Book 2 in the Silver Pines series is deliciously hot and steamy! Wade and Ivy absolutely set the pages on fire, but what makes this book stand out is its depth. Alongside the sizzling romance, Training the Heart dives into heavier themes like infertility, addiction, and emotional abuse, making it an emotional rollercoaster in the best way.

Tropes You’ll Love:✔ Grumpy/Sunshine✔ Workplace Romance✔ One hotel room/One bed✔ Age Gap✔ Found Family

What I Loved:🔥 The chemistry between Wade and Ivy? Off the charts! Their connection is both passionate and deeply emotional.💔 The way Paisley Hope handled the heavier topics was raw, real, and beautifully written.🏡 The found family dynamic added so much warmth and heart to the story.

The Only Downside? Okay, I have to admit—Wade’s overuse of his pet name for Ivy gave me the ick a little (but that’s totally a me-problem!).

This book gets a solid 4 stars from me, and I’ve officially fallen in love with Paisley Hope’s writing. Important reminder: This book is intended for 18+ readers! If you love a romance that brings the heat and the heart, Training the Heart is a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Definitely an adult romance book. Sometime those scenes were a little overpowering within the book. Overall I enjoyed. Two people both scorned by previous exes have now found each other and received their happily ever after.

Training Your Heart was a charming and emotional romance that blends love, personal growth, and second chances! truly a delightful read that leaves you believing in the power of love and self-discovery!

Thanks to NetGalley & Penguin for an advanced reader's copy of Training the Heart by Paisley Hope! This book is perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage, or any horse girls looking for a fun and steamy romance 💖

We previously met Wade in Holding the Reins, the first book in the Silver Pines series. He is Cece's older brother, responsible for the ranch, their horses and the training program. He has hired Ivy, a horse trainer, to help him achieve his father's dream of running a horse in the Kentucky Derby. When Ivy and Wade have to navigate intense attraction for each other while cohabiting due to Ivy's sprained ankle, sparks fly.

As a horsewoman of 20+ years, there were of course some phrases and language use I spotted that weren't entirely accurate (for example: Ivy's entire horse background does not really make any sense for raising and training a Thoroughbred for the Derby, nor does Wade owning a lesson & board facility equate to a facility that is capable of training a racehorse) BUT regardless, it was a delightful read that helped fill the void of Chestnut Springs. The writing itself is also a bit weak and underdeveloped in places, particularly when it comes to dialogue, but I have high hopes for Paisley Hope as an author and I've enjoyed what I've read so far!

Overall - 4 ⭐️
Plot - 3.5 ⭐️
Setting - 4.25 ⭐️
Characters - 4 ⭐️
Character Development - 4⭐️
Writing - 3 ⭐️

⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

PROS:
*hot cowboy
*he takes care of her (but only when she needs it)
*grumpy/sunshine

CONS:
*that discussion of her MLK tattoo in such a crass setting, I just cannot with that
*uneven pacing

Overall, an OK read, but not my favorite cowboy romance.

Training the Heart by Paisley Hope is a sweet and uplifting romance that delivers a heartfelt journey of love, healing, and self-discovery. With relatable characters and a charming small-town setting, the story strikes a perfect balance between emotional depth and feel-good moments. The slow-burn romance is filled with tender, genuine interactions, making the connection between the characters feel authentic and believable.

While the pacing occasionally drags in the middle, the emotional payoff is worth it. Hope’s writing captures the vulnerability of opening one’s heart again, and the themes of trust and personal growth add a meaningful layer to the love story. Training the Heart is a cozy, heartwarming read that will leave romance fans smiling and rooting for love’s second chances.

3.5 💫

I realized I never continued this series. I did enjoy this one but I felt like something was missing. I will say wade is literally such a gentlemen. a true example of if he wanted to he would.

I really enjoyed. Ivy’s character. I loved seeing her with the girls. I can’t wait for the next one.

This book was absolutely amazing!! I love Wade and Ivys story so so much! Wade and Cole are hilarious in this book and I don’t think I have laughed so much as I have in this book. I am already wanting to re read this story because the story line of hurt to love and trust between Wade and Ivy pulled on my heart. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series!

I loved everything about Silver Pines, Ivy & Wade. This is the ultimate cowboy romance combined with a perfect blend of grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity. The spice is SPICING and I read this one in under 24 hours because I loved the main characters so much. I’m already dying to read the rest of this series!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the arc. GYATT DAYUM that was HAWT. I'm in love with this series!! So excited to read book three <3

Thank you to Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this e-ARC.

Every moment I spent with this book was enjoyable, and I loved it. Grumpy cowboy is exactly what Wade Ashby represents. Ivy Spencer is his complete opposite, loud, outspoken, and determined to prove herself as Silver Pines' new horse trainer. Their push-and-pull dynamic is essential; she is sunshine and he is storm clouds. For me, this book captures every aspect of a small-town cowboy romance. Paisley Hope is too good at writing cowboys.

AAAAA! I love this book so much and I enjoyed every second I had with it! I had huge expectations for this and it did not disappoint me. Ivy Spencer and Wade Ashby have a special place in my heart and they’ll take that spot as theirs.

Ivy. She is feisty and refuses to back down when men are rude to her. She has a bright and cheerful presence, making it easy for people to gravitate toward her. Her love for horses is absolutely adorable, and her kindness and affectionate nature make her even more lovable. She had been through so much—losing her father, taking care of her grieving mother, and her past relationship that scarred her. Finally having the chance to go after her dreams made me so happy because she’s extremely passionate it.

Wade. He is someone who hates losing control. He’s strong, professional, and incredibly smart—always maintaining a firm grip on everything around him. His need to be in control comes from the immense pressure of running the ranch, and honestly, I can see why. Managing it is no joke. Ever since his father died, he took over the ranch and been handling everything that involves it. He used to be someone who knows how to have fun but the responsibility of the ranch falling into his hands, grieving his father’s death, and having the worst ex-wife changed him in a way that only Ivy can get through.

I love how Wade is so secure in himself that Ivy’s skills as a great trainer don’t intimidate him. We mostly read about good men like Wade, and rarely get to encounter them in real life, so it’s nice to read about secured and stable men. At the same time, I admire how Ivy never backs down when Wade falls into his usual grumpy ways. She’s confident about herself and strong enough to not let him be rude to her. That’s why I think they balance each other out really well. They complement each other.

And the spice? This book is easily one of the spiciest I’ve ever read! I don’t know about you but it really is THAT spicy for me! Could be just right for others but this book’s spice was definitely spicing things up! The tattoo that Wade got just for Ivy (iykyk)!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Dell, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange of my honest thoughts.

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4
This started so strong for me! I loved the storyline and dynamic. I was much more drawn in than the first book (rated 3 stars). My issue with this book is the same as I had in the first, the constant spice takes away from the book. It becomes just one big s*x scene, to the point I turn the pages and try to get back to the story. I really believe the author is talented - I did enjoy the story when it was not being overshadowed. I cannot believe I am saying this but I beg - less spice!!! Let the readers fall in love with the story and then eat up the spice!

I went into this book blind and I am pleasantly impressed with this book! The banter and connection between the Mc's was everything.
This book was witty and funny but yet heartwarmingly beautiful.

💜 Wade is a closed mouth rancher who is just trying to support/run his family's business. He lives on control and everyone moving by his commend. But then Ivy Spencer walks into his ranch asking about the job posting and his life is thrown a 180. She's the opposite of him- sweet, talkative and lover of spicy audiobooks. She adores horses and wants to help Silver Pines hit their wildest dreams. But will both be able to work together or will the tension sizzle into something neither can deny?

💜WADE ASHBY may now take the top spot in cowboy/ranch MMCs. Whew, this one is spicy and when the spice hits, it just keeps going. I adored Ivy's character- she's hilarious and just like us who love those spicy audios. Packed with hilarious banter but also deep subjects, Ivy writes them alll with care and safe to say, book three is my next arc.

Amazing small town cowboy romance. Brothers best friend, reformed playboy. What more do I need to say. Oh yea Ex Hockey player.

Im telling you Paisley Hope Can do no wrong in my book.

Wow wow wow!! I sure did love this book. I loved Wade's history as well as Ivy's! Two imperfect people, with interesting back-stories are a perfect match. The tension, the connection, the friendship.. it was fantastic! I loved the forced proximity, although it was a bit of a stretch-- I just loved how much these two wanted each other and the family/life they ended up with. And WOW that bonus chapter! Phew!

Really enjoyed this second installment in the Silver Pines Ranch! I'll always like an FMC that's super sunshine-y, and this one was the definition of it. I wouldn't say the mmc was entirely grumpy; just mostly serious and guarded after being dealt with a shitty ex-wife.

If you're looking to read something to distract you or something light in between other books, this is it. Enjoyable, funny, with a family that is so supportive and there for each other.

- cowboy romance
- forced proximity
- grumpy x sunshine
- neighbors
- no third-act breakup

Paisley Hope has quickly become a favorite author of mine and an auto buy. I absolutely freaking adore her stories, the way she writes, her characters, the steam, everything!

Wade, Ivy and the crew were no different. You quickly fall in love with all the characters (and hate the ones you’re supposed to). Her stories are so so so enjoyable.

Paisley Hope has made a name for herself in the small town/rancher/cowboy sphere and I am here for it! I can’t wait to read the next book!

I have been absolutely loving cowboy romances lately and this cover screamed - READ ME. Usually a grumpy cowboy/rancher is 1000% my type, however, there were a few conversations that Wade had that I found to be really judgmental. Otherwise I found the book to be a funny, spicy, good time.