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.

Thank you for a copy in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely LOVE the Silver Pines Ranch series! The first book was great and this book, the second in the series, is just as great! Wade is so grouchy and hard headed and handsome as hell! Ivy is new to town working on the family ranch training horses. She is full of sass and sunshine making Wade go crazy! Wade can't deny how pretty Ivy is and how she is the only one that gets under his skin and who his family takes in like one of their own. This is spicy, funny, and gave me all the girly giggles and blushes!

This book seriously got me hooked! Broody and grumpy MMC and a spit fire FMC.

I loved Nash and CeCe but I'm HERE FOR Wade and Ivy! Their banter, their heat between the two, them as a whole is just what I needed :)

Reading this made me laugh. It made me yell at the book. It made me blush a bit too ;)

Super excited to read the third in the series!

Training the Heart by Paisley Hope is the second in this cowboy romance series focused on the Ashby family and their horse ranch in Kentucky. This second story focuses on older brother Wade Ashby and his new horse trainer, Ivy Spencer. It is steamy, spicy, and jam packed full of explicit content. I loved the story but the writing was much rougher than it was for the first novel of the series.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this e-galley.

This was honestly pretty much an exact copy & paste of the first book. Heartbroken FMC also grieving the loss of her dad flees to a small town and falls for her boss. You have grumpy sunshine & workplace romance. The only difference between the love stories is that Wade isn’t the best friend’s brother.

The same cringey sexual terminology was also present. In this case, Ivy refers to his junk as a “city bus.” Nothing about that is sexy, sorry. And the ending was predictable with a trope that just isn’t my favorite.

I did enjoy the references to the Fast & Furious franchise though & the whole scrunchie thing.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Training the Heart by Paisley Hope is an emotionally resonant and inspiring story that explores themes of personal growth, healing, and the transformative power of love. The novel follows the journey of a protagonist who is learning to navigate life's challenges while opening her heart to new experiences and relationships.

Hope's writing is heartfelt and insightful, with well-developed characters that feel authentic and relatable. The book balances introspection with moments of warmth and connection, creating a moving narrative that speaks to the human experience. It's a story of overcoming past wounds and embracing vulnerability, making it both uplifting and thought-provoking.

Overall, Training the Heart is a touching and empowering read that will appeal to those looking for a story about emotional healing and self-discovery. It's a gentle reminder of the power of love and resilience.

Paisley Hope has done it again. Grumpy cowboys always do it for me. This a spicy filled romance that'll make you wish you had a Wade for yourself.

Training the Heart 🐎
Paisley Hope

"Before Ivy, I was only existing day to day, going through the motions, I wasn’t living, she’s my missing piece. There’s nothing more I could ever possibly want or need than these simple moments with her. A life with her. Ivy’s weaved her way into the threads of my heart, she’s been training it this whole time without me even realizing it." 💜

I have decided that Paisley Hope knows how to write a good man. I am weak for a mmc who takes care of his girl. This is such an amazing sunshine x grumpy small town romance with plenty of heart and spice to spare. I adored the first book in the series but this one may be my favorite.

I definitely plan to visit Silver Pines Ranch again and again and I am looking forward to the next book, Riding the High that releases in May.

I listened to both books in the series in audio which is a new guilty pleasure of mine.

Save a Horse, Babe. 🤠

#PaisleyHope #SilverPinesRanch #TrainingTheHeart #SmallTownRomance #CowboyRomanceEra #BookStagram #BookDragon

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a refreshing and captivating experience, and I found the writing to be both engaging and accessible. The story flowed smoothly, making it easy to stay connected to the plot and characters without feeling lost or overwhelmed. The author struck a perfect balance, keeping things interesting while still making the content feel approachable. Overall, it was a wonderful read, and I would definitely recommend it to others who are looking for an enjoyable and easy-to-digest book.

She’s chaos and he’s control, but it doesn’t take long for the levee to break and their passion to ignite.

I absolutely loved this book! The tension, the banter, the sweet gestures, and stolen glances; everything about it was so good.

Wade and Ivy not only are hot when it comes to the bedroom or wherever else they get their hands on each other but also are so incredibly emotionally connected. I love their chemistry so much and was even tearing up at some of the happy moments in this book.

Ivy, the FMC, is so easy to love with her fun antics and sassy *cough* bratty personality she always felt like a whirlwind coming through. This book of course didn't leave Ivy without depth though, as we see her struggle from past relationships and family issues that made me connect more with her and allowed for her emotional connection with Wade to blossom beyond the physical.

“Fuck me as hard as you want. But, Wade, you’ll never fuck the sass out of me,”

Wade, the MMC, is a broody sad boy at the start of this book. Working overtime staying in his lane after dealing with divorce. I loved seeing how much his character changes when he starts to accept Ivy into his life. This man showed up with the filthiest mouth and proves that the quiet ones are really the hottest.

“You’re going to look so fucking pretty wearing my collar, Ivy.”

If you love a broody cowboy with delicious dom vibes and a bratty FMC who can hold her own this book nails it.

“I’m fucking home inside you, Ivy,” I whisper as I fill her as deeply as I can. “That’s good Wade,” she says in a breathy moan. “because I never knew home until I found you.”

Thank you Netgallery and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was everything that I could have wanted. Holding the Reins (book one) was AMAZING. Nash Carter was an amazing book boyfriend that was equal parts swoony and sinful. With Training the Heart, Paisley Hope basically said “hold my beer” and gave readers Wade Ashby.

Wade is the definition of a grumpy cowboy who has some serious walls put up in his life (even though he will not admit it) and Ivy is the picture of sunshine who just sits there chipping away at those walls. Ivy does not let Wade get to her with his sarcastic comments, dishing it right back to him. She also gets under his skin in a way that eventually breaks those walls altogether.

Wade is so protective and obsessive over Ivy that the readers just can not help but swoon. But when that man opens his mouth in the bed room…..PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Why is a grumpy rancher obsessed with his employee exactly what I needed?

This was even better than the first book. I absolutely loved how tenderly Wade takes care of Ivy—he’s constantly protecting and supporting her in every way. The family dynamics in this series are also such a highlight for me. The Ashbys have my heart. 💜

“Mercy.”

This one was HOT 🥵 If you’re a fan of Elsie Silver or Lyla Sage and you’re looking for a cowboy romance with more spice, you need to pick up this series.

This book also has a surprise twist 👶🏼🤰🏻 at the very end, which I think was so well done in this book. Given Ivy’s story, I didn’t mind it at all—it actually felt like the perfect way to tie everything together.

Tropes I loved:
🐴 grumpy x sunshine
🐴 one bed
🐴 man obsessed
🐴 hand necklace 😉

Rating:
⭐️ 4.5 rounded up
🌶️ 4 on the spice scale

I am obsessed with Ginger and can’t wait for her story next. Huge congrats to Paisley—ever since I discovered her books, I’ve been hooked!

Thank you to Random House for the eARC and this amazing opportunity. Training the Heart comes out on December 31, the perfect book to start the new year. Preorder it now and don’t miss out on Ivy and Wade’s story! 🪻 🐎 💜

I love love loved this story! I bought it for myself when it came out and sprayed the edges. I cannot wait to read the next one! Thank you so much for this opportunity