Huge thanks to NetGalley & Random House for an e-Arc copy of Training the Heart by Paisley Hope.

3 stars. No thoughts, just vibes.

This is the second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series. We follow Wade and Ivy in this story, with Ivy being the new trainee at the ranch. I really liked both of the main characters and the group of friends/found family. Ivy and Wade both experienced trauma from previous relationships and it makes them a bit hesitant to trust but they slowly grow to trust each other and be there for one another.

Wade was an absolute joy. He was grumpy but sweet, had a filthy mouth and adored Ivy, what more could you want.

The story was short & spicy, however the dialog was repetitive at times and cringy. The word giggling/giggles was used 58 times!

Thank you netgalley and random house for sending me this arc, I am feral for wade ashby and this series! Paisley Hope just knows how to write these Ashby men and the banter was top tier. I was sucked in from the dedication and couldn’t stop. He’s a grumpy sunshine and a big ol softie. Ivy is a spitfire and I adored her. Together I loved them and the way they communicated. I loved that we got to see glimpses of Nash and CeeCee along with all the other characters. And the spice was even spicer in this book and I wasn’t mad about it! This has become my fav series and I can’t wait for ginger and coles story! 5 ⭐️

Oh my goodness Wade Ashby is a man of many words…. and made me feel many, many emotions. I DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!! The emotions, the storyline, the steamy scenes, the passion, the bickering, the small town vibes.. there are so many amazing things that come along with this book. This was my first read from this author but I was hooked. I will be going back to read the first of the series and I will definitely be reading the rest to come. I want to send some praise to Ivy’s character. No matter what challenges she has faced in her past along with her own internal battles she consistently was a power house and held her own. Such a powerful woman.. the connection with Wade and Ivy was so natural and the build up… y’all NEED TO READ THIS.

The only thing I feel could’ve improved was a slightly bit more plot to make it even out the amount of spice but I’ll just tell you guys the spice scenes are PHENOMENAL. This was seriously so good..

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

I was so excited to receive this ARC after being on Paisleys original team before her books got bought. And boy - is it a good thing.

I absolutely loved Ivy and what she brought to Wade. Now, the only thing I have problems with is the name Wade. Cause in what way is Wade sexy?

Anyway, some of these scenes were straight up porn - and I have 0 problems with that. They were wonderfully entertaining and HOT.

I’m always going to love a cowboy romance, and after Holding the Reins I was so excited for Ivy and Wade’s story! Paisley Hope you did NOT disappoint!!!! This had all of the elements I love in a cowboy romance, with the found family, ranch life, and all-around incredible characters while also having conversation surrounding emotionally abusive relationships, self-love, healing, infertility, and finding a partner who lifts you up for who you are. Wade Ashby, I’m gonna need a UPS delivery of a carbon copy immediately because you’re joking????? This was such a fun and impactful read, with spice that truly made me BLUUUUUSH in the Barnes and Noble Café!!! Don’t even get me started on the epilogue!!!

OMG yall- I had been intrigued by Wade when reading Holding the Reins, but I was not prepared for him in the least. He literally transformed in the duration of this book. He was this grump that had the responsibility of the world on his shoulders. He had a failed marriage behind his back. He had his horse trainer going out of maternity leave and then Ivy showed up. The literaly clutz that was a ray of sunshine. His complete opposite. Reading Wade do everything in his power to fight this draw to her was EPIC! I was at the edge of my seat. I found myself wanting to continue reading to finally be able to experience the moment he caved. But it was endearing to watch their relationship bud. Wade is a protector and loyal and once you are in his inner circle it takes A LOT for you to get thrown out. But reading about his family commenting on him smiling more and being like his old self was just so gratifying! And then we have Ivy over here who is literally faking it til she makes it. This woman was on the bad side of an emotionally abusive relationship and showed up at this ranch acting like she knew everything. She knew enough to be dangerous and then getting Wade's trust and his belief behind her made them an incredible team. Watching her attraction to him from the background come full circle was also amazing. I LOVED their chemistry. I LOVED the fact that after they had their night there was no what did we do but more like I want to do this every night. They were both all in without discussing it. I LOVED how they made each the best versions of themselves and helped each other see their full potential. I LOVED Wade getting tatted for Ivy without them having any sort of convo about what they were to each other. These two SHOWED how they felt with how they acted. They showed up for each other time and time again and man was their spice next level. Paisley I am on to you HAHA.

Ivy is hoping and praying that her ex Brad is going to get the hint that they are done now that she is gone. She is going to be the horse trainer at Silver Pines while theirs is on maternity leave. She has her own way of doing things. She is all about connecting with the horses on a deeper level vs just telling them how it is. She doesn't know is this technique is going to work with her new boss Wade Ashby. The literal hottest cowboy/man/being she has ever encountered. And man do they get along like oil and water. He is old school and seems to be set in his ways, but she is here to work alongside him and show him that her ways can work too. What she doesn't expect is for him to show up and help her in the biggest way when she gets hurt. She finds herself sleeping in his cabin. Waking up to post it notes on how to work everything in his place. Waking up in the middle of the night watching action movies and eating ice cream with him. She finds herself connecting with him in a way she hasn't in a long time. She finds herself clicking with his whole family. They keep fighting this push and pull between them. She knows he is her boss and that is the line right?? But then they go to Nashville for a weekend and all bets are off. She can't fight it anymore. She knows it. He knows it. And then what they share is beyond explosive. She is ruined for all other men. She finds herself with no regrets. She finds herself falling for him hard and fast. He makes her feel things she hasn't felt before. He worships her body and mind. He honors her as an employee and respects that line when they are working but he also pushes her and shows her he believes in her. And when he lets his family know that they are thing, she is beyond ecstatic because Wade is nothing if not private. But then her past comes back to haunt her and she freaks out. What if she can't give him what he wants. What if what is happening is all a mistake. But of course Wade steps in and helps her see that they are in fact meant to be and that she is HIS!

Wade wants to say no immediately to Ivy. She was ten minutes late to her interview. She is too beautiful to be on his ranch. She is going to be a distraction to everyone but of course not him. He doesn't have time for distractions but somehow her she is- working for him and bringing all of her non traditional ways to work with the horses. He can't help himself but be drawn to her. She is literal sunshine in his dark cloud of a life right now. He keeps fighting this thing between them though. She is his employee for goodness sake. But then she gets hurt and he offers to help her recoup. Now they are roommates and he doesn't understand why he allowed this torture to happen. They are watching actions movies together and hanging out like an old married couple. If there is silence between them it doesn't feel awkward or forced but natural. Still though there is a line but then they kiss. And even though they get interrupted, he can't stop thinking about it. So when she walks in on him in a compromising position, they are all over each other. They have an unforgettable night together and things just progress from there. He has no regrets. He may not be big on words but he is big on action. So he shows her how he cares with his actions. He gets tatted. He worships her body and mind. He listens to her experience with her ex. He is there for her when she needs it. Who cares what other people think? It's him and her now. But then she freaks and he doesn't know how to help her. He might now know all the answers but he knows one thing- he isn't letting her go because all he sees in the future is her.

I absolutely loved this. As I said, Wade had a big transformation in this but so did Ivy. Our girl was broken but put on a front that all was well. Wade helped her get mended back together. He helped her see her true value. He helped her fix relationships in her life that needed fixing. He was there when she didn't even know she needed him. And then she helped Wade lower his walls. She helped the old Wade come back to surface. I felt so much reading this- I laughed out loud. I was on the edge of my seat. I was swooning with Ivy at the description of Wade in a towel. I was in awe of how Wade treated Ivy. I loved the found family aspect and I legit CAN'T wait to read Ginger and Cole. I have a feeling there is more going on behind the scenes than we know and can't WAIT until things finally happen between these two!! I can't recommend this series enough- I really loved Nash and CeCe but Ivy and Wade took it to a whole other level!

Thank you to NetGalley and Paisley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

One thing about me? If Paisley Hope writes it, I am going to read it. Training The Heart is literally so freaking good and my new favorite Paisley book!! I mean how can you go wrong with a grumpy mmc?? You can't.

Wade Ashby is looking to fill the spot of new head horse trainer at his ranch. What he didn't know was the raven haired, spicy book-loving, spitfire, Ivy Spencer, would turn his life upside down. He's her boss and absolutely off-limits. Until an accident happens and she is now living in his house.. and he kinda likes it. hehe

I loved this book so much. I love a grumpy man and he's literally perfect. Their banter was amazing and I loved every moment.

5/5 stars
3/5 spice

-workplace romance
-boss x employee
-forced proximity
-grumpy x sunshine
-small town romance
-"who hurt you"
-"I didn't have anywhere else to go"

Wade Ashby... the man that you are. Is it hot in here?!

I am truly blown away by this story. Training The Heart was the perfect second installment of the Silver Pines Ranch series. Ivy and Wade's dynamic was absolutely phenomenal as they perfectly toed the line between sexy and sweet, creating the perfect story.

Wade's gruff personality was beautifully challenged by Ivy's happy, and upbeat demeanor, resulting in the grumpy X sunshine dynamic that we all love too well and why it's one of my absolute favorite dynamics and trope. The way Paisley brought the spice in this story and added more throughout, but was still able to drive forward an incredibly deep connection between the two of them shows the kind of writer she is and why I can't get enough.

When reading, there's times when you find one lead will stand out over the other, or you'll love more than the other, but this is not the case for Ivy and Wade. And typically in Paisley's books, I have found myself loving both lead equally. They were each incredible in their own ways leading me to have a deep love and affection for both of them by the end of the story. Watching them find their happily ever after was so rewarding.

I'm not sure I will ever recover from Wade Ashby...that mouth, his new found love for scrunchies, and the way he loves. I absolutely fell in love with Silver Pines Ranch while reading Holding the Reins and it only continued during Training the Heart and beyond ready for Riding the High for Cole and Ginger's story.

Thank you so much @authorpaisleyhope @dellromance and @netgalley for the ebook in advance of my honest review.

Recommended to...  
Cowboy romance readers who want alllll the spice.

“It’s like he’s training me to crave him, to beg for him. If that is his plan, it’s working. I’ve never wanted anything more.”

Review Title & Vibes:
Paisley kicked up the spice a few notches with this grumpy secretly obsessed cowboy Wade Ashby. He’s always in control and taking care of his family legacy… enter Ivy Spencer - the gorgeous raven haired sweet and sassy horse trainer.

Their respective exes left both Wade and Ivy on defense and in denial of the chemistry between them. But throw in some forced proximity, a road trip, and attention from potential competition - and you have a spice explosion.

I love the found family (the Ashby family can adopt me anytime), Wyatt’s fierce protectiveness without stifling Ivy’s strength, the girl gang, the emotional surprise twist… I was slightly unprepared for the amount do spice… don’t get me wrong, I love a dirty talking cowboy paired with a sassy spitfire… they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
Prepare yourself for their obsession.

I’ll be over here (not so) patiently waiting for Cole and Ginger’s story!

Rating: 4⭐️ | Spice: 4🌶️
What to Expect:
Workplace Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Road Trip/One Bed
Surprise… Twist
Spice, spice, and more spice.

Thank you to the publisher and Ballentine for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!!

I really loved the first book and enjoyed these characters a lot. This family makes me very happy, and I love spending time at Silver Pines Lake, I am so excited for Cole & Ginger's book. Ivy and Wade are one of my favorite couples, this book is incredibly spicy and the cover is stunning. Ivy is relatable fun and headstrong and Wade only cracks smiles around her it was very cute and I enjoyed every second of this book <33333

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
I enjoyed this book so much. I knew when I read book one that I couldn’t wait to get to know Wade and see who would get under his skin and I was not disappointed! There were a couple things that just kept it shy of 5 stars for me. It felt a little bit long in the middle, I would’ve liked to see more of the pregnancy and such. And (I can’t believe I’m gonna say this) I think it had too much sex haha. I think 1-2 less scenes and more character development scenes would’ve balanced it out better. All in all I still very much enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment!

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved every part of it. I find the horse training/derby aspect a unique take on a “cowboy romance.” The Ashby family is a joy to read about—Pop is hilarious. The spice is out of this world! Wade Ashby is definitely a new book boyfriend. The way grief, abuse, and trauma are talked about makes them easier to absorb and understand. This was a 5 star read for me. Loved it. Can’t wait for Colt & Ginger.

4.25⭐️ Paisley Hope has become one of my favorite authors! I have read all 3 of her books and have loved every single one.

She knows how to write some dirty talking men who come off grumpy but are actually so caring. The spice is also always so hot 🥵 This is the second book in the Silver Pines series and was so excited to get to read Ivy and Wade’s story. Both books in this series had me laughing out loud on page one.

Ivy is the new horse training for Wade’s ranch and she is pure sunshine, while Wade is extremely grumpy. They both have some trust issues due to their terrible ex’s and seeing them open up was so sweet. I absolutely love the friend group in these books, they have me laughing constantly.

I just love this cowboy romance series so much and can’t wait to read Ginger and Cole’s book when it comes out!

Thank you netgalley and Penguin Random House-Ballentine for the arc!

*review posted on goodreads + TikTok*

Training the Heart

“You never need to be afraid of him again. I would never let him hurt you.”

“ I dont need to be your hero, you already you own fucking hero.”

Tropes:
Grumpy X sunshine
On bed
Work relations
Mental abuse
Millionaire
Short chapters

It contains scenes of very explicit intimate relationships in more than one chapter.

After his separation of several years with the woman he thought he loved and the death of his father Wade has to take care of the family business. Ivy is looking for a job although the interview was not very good. Ivy loves to listen to romance audiobooks that attract a lot of attention, after she went through a toxic relationship that made her suffer a lot and now with financial problems she decided to move to Silver Pines to fulfill her dream of training racehorses and start over. new.

It doesn't take long for opposites to attract and come together in a mess of sex. From the first page you could feel the great attraction that the characters have, they went through a path of getting to know each other that I really liked. They have a good chemistry that keeps me excited all the time. I really liked all the characters except Ivy's ex-boyfriend who had her under control. I sensed everything that was going to happen and I didn't like that and it explains a lot without need, there are more mental thoughts and descriptions than dialogues.

4 stars

There was a lot to like in this book and I definitely liked it more that the first boo, less cringey dialogue and less “throw every trope at the wall and see what sticks”. I loved the relationship between Ivy and Wade and how Wade showed his care through the things he did for Ivy. I really enjoyed their dynamic and the spice was SPICIN”! However, while the spice had some great scenes, there was SO MUCH. The book was so long because of just how much and long the scenes were. At some point, it’s just too much like we get it, y’all be banging. I will say, I did hate the little surprise trope near the end myself, it felt right for the story and the couple.

I hate to say this but Ginger drove me a little crazy in this book. She’s very much Samantha from Sex and the City coded and at times it’s just a bit too much? I know the next book is hers so I’m hoping that this version of her is some sort of front that breaks down in her own story because I don’t think I’ll like her otherwise.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Really enjoyed the first and love the build-up of this sequel. Characters are great. Plot was promising and intriguing, could be refined a bit more. Romance was a balance of emotional and soft! This was a beautiful book! Now book 3 when?!

The spice in this book delivered at every turn. Whew mama! However, I feel like this could have been such an epic and emotional storyline. It has all the components: crappy manipulative exes, grumpy sunshine, workplace, family drama, and emotional twists. For me, these weren't flushed out enough or done as thoroughly. I don't want to give spoilers, but for example Ivy has a narcissistic and manipulative ex and he does come around and harass her etc but it didn't feel as compelling as with CeCe's ex in book one. And the stuff with her mom was nice. We love a good full circle moment. Everything felt a little rushed to me

All that said, I still had a great time and am looking forward to book 3! Cole and feisty Ginger? Gimme it!
3.5⭐ rounded to 4

Training the Heart by Paisley Hope

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 4/5

This was one of my most anticipated reads of this month and I was definitely not disappointed!

Training the heart had everything that I love in a romance novel. It was sweet, spicy and had the best character development for both Ivy and Wade. Their chemistry was off the charts from the start, and it was great to see Wade warm up to her as time passed. The found family aspect in this ✨chefs kiss✨ as well. The Ashby’s are the sweetest family, and I loved the way they took her in and embraced her from the get go.

Their slow burn was written so well, leading up to probably the hottest contemporary romance I’ve read in a while. Wade’s mouth. Oof 😮‍💨😩

But aside from that, this book was everything! Wade and Ivy working through all their problems with grief from what they went through and learning what it’s like to truly be loved was one of my favorite parts.

holy crap this book was so so good!! i absolutely ate this up!! wade ashby the man that you are, i absolutely loved him!! ivy and wade were honestly everything that i could ever hope for in a cowboy small town romance. their romance and story was everything, i loved their friendship and watch their romance develop throughout this story. i loved everything about this and i am so thankful to have had the opportunity to read this before it comes out. because you're definitely going to want to get your hands on this when it comes out on december 31.

4.5 stars rounded up

I am obsessed with paisley hope and the amazing men she writes. I have been reading a lot of cowboy romances lately and the silver springs series is top tier! I highly recommend this series for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage. The character development is amazing, as well as the tension, banter and spice. I can’t wait to read Cole and Ginger’s book next they have been some of my favorite characters throughout the series.