** spoiler alert ** Rating: 3.5 stars/spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
**Review contains spoilers
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ebook.

Wowza--Paisley Hope was holding back in the 1st book, and the 2nd book was way better. Wade (our grumpy stoic angel rancher) and Ivy (sunshine incarnate) are such a good pairing, and I loved their relationship. (HE TATTOOS HIS HAND TO SAY MINE, EXCUSE ME, HAVE MERCY???) and I appreciate the clear communication and effort that their relationship had. Also a more concrete plot and character development compared to book 1--it was just easy to care about their story and get into. Banter was excellent, the spice was SPICY, and even though I'm not a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope--this was really beautiful and tender and I just stinkin' enjoyed it.

This was a fun easy read, and I'm glad I stuck it out and read book 2 (book 1 was a dud to me, sorry!). I'm ready for Cole and Ginger's story, even if Wade and Ivy, dare I say, will be impossible to beat?

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the eARC!
I loveddddd this! This was much better than the first book for me! Wade is the sweetest, best cowboy and what he’ll do for Ivy is everythinggg. He would burn the world down for her, and I’m here for it. They had absolutely sizzling chemistry, and a beautiful story. Ivy had such a rough past, and she overcame so much, it’s really beautiful how she got through it all.
The spicy scenes were top notch and THAT BONUS SCENE??? Yes PLEASE.
I loved this, and everything about it.

That was spicy as helllllll. I loved it so much . I knew Wade was gunna be daddy in the sheets but even I was surprised by how bossy that man was. Also some absolutely heart melting swoony scenes and declarations of love . I LOVED it and I’ll be wades brat any day. And that bonus chapter was perfect . I’ve also never been jealous of a scrunchy before . I love this series so much and can’t wait to read the next one. thank you sooooo much for this ARC!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book!

I was so excited for this one to hit my kindle. I enjoyed the first book in this series and liked this one even better. The main characters really balanced each other out and although it contained some tropes I typically don’t love I liked the main characters enough that I liked everything that happened to them. This is yet another small town/ cowboy romance to add to your shelf! And Wade Ashby deserves his spot in your book boyfriend list!

Training the Heart : by Paisley Hope
♾️/⭐️ 5 /🌶️

This world she has created is one of the best Wade and Ivy are a force to be reckoned with this is an emotional and steamy story that grabs your heart from the beginning. It follows Ivy, who is escaping an abusive relationship and finds herself on the doorstep of Wade, a grumpy rancher who isn’t looking to hire new help but reluctantly takes her in because he needs her skills. Wade, who has been hardened by the loss of his father and betrayed by his ex-wife, trusts no one. However, as he and Ivy begin working closely together, she starts to melt the walls he’s built around his heart, capturing a part of him he never thought he could give.

The tension between them is electric, and the sexual chemistry is absolutely amazing. Every scene is charged with intensity, and their banter keeps things light while also adding depth to their connection. Ivy pushes Wade to be better, to trust again, and to open himself up to the possibility of love. On the other hand, Wade reassures Ivy of her strength, but also lets her know he is there to protect her when she needs it.

The twist in the story comes when Ivy, after being told by her ex-boyfriend, a doctor, that she might not be able to get pregnant, finds out it could have been a lie. This revelation shakes up their relationship and the future they could have together, adding even more depth to the plot.

This is an incredible story of two people learning to love again after having their hearts tested and broken. I love how Wade, gruff and set in his ways, softens with Ivy’s presence, and how Ivy finds her own strength and healing with Wade by her side. It’s a perfect mix of heartfelt romance, sizzling heat, and the journey of two people finding their way back to love. Stay tune for Cole and Ginger story coming 2025!

Paisley Hope outdid herself with Training the Heart. This addition to the Silver Pines Ranch series was even better than the first.

Wade and Ivy will forever hold a special place in my hear. These two are the standard for a grumpy x sunshine smalltown romance.

The slow burn was so perfect for this book. These two mcs are so close and so gone for eachother before they even change to a romantic relationship. Extra points for a healthy relationship with open communication. Their chemistry is off the charts and the banter from the very beginning has you hooked.

I cannot get enough of the Ashby family scenes. We were given the Nash and CeCe updates that we all needed. The addition of seeing the Cole and Ginger friendship/flirtation will have you wait (impatiently) for their story.

Thank you, Dell Romance, Paisley Hope, and NetGalley for the e-arc.

I love a grumpy cowboy as much as the next girl, but this book fell a bit short for me. Before I get into my critiques, here’s what I did like: I will always love the found family trope, and the Ashby’s welcomed Ivy into their lives with open arms. I also loved how much of a spitfire Ivy wound up being - her spicy side really surprised me and I adored how she knew just the right ways to torment Wade. And chef Wade - the girlies (me) love a man who knows his way around a kitchen!

I think the biggest disappointment to me was the overall lack of character growth and development. Even though Ivy and Wade have struggles that run deep, they were just kind of glanced over and overcome with no real explanation or detail. It could be personal preference, but this is my favorite part of any book, so I missed this aspect quite a bit.

And while I die for some good smut, I do think the spicy scenes overpowered all of the other content in the book. Ivy and Wade’s relationship seemed very insta-lusty, despite both of them having a rocky history with romantic partners. I wanted a lot more pining and tension before the action happened.

I found myself skimming the last 15% or so of this book because one of my least favorite tropes was introduced, but I will readily admit that this is a bias I have and doesn’t have any effect on the quality of the story or writing, but it just didn’t do it for me in this instance.

Overall, I think this is an easy, enjoyable read and a great choice for anyone who is a fan of a good old fashioned grumpy cowboy with a hidden kinky side.

loved this one as well! such a sweet love story with no third act breakup, no big miscommunication, grumpy Cade Eaton-esque character, the one bed trope, "who did this to you?" vibes, and so much more!!! it's the perfect follow up to the first book.

my only complaint is this does seem a little too similar to Heartless; of course it's different, but Cade/Wade and the plot twist at the end felt a little on the nose. I'm sure it's completely unintentional, but it had me comparing the two books the entire time which is never fun.

4.5 stars! Another bingeable read from Paisley Hope! Yet again, I couldn't put this down and finished it in 24 hours. This is the second book in the series, following Wade and Ivy's love story. Wade is our grumpy, oldest brother, responsible, logical, head of the ranch MMC. Wade needs to hire a new horse trainer for the ranch and in comes Ivy. Ivy is an FMC looking to start fresh, doing what she loves-working with horses. Things get off to a bit of a bumpy start between Wade and Ivy. Wade is all no nonsense and hardened by his experience with his ex. Meanwhile Ivy is his opposite. She's full of sunshine, sass, and teasing. The book follows their workplace to friends to lovers journey.

I just really love Paisley's writing style and story lines. This book is fun, sweet, and spicyyy. And even though it is at least 3 chili peppers or more worth of spice, there was a natural progression. I liked that their was instant attraction, but there wasn't insta love. There was great banter between Wade and Ivy. They also got to know each other through both working so closely on the ranch and the way that the rest of the Ashby family had welcomed Ivy into their circle. I loved how Wade wanted to resist at first but then forced proximity changed all that!! Then really from that moment on he was swept away by Ivy. I felt like even though Wade and Ivy were opposites in a lot of ways, they did have some aspects of their pasts and upbringing that was really relatable. I think it made their relationship together feel real. I love that Paisley writes MMC who are down bad for their FMC but in a way where it doesn't seem over the top or too much. It feels natural to the couple.

Another thing I loved about this book and series: the friends group and family dynamic! There's great banter and jokes between the characters but theres also love and understanding. I think the community aspect really shines through in this series.

Highly recommend this book and series!! This was a fantastic small town, workplace to lovers, forced proximity, cowboy/rancher, book. I can't wait for Cole's book!!! I need it ASAP.

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

Gah! I loved it! Watching grumpy wade fall in love was such a fun ride. The spice in this was even better than the first! I also love the new business venture the ranch is taking on. I’m so excited to read Cole and Ginger’s story next!

Paisley, can we meet and talk over wine for how darling this dang book is? I was just so intrigued from chapter one, and could not put it down. It was so charming, so fun, and so entertaining. I loved how honest and real you made the characters, and the story was so relatable. It should be made into a sweet movie! Highly recommend reading friends. You will not be disappointed.

I enjoyed Paisley Hope's first book of this series and even noted that its heavy world building reminded me of the TWNGO series. I do still think the series' could be comparable, however I had a harder time getting into Training the Heart than I did Holding the Reins. I think this book started rather abruptly with basically no back story given, which made me immediately conclude that is probably necessary to read the first book before you read this one.

There were times I felt like it dragged and times I felt like it rushed. I found myself skimming a little bit in the middle. I did find the pregnancy rather predictable and immediately clocked that the ex probably had a part in the lie about her fertility. At the end of the day, I know it is a romance book and with that comes an increased element of predictability, so I can look past that.

Though I struggled through this one more-so than the first, I still think there will be people who really enjoy it and I will certainly recommend to those I think would fit in that category. I will definitely still read the future books of this series.

Thank you to Paisley and Random House - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Paisley Hope gave us another addicting book with Book 2 of the Solver Pines series . Ivy and Wade are both getting out of emotional abusive relationships and feeling the weight of family responsibilities . They are both trying to find themselves and chase their dreams in both the equestrian and ranching world. Their love story is hard to put down! It delivers on the romance while delivering on both character and plot development. The epilogues are perfection and I can’t wait to go back to Silver Pines!

i loved the first book in the silver pines series and was so happy to receive this. this was SO good. i could not put it down. i binged it!!!! ivy is sassy, hardworking, and goes after what she wants. wade is stubborn, caring, and has a good heart. these two FIT together and work so well i’m obsessed. their banter had me giggling and smiling the entire time.

this is a workplace romance with grumpy x sunshine with short chapters and dual pov. it is also an open door romance with some heavy topics (check tw). i adore the found family aspect and cannot wait to read the next one.

4 stars- I really enjoyed diving back into the Ashby family world! I flew through this book. I liked the growth in the relationship between Ivy and Wade and their banter. I really like Ivy's personality. I loved the found family aspect in this book like the last one. I like how there was no third act breakup. I hope the the next book is about Cole!

Thank you to NetGalley, Paisley Hope, and the publisher for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.5 stars

So far this is my favorite story. I enjoyed the first couple but there is something special about Wade and Ivy. They complement each other so well. I enjoy a contemporary romance even more when there are relatable discussions. Just note that there are conversations on emotional abuse, alcoholism, loss of a parent, and fertility.

✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Workplace romance
✨Protective and Bossy MMC
✨Strong and Sassy FMC
✨No third-act breakup
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ok I loved it, just like I knew I would. No surprise, not shocked, but most certainly happy!

Where to even start? This book was so good, I forgot that I am, indeed, not a true country gal. From the first book, I said as a lady of the south that I loved this book, but guys, this is the REAL side of country I want to be. Ugh, where are all of the Wade Ashby's? Am I just looking over them? Because let me tell you, not only does this man know his way around a ranch, the mouth on him? Mmhmm, thank you very much!

My ONLY thing is that I didn't ask for the check yet, so why did this book end? I was not ready for my spicy book to be over. However, the epilogues were so darn cute ☺️

Training the Heart is book 2 in the Silver Pines Ranch series by Paisley Hope. This one is about Wade Ashby, the grumpy rancher who has taken over his family business since his father passed away, is currently going through a divorce and feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. And Ivy Spencer, the sassy trainer with the tough past who comes to work on the ranch and turns Wade’s world upside down.

Just like book 1 in this series, I devoured Training the Heart in one day! This super steamy cowboy romance was a fun read with lots of banter, a hilarious girl gang and unforgettable family moments. But it also has themes of abuse, alcoholism, grief and fertility struggles. I am absolutely loving this series! Can’t wait for book 3!

Read this one if you love:
-cowboy romance
-small town romance
-grumpy x sunshine
-forced proximity
-boss x employee
-lots of banter
-lots of chemistry
-super spicy
-dual POV

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read an ARC of Training the Heart in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Holding the Reins was such a great read so I knew book 2 would deliver and it absolutely did!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wade is the grumpy one in the Ashby family. Recently divorced and running his family ranch, he has too much on his plate to make friends or have fun. But when he hires a temporary trainer, Ivy, he can’t help but let loose a little around her. After Ivy gets injured and has to stay with wade for a week they develop a fast friendship. And once they take a weekend roadtrip for work, that friendship develops into even more. I loved how much Ivy and Wade had in common and how even though they seemed opposite in personality, they made the perfect pair. This book had me laughing out loud one chapter and crying the next. I loved every bit of it!

I’m really enjoying this series so far. Wade and Ivy had their little set up in the first book, so I knew I wanted to read this one. And it didn’t disappoint. Wade was such a dream guy, and I loved seeing Ivy get everything she ever wanted. Now I cannot wait for Cole and Ginger to finally get it together in the third book.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.