4.5 stars

I was anxiously awaiting the return to Silver Pines and as expected Paisley did not disappoint. The writing is impeccable, descriptive without being flowery and truly immersed me into this small town. The banter and near immediate steam coming off of Wade and Ivy was unexpected in the best way. This was by no means a slow burn but the tension was so so good. I loved the character development of our grumpy rancher and getting to see his softer side. Ivy, was fun and confident and when she wasn't, Wade was there to pick her right up. The pacing overall was fantastic and left me racing through the pages. My only gripe is with how much we saw Cole and Ginger, along with their banter- it made me want their book already. This is small town, cowboy romance done right and I can't wait to see more from this author.

Training the Heart follows Wade and Ivy. Wade is running his family's ranch after the death of his father. His current horse trainer needs to take a few months off for maternity leave. Wade needs to hire a temporary replacement. Ivy is a horse trainer and jumps at the opportunity to work at Silver Pines Ranch. She is leaving a bad relationship and needs a place to start over. Wade and Ivy find themselves working closely together on the ranch but also training a horse for the Derby. The story is set with great tropes of small town, workplace, and forced proximity.

I loved the characters of Wade and Ivy. I loved their relationship/banter. The side characters/townspeople are great. I liked the side stories that Wade and Ivy both had going on with their exes. The one thing that brought my rating down a smidge...I thought there was a little too much spice. I could have done with half the amount. I understand that is personal preference. I still loved the book and characters. The Silver Pines series is setting itself up to be one of my favorite romance series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Paisley Hope for the opportunity to read and review Training the Heart!

I struggled with the beginning chapters since they pick up immediately from Book 1. It felt a bit abrupt so I definitely recommend rereading the final scenes if it's a while. But once you hit chapter 6, everything kind of settles into place and my interest in Wade and Ivy picked up. What I delighted in the most was the incredible atmosphere Paisley Hope is able to achieve. I can see this ranch vividly in my mind and it makes the comfort trope absolutely delicious as I envision Wade caring for the injured Ivy in his secluded but spacious cabin.

Ivy is trusting in the universe. Finding the job opening as a trainer at Silver Pines was the emergency exit sign she needed to escape her past life. She's incredible with the horses and could be exactly what the ranch needs return to competing in the Kentucky Derby. A challenge I didn't fully appreciate until this book - only three-year old horses can race in the derby so they have to be trained perfectly in order to qualify in time. It's a multimillion and multiyear investment. Wade is the eldest of the Ashby siblings as has taken the primary responsibility for their ranch after their dad passed last year. People say he's grumpy (and he is) but he's got too much on his plate for small talk and pleasantries. So although Ivy may be the horse whisperer he needs, her vivacious personality is more than Wade can handle. But when she suffers a riding injury, he moves her into his guest room to ensure that she heals up in time for their derby schedule.

These two loners find that they have a lot more in common and just can't help falling for each other. Too stubborn to accept help from others, they become each other's biggest supporters. The chemistry is darling with movie nights, horse rides and nursing each other to health. There's no point where you don't think they'll end up together, so it's very low stakes. I'm excited to read about the next brother in the series.

“He's a dark horse. But can she tame him?"

This steamy sequel to The Silver Pines series follows the oldest Ashby sibling, Wade, and the romance he develops with his new horse trainer, Ivy.

If you're a fan of the "grumpy/sunshine" trope, then you will absolutely love Wade and Ivy! You learn a bit about each of the characters in book 1, but this novel dives even deeper into both of their backstories which serves their character development and seeing how they overcome their struggles, protect and lift each other up together throughout the book.

With some interconnected standalone series, the characters from each book may only make a few appearances in the other books, however, this series keeps all the characters so intertwined it really creates the sense of community and relationships between everyone who appears. Love that! I don't think I'll ever tire of laughing from the Not Angels crew and Ashby family!

*Ps - when I said "steamy" sequel, I mean STEAMY🥵! I thought Holding the Reins was spicy, well this one kicked it up a notch for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, and Dell Romance for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Themes/Tropes:
*Dual POV
*Cowboy Romance
*Grumpy x Sunshine
*Workplace Romance
*Forced Proximity
*Road Trip/One Bed

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pub Date: December 31, 2024

4⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this!

This was such a fun read, I’m really loving these Silver Pines Ranch novels. “Training the Heart” is the second in the series. I love the dynamic between Wade and Ivy, and they’re both such strong characters who have each been through a lot but get through it all together so beautifully. I love how Ivy is so independent and Wade is supportive of her but never overbearing. Also, Wade in general 🙂‍↔️ (…when she walks in on him in a towel, I too was blushing). Spice was spicing🌶️🌶️🌶️

Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a good cowboy romance!

Miss Paisley Hope, you truly out did yourself with this one! I didn't know if you could top Nash Carter but you truly delivered with Wade Ashby.

I was really looking forward to the second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series and it lived up to all of my expectations. Wade Ashby is CeCe's grumpy older brother who is a hot cowboy. He's been wronged in the past and a thick shield around his icy cold heart. That is until his new horse trainer Ivy Spencer walks into his life. At first these two get off to a rocky start. But it doesn't take long before they realize that they can't keep their hands off each other. And boy does the chemistry pop off, especially when either one of them says mercy 👀

What I loved most about this book was the fact that Wade is so grumpy but melts when he is with Ivy. Like this man literally never smiles but he does for Ivy. And he HAS DIMPLES! I melted myself when he showed his dimples just for her. But also, I think we need to talk about Wades filthy mouth. It's an honorable mention because boy does this man have a mouth on him. The things that this man said had me sweating! If you thought Holding the Reins was spicy, you've read nothing yet because this one is blazing hot!

I also truly loved Ivy's character. I loved how strong of a character she was. She was confident in who she was. She knew what she wanted and had no problem going after it. But with that being said, she also had character growth. I felt like Wade brought a different side out in her. She became this goddess with him. Also just know if a trigger for you is abuse, know that Ivy has suffered from partner emotional abuse in the past and does over come it.

One thing I love about interconnected series, such as this one, is the fact that all of our favorite characters played a major role in this book. I loved seeing Nash and CeCe. This book highlights their bridal shower and planning their wedding. But we also get snippets of Cole and Ginger, which has me SOOOOO excited for their book. As well as Olivia and I think I know who her MMC will be just by a scene that played out.

At the end of the day, I love Paisley Hope. And I am starting to realize I don't think she can write a bad book. And I think I will forever love her MMCs. She just writes such a scorching hot romance! Paisley, I love you and keep them coming!

You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Small Town Romance
- Dirty Talking Cowboy
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Man Obsessed
- Strong FMC

i'm really just obsessed with cowboy romances and this was so freaking good! I love Wade and Ivy together and the overall writing was really solid. and the steam hehe

This had all of my most favorite tropes in a romance novel- forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, & a road trip scene. Wade is definitely one of my new book boyfriends, and Ivy is a female main character that you will find your self rooting for!! And the only one bed scene is everything that a romance girl could desire! Highly recommend for your next fun, heartfelt romance read-especially if you're looking for spice!

[i was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review]

OH MY GOODNESS!!! 5 dirty talking stars right here baby. I am mush. I am dust. I am a puddle. I don't know if any man will ever compare to Wade Ashby, honestly.

When I read the first book in the Silver Pines Ranch series, Holding the Reins, i was floored by how amazing it was. I didn't think it could get any better, but I've never been so glad to be so wrong. Wade Ashby is the hunky cowboy of my dreams. And Ivy is every bit the sassy spitfire I was hoping she would be. wow im just honestly so lost for words because this book was so good. It is rare for me to give a book 4 stars, let alone 5, and then to give BOTH books in the series both 5 stars... wow... Paisley is just such an amazing writer for real. Her prose is so eloquent while her words are so filthy, I love.love.love it. Making my future husband get mine tattooed on his hand because I didn't know i needed that until now

If you love "dirty talk so filthy it's dripping, a bold and brazen FMC, and a grumpy rancher who's so down bad for his leading lady it's unfair" than this is just the book for you

Oh my gosh, this was so HoT! 🥵 If you thought book 1 was hot then you’re in for a treat for this one! Paisley did not disappoint and she out did herself! This book was like 100x HOTTER!!!

I knew I was going to absolutely love Wade & ivy's story! Wade really is the grumpiest grump, but then he really turns into a big softy for Ivy.

This book was such a page turner, I could not STOP because of how perfect this was! I loved every second. Once Wade saw Ivy hurt, he knew he had to take care of her and no better than to have her stay with him in his house. Who knew they were going to fall in love and have some AMAZING moments together.

The surprise they had at the end, and how Wade handled it was PERFECT!

I loved all of this and I highly recommend this series if you want cowboy romance in your hands!

"The only hat allowed on your head while I bury my tongue inside you is mine." 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Tropes:
workplace
force proximity
grumpy x sunshine
cowboy
small town


Thank you NetGalley & Random House for this ARC!

Hello! Thank you for the arc for this book. I really enjoyed wade and ivy and how they navigated their personal lives and there lives together. Each character had depth to them and then together. I enjoy enemies to lovers and the sass and banter was great! I also enjoyed wades darker side In the bedroom and his possessiveness but also understanding ivy doing things on her own. I really enjoyed this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

This book was a fun small town boss/employee romance. I enjoyed the banter between stoic Wade and feisty Ivy, but I wish there was a little more tension before they gave in to each other. If you're looking for a low stakes romance with high spice and no third act break up this might be the book for you.

If you were on the fence or liked book 1 then I think you will like this one sooooo much more!

I ADORED wade and Ivy's story so much. The grumpy x sunshine trope was everything in this book.
Wade is such a softy under that grumpy exterior he plays into and i loved every minute of it!
and Ivy was such a sweetheart who experienced a rough childhood and a rough couple of years before she came to silver pines. She deserves all the happiness in the world. I also loved how open she was with listening to her romance books and how she wasn't afraid of people hearing it while she was listening LOL. that girl was never embarrassed and owned up to it.
ALSO the dedication??? I love it.

The way Paisley writes these men is just perfect and i am loving this series so much. This book is definitely my favorite so far but i can not wait for Cole and Ginger!!
And she did not disappoint with the spice in this book y'all
I don't want to spoil anything but i highly recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley & Random House for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review :)

3.5⭐️

Wade and Ivy are likeable characters. They have great banter and I like the way their relationship plays out. Again, I feel like this story was heavy on tropes, especially in the bedroom. I found myself getting bored in parts, but overall I enjoyed it. The close proximity situations were well done.

The Ashby family is my favorite part of this series and I am excited for Cole's book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this review copy.

Wowza! Obsessed and in love with Wade and Ivy’s story!!

I already wish I could reread and or never leave Silver Pines. Oh and I absolutely loved the teasers for Cole and Ginger!

Wade freaking Ashby, new book boyfriend alert, can the man do anything wrong? His character is a prime example of what a real strong man should be and it’s almost like there needs to be a how to be a man handbook by Wade Ashby that’s a required read for all men!? My goodness I’m still just floating in my thoughts on everything this MMC had to offer.

Ivy is the sassiest sweetest Queen who has a darn right filthy mouth herself! Her story is so important for women looking to find the courage to leave a toxic relationship and I love that Paisley decided to include this type of example in the story. Absolutely adore her and I always love the Not Angels sisterhood friendship connection. It always makes me happy to read about a girl tribe. As well as a whole supportive community and family that just has you wishing for that sort of bond and connection in our real lives!

I really can’t put it all into words how I feel about this book this series and this character community! It’s the sort of thing you feel when watching a movie!

Thank you Paisley!

Wow. Just… WOW! I loved Holding the Reins, and this one just blew me away! I loved Wade and Ivy so dang much, they were perfect together! This one was just as amazing as the first, and I can’t wait for Cole & Ginger!

🌟Cowboy/Rancher Romance
🌟Small Town
🌟Boss/Employee
🌟Grumpy/Sunshine
🌟He Falls First/Hard
🌟Past Abuse
🌟Addiction (not MMC or FMC)🌟One Bed
🌟Guy/Girl Squad
🌟Dual POV
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Paisley Hope has delivered another unforgettable gem with Training the Heart, a story brimming with heart, soul, and irresistible charm. From lovable characters to sizzling romance, this book has it all—sharp banter, close-knit friendships, and spice that scorches the pages. It's the kind of book that hooks you from the first chapter and is completely un-put-downable.

Ivy and Wade are pure magic together. She’s sunshine, he’s grumpy clouds, yet they complement each other perfectly. Both are fiercely loyal and hardworking, unafraid to challenge each other but able to concede. Ivy’s competence and intuition make her a force to be reckoned with, and watching Wade marvel at her brilliance had me swooning. She’s captivating, and Wade? He’s absolutely captivated.

Ivy is a treasure. Her journey of escaping an abusive relationship and learning to reclaim her life is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She’s proof that resilience and light can coexist, even after enduring immense pain. Watching her tackle emotionally difficult moments made me so proud, and her warmth and humor only make her shine brighter.

And then there’s Wade—rugged, hardworking, and all man. He carries so much weight on his shoulders. Beneath his tough exterior is a well of tenderness reserved solely for Ivy, and once he falls for her, he falls hard. His quiet obsession, protective nature, and the way he softens just for her completely stole my heart. Watching Wade realize he’s utterly smitten was as satisfying as it gets. His tattoo and his dirty mouth? Mercy! Let’s just say they’re unforgettable.

The chemistry between Ivy and Wade is undeniable—intense, electric, and utterly consuming. Their spark quickly blazes into an inferno, and their connection feels as natural as it is passionate. And the bonus epilogue? Wow Wow Wow!

Adding to the magic of Training the Heart are the guy and girl squads (Nash, Cece, Cole, and Ginger). These characters bring so much energy, fun, and emotional support to the story. They’re the kind of people you’d want by your side—loyal, loving, and always ready to lift you up when you need it most.

From start to finish, Training the Heart is a fantastic read. The ending and epilogue left me grinning from ear to ear, and I can’t recommend it enough. This is one story that will capture your heart and leave you craving more.

Thanks to Dell, Random House Publishing, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC

Thank you to Dell for the ARC of this book! I have enjoyed this series as a whole and I did enjoy this one overall. The grumpy sunshine trope was well done and I enjoyed both characters. That being said, I truly felt like the spice in this book distracted from the story itself instead of adding to it. I found myself skipping through love scenes some of the time because I felt like the really didn't enhance the story. That being said, I'm still excited to read the next one and I enjoy Paisley Hope as an author. This one just was not my personal favorite. I'm sure others may love this one.

I am DEEPLY upset with this one. I PRAISED holding the reins to everyone I knew. It was amazing, so I had high hopes for this.

Dreams… shattered.

Now I enjoy some spice in my books, but they didn’t do anything but fck? I have no idea how they even fell in love between the what? 7 times in one night? One point it was like 5 chapters straight.

I know the same amount of information about the main characters at the end as I did at the beginning. Character development? Plot? Where y’all at?!

Giving it two stars because… I forced myself to finish all almost 500 pages.

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review… I guess 🤣

4 stars for sure!!!
I went absolutely feral for Wade Ashby!!! I loved the crossover in timeline with Holding the Reigns and seeing little glimpses of those characters.

Wade is perfection, all grumpy and perfect. I loved seeing him break down with Ivy and how she made him a better person. Ivy is everything. From the moment we met her in Holding the Reigns I knew I would love her. I love how she wants to fight her own battles and how she can fight them.

I mean, we knew Wade wasn't going to be able to hold out for long but I loved watching him try.