Review of Training the Heart

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Training the Heart is a spectacular addition to the series that has truly stolen my heart. After being captivated by Holding the Reins, I wasn't sure if any couple could top that, but Wade and Ivy have proven me wrong. Paisley has delivered another enchanting story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and I can't wait for Riding the High!

The chemistry between Wade and Ivy is electric, and the author skillfully weaves their love story with just the right amount of spice. The way they navigate their challenges feels authentic, making their relationship relatable and deeply engaging. Paisley has a gift for creating characters who not only feel real but also resonate with readers on an emotional level.

The pacing of the book is well-balanced; it allows for moments of intense passion while also delving into the deeper aspects of Wade and Ivy's lives. Their individual growth throughout the story is a highlight, showcasing how love can transform and strengthen us. The themes of trust, vulnerability, and commitment are explored beautifully, making this more than just a romance—it’s a journey of the heart.

The supporting cast adds depth and richness to the narrative, with each character contributing to the overarching story in meaningful ways. Their interactions provide both humor and insight, enriching the world that Paisley has built.

Overall, Training the Heart deserves infinity stars. It’s a perfect blend of love, spice, and emotional depth, solidifying Paisley’s place as a must-read author in this genre. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment, Riding the High, and I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt romance that leaves a lasting impression.

Ummm wow just wow. I thought the last book couldn't be beat with Nash but then here comes Wade Ashby and oh man, I was so so wrong. Just like book 1 we start out strong with the dedication page. "To those searching for their grumpy, loyal, protective cowboy who will tattoo mine on his hand just so it looks pretty wrapped around your throat, don't give up, babe. Your Wade Ashby is out there." If that doesn't make you want to dive right into this book I don't know what will.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
- small town romance
- boss/employee
- hidden romance
- grumpy/sunshine
- forced proximity
- one bed
- dom/sub
- possessive MMC
- he fell first
- talks of alcohol abuse, narcissism, and abuse

I absolutely DEVOURED this book I think even faster than the first book. This is a small town/ ranch romance book with spice. Make sure to check the triggers as it does contain some topics that aren't ok for everyone.

Ivy Spencer the FMC just got hired to be the new temporary horse trainer for Silver Pines ranch. And grumpy Mr. Wade Ashby the MMC is her boss and neighbor on the ranch. She is always full of sunshine and sass and doesn't let any man stand in her way of getting things done. Wade is the complete opposite to Ivy, he's ridiculously grumpy to everyone including his family and a little possessive later on. However, the dynamic between these two is like no other and I just loved reading their story. I binged this book in under 24 hrs and loved every minute of it.

"Let go Ivy, soak my face. Fucking suffocate me, and say my name when you do."

"Do you know what happens to little brats, Ivy?"..."They get fucked, hard."

"You're going to look so fucking pretty wearing my collar, Ivy."

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Paisley Hope and Random House Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I did not think it was going to be possible to love a book in this series anymore than the first… and then I met Wade & Ivy.

I am head over heels obsessed with this series and this book in particular had me giggling, blushing, and kicking my feet the entire time. Ivy added so much sass while Wade was so grumpy, and it truly made for the absolute best banter and chemistry! I will always love a workplace romance, so the author nailed it with this story.

I loved this book, I will reread this book, and I am counting down the days for book 3!

This was an absolutely perfect small town cowboy romance. Wade was such a grump at first and Ivy the most sunshine

This was an absolutely perfect small town cowboy romance. Wade was such a grump at first and Ivy the most sunshine

I was looking forward to reading this since I really enjoyed the first book in the series but this one was difficult to get through. Way too much spice and not enough substance. Will still plan on reading the next book in the series.

An incredible second book in the silver pines series. The spice was…off the charts good. I was fanning myself though the whole book. The tattoo…I cannot. Massive clap for not having a really big pivotal third act breakup. There was also never any miscommunication or doubt in the relationship which I loved it just felt so…adult. If there were questions they talked about it instead of leaping to conclusions.

From a character standpoint you see Ivy grow back into herself after years of doubt and second guessing. You don’t expect to see character growth from Wade, but you surprisingly do. In the first book of this series you learn he has an ex wife. Throughout this book you see him start to see that you accept the love you think you deserve not the love you actually deserve. In addition to that the moments between Wade and Ivy where he just loves her silently though his actions not his words.

Paisley Hope is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors! I adored book one in this series, and absolutely loved this book, Training the Heart. This book’s main characters are Wade Ashby and Ivy Spencer. It’s a workplace romance, Ivy is the new horse trainer at Wade’s family ranch. Wade starts out as a dominant grump while Ivy is all sunshine and sass. I loved the nicknames they had for each other and their banter which are just two of the elements of their undeniable chemistry that they share. This book is even spicier than book one, and I ate it up. The steamy scenes are so well written. Wade is such a dirty talker and it was so well done. I also thought the quiet moments that the characters shared together showcased how sweet and tender their romance could be too.

Just like Nash in the first book, Wade is top tier book boyfriend material.

I cannot wait until book three, the Silver Pines Ranch series has my heart!

If you love cowboy romances that are spicy, have a grumpy sunshine vibe, and main characters with off the charts chemistry, then this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

5 freaking stars from me



I loved the first book, but this one is top tier. I knew I would love Wade once I dived into his story. Something about a boss/employee romance that just really excites me. This one was smoking hot too 🥵🥵 Bossy Wade is definitely a new favorite book boyfriend for me. His tattoo, the scrunchies, this man deserves all the best in life. Really would love to see his ex get what's coming to her.
I really emphasized with Ivy about her ex. Verbal and mental abuse are not something to take lightly. What he had his doctor do was beyond deplorable.
I loved how we got to be back with the whole Ashby clan. This family is truly amazing. Can't wait to see Cole finally get swept off his feet.

I've read two books by this author and my review is the same for both: mostly smut - which is fine! but plot/characters not well written or captivating enough to carry me through personally. Could be a 3 or 4 star read for someone with different taste. I just wasn't charmed or compelled.

since I've given a bit of a harsh review twice I feel I should mention that I have enjoyed other western-set romance series very much! I'm not categorically the wrong audience.

Paisley DID IT AGAIN!!

Wade Ashby can do no wrong and I will take his grumpy self anytime/any day! I love Wade and Ivy individually and I am obsessed with the together. This grumpy, takes everything on as head of the ranch MMC has BDE and I am for it! Ivy is INDEPENDENT and doing her thing! She is sassy and loves pushing Wade's buttons.

You guys... this book has tension but boy when they get into it! You are not going to want to put it down!

This book was such an enjoyable read. From them trying to break their walls down and realize that they do deserve each other and can have love is perfection. The Not-Angels are there and Ginger is pushing Cole's buttons. (Can't wait for that book) Nash is still a simp for Cece, Mama Jo is still the Boss Lady and Papa Dean... this man and his filter is the best!!

Add this to your TBR as you will want to read it ASAP when released!

If you like:
Small Town
Cowboy
Grumpy x Sunshine
Lessons
No 3rd Act Break Up
Accidental Pregnancy
Workplace
Man Obsessed
Road Trip/One Bed
Strong FMC

i love this series so much!!! the first book still shined so much more than this one i feel, but it was an incredible follow up. can't wait for number three!

If you're a fan of spicy cowboy romances, Training the Heart by Paisley Hope will set your heart racing! This steamy addition to the Silver Pines series pairs a rugged, closed-off cowboy with a tenacious heroine determined to chase her dreams—no matter the obstacles. Wade Ashby is haunted by his past, focused solely on his ranch, and not interested in love…until Ivy Spencer shows up. Ivy’s got her own set of struggles, but she’s determined to succeed in training a racehorse for the Kentucky Derby, and her fierce dedication begins to chip away at Wade’s defenses.

The chemistry between Wade and Ivy is as fiery as it gets, making this a romance where the passion burns as hot as the Texas sun. Ivy’s persistence and resilience make her a perfect match for Wade, and the steamy, heart-thumping scenes between them are sure to keep readers turning pages.

Paisley Hope masterfully balances tender moments with the spice, making Training the Heart an unmissable read for fans of Elsie Silver and those who love Western romance with a serious spark. It’s a love story full of heat, healing, and undeniable attraction that will leave you wanting more!

4.5

Tropes:
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Cowboy / Rancher Hero with a FILTHY mouth
- Strong Heroine
- Forced Proximity
- Road Trip / One Bed
- Man Obsessed
- SPICE 🔥🌶️🥵

Wowwwww! I absolutely loved this book!!!

Wade hires Ivy temporarily as a horse trainer on his ranch. Things don’t start off the greatest but Ivy is so sassy and keeps Wade on his toes. They were so fun to read!

Soon their control snaps and there is no turning back. The chemistry and steam from these two. I still haven’t recovered!! Wade is a filthy talker with a dominance that is HOTTTTTTT. You think you have seen the hottest with Nash but then Wade comes in and is like challenge accepted. lol

Ivy is such a strong woman that knows her worth and with her history that’s even more admirable. Wade is a man obsessed!! The way he takes care of Ivy, but knows when to step back and let her be the bad ass she is. He takes care of her in every way. The small acts of service from this man had me melting. Seriously they are the perfect pair.

Highly recommend you read this book ASAP!!!!

I love, absolutely love everything about Ivy and Wade. Ivy is such a relatable and likable FMC, and Wade is a classic sexy grump. The smut was top tier, I think every single position, foreplay, all the things were added into this book.

There was a little of something missing for me. I needed a little tension or angst, or any reason this couple shouldn’t be together at the start. But they were just a really sexy couple that got together in a very normal sequence of events.

However, the surprise towards the end almost made up for everything. I’m a fan. Wade is just the sweetest man and I never cry but I almost cried at his tenderness 🥹 These two are just too darn cute.

I love anything that revolves around grumpy x sunshine, cowboy romances and especially some delicious slow burn.

This has all the above and more! When it was a slow burn, it was slow and torturous. But when it turned the corner into smut territory - wow! The dirty talk, that tattoo! Dang girl.

Loved the Dual POV as well. I’ve found I’m preferring dual for whatever I’m reading lately. I also have some idea of who I think the next book will be about and I’m HERE FOR IT!

An incredible follow-up to Holding The Reins. But also, this book shines all on its own!
Wade and Ivy were spectacular.👏🏼 Watching her come away from her abusive relationship and find out what love actually looks like was so sweet. And I loved Wade’s pride in watching Ivy flourish while also falling in love with her and being THE most supportive person ever.
•Grumpy/Sunshine
•He falls first
•Workplace romance
•Forced proximity

Check the trigger warnings provided.💕
Thank you to NetGalley, publisher, and author for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!

Thank you NeGalley for my ARC of Training the Heart!

The spice was spice-ing babyyyy. That mouth on Wade Ashby. HELLO SIR.

I really enjoyed this. Love a small town cowboy romance with boss/employee and one bed vibes.

"At the very least, Ivy, you need a man whose hands don't shake when he touches you."
"You got steady hands, Chief?"
"Rock fucking steady"

I can't wait for the next one. I love everyone in the family and the friend groups are fun, too.

This book was fantastic (as the first one was!) I adored every second of it. It just needs some grammar editing :)