes are really spicy 🥵. I thought it was funny having the pov of the cat and the dog I haven’t seen that before, some of the plot twists I did not see coming and I am wondering if we’re going to have a book three? Yes please.

[Meg Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stand Guard, Buttercup — Feri G
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this one. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming, which kept me invested, and it was such a lovely romance. I absolutely love the pet POVs in this series—they’re brilliant and add such a fun element to the story. Another enjoyable read from Feri G

[Donna M Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book. i found i enjoyed it even more than book 1. i have read 3 books now by this author and enjoyed them all. altho she does have a tendancy to leave you on a cliffhanger 😂😂 i got this book as an ARC from wings&words. i am looking forward to the next book and to more books from this author

[Louise Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I honestly love the catch up series to book one of Jace and Mia the spicy 🌶️ parts are just right I absolutely loved book one I laughed hard and then couldn’t wait to find out more this second one just blow me away with mixed emotions of excitement and oh wow I need to no more it’s beautiful balanced and definitely won’t disappoint you . I’m lost for words and that’s a first for me lol and a big thank you to the amazing author and the lovely Beth of wings and words for the wonderful opportunity to read this book

[Micaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this follow up just as much as the first and was very happy to see Ginge back. The characters are well written with a good storyline and some spicy bits, although there are questions still to answered in the sequel. I would recommend this book.
Big thank you to Wings & Words and Ferri G for the ARC copy.

[Wings & Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great 2nd installment of Jace and Mias story. It was very fast paced and different with the POV of the pets. Rook turned out to not be who Jace thought huh? What happened to Ginger?

[Heather Deffley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feri has done it again! This is the second book in the duet and it was utterly amazing. Feri is one of my must read authors.

Tank and Ginger are the most perfect pet cameos and I love how she incorporates their POV in some of the chapters, it's different and brilliant and made me laugh out loud so much.

You absolutely need to read this book, you won't be disappointed.

[Emma Pipkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absoutly loved this book the characters are so well written and there is so much growth i always read feri g work well done!

[Printessan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back with Jace and Mia. I really enjoyed seeing how much their relationship had grown since the first book, even though it didn't take long before everything around them started falling apart. There were a couple of twists that completely caught me off guard, and I found myself flying through the pages because I just had to know what was going to happen next.
I also love seeing Ginger again and
Tank was such a great addition too, and together they brought so much humor to the story. Seeing things through Ginger's and Tank's eyes made me laugh more than once.
I also loved seeing Jace's protective side again. The way he would do anything for Mia is one of the reasons I enjoy these two so much.
This book had a little bit of everything, humor, suspense, spice, and emotional moments and it definitely kept me hooked until the very last page. Now I'm just hoping this isn't the end of Jace and Mia because I would love to read more about them.

This review is voluntary.

Thank you so much Feri and Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team. ❤️🌺

[Cece Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Wings & Words and Feri G for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read.

Stand Guard Buttercup is the 2nd book in the Knockout series, Batter Up Buttercup being the first.

We follow Jace and Mia's story as they are settling into their lives together. Until secrets from the past begin to threaten Jace. The best way to get to him ... through Mia.

Jace is fiercely protective and needs to protect Mia at all costs, even with the worry of her finding out the secrets of his past.

My favourite POV has to be Ginger and Tank. What an amazing idea.

This story puts you through a roller coaster of emotions with twists and turns you don't expect.

Tropes:
Grumpy vs sunshine
Secrets
Betrayal

[claire wilband · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feri G has given us a great look behind the ‘happily ever after’ ending of batter up buttercup with this second book ‘stand guard buttercup’ while mostly things are still looking good with Mia and Jace, jace’s past is out to get him.
I loved the twists and turns throughout this book However I wished for more details around jace’s mum reappearing, why his dad stalked Mia.