I loved this - it’s wayyy better than the first one (which I did enjoy but it wasn’t like fabulous imo) so if you’re on the fence about continuing this series PLEASE DO!!!! Wade & ivy 4ever. It’s the whole oldest sibling with the weight of the world on their shoulder mixed with the spunky girly who is tough and not afraid to go for it that makes these two such a good pair.


Spice level = max or ✨nearly✨ there

This was such a fun and sweet cowboy romance! Wade is our grumpy rancher to our sunshine fmc.
I loved seeing him fall for for Ivy. The two just balanced each other out in a way I loved! Ivy also gave as much as she took from Wade so loved seeing her fiesty side show too! Also Wade's spicy talk! Whew!
Can't wait for the next book!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group for giving me an ARC of Training the Heart! Paisley Hope is now one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed reading Ivy's story on Silver Pines Ranch.

Special shot out to Random House Publishing Group for providing me an ARC of this book to read. You rock!

Ivy Spencer arrives at Silver Pines Ranch to cover for the horse trainer while she's on maternity leave. Recently out of an abusive relationship, she's looking to connect with the horses and do her job the best she can--even if her boss doesn't approve of her methods.

Wade Ashby is the grumpiest of grumps, and also the head of the ranch since his father passed away. He holds the weight of the world on his hands and never -- I mean NEVER -- smiles. Ivy brings chaos with her to the ranch, at his utmost annoyance (why are there scrunchies everywhere!?). But he needs her to train his star horses. Only after working closely with her does he realize how attractive he finds her. Sparks fly between the two on a night of forced proximity, but will they be able to keep it professional after that? A trip to Nashville to a horse auction pushes them to their limits.

The reluctant love between Wade and Ivy is sweet as molasses, except in the bedroom. The spice is definitely spicin' in this book! It's a slower burn so the tension between the two builds a lot which leaves for scorching scenes. I found some of the scenes repetitive, but overall I thought the book was good! I would definitely recommend the series to a friend who likes cowboy romance.

While this did keep me entertained, I wasn't overall impressed by it. There was almost too much focus on the MMC's and FMC's pasts and not enough character growth. Also, and this may be an unpopular opinion, but the sm*t was a bit too much for me. I can appreciate a few scenes, but about 40% of the way through, it was almost nothing but sexy scenes for almost another 20% of the book. It just wasn't my favorite but I liked the idea of it!

I’ve enjoyed this author’s others works, this book just wasn’t for me. It felt over-the-top, almost satirical even, in the way it was written to be “Southern.” I felt like it was making fun of the South as opposed to representing it.

The writing was not what I’d come to expect from her. I read the ARC, so some of these things may have been address prior to publishing, but there was a lot of word repetition and several misuses of expressions and colloquialisms. The story felt forced in order to include tropes/microtropes.

Disclaimer for the below: This is an assumption. Totally just something I’ve noticed being different from indie-published books.

I think this is going to be a copy/paste situation moving forward when I see this in a book. I assume this is a trad-pub deal, but in publish houses need to be so politically correct, they are forcing an emphasis on verbal consent.

This may be a controversial opinion (though I’ve spoken with many women who have the same issue with it), but I think that consent can often be given with non-verbal cues. So when we are mid-spice scene, and the MMC stops to say “is this okay, may I, are you sure, I need to hear it, use your words,” it pulls me out of the moment.

Paisley Hope has quickly become one of my favorite authors. The way she writes her books is so easy to read and always has me flipping the pages. Training The Heart is book two in the Silver Pines Ranch series and one I was super excited to read. This book centers on Ivy, the new horse trainer, and Wade, the ranch's owner.

One thing about me is that I will always enjoy a grumpy MMC, and LET ME TELL YOU, Wade was exceptional at displaying a grumpy personality. What I enjoyed was seeing how sweet he actually turned out to be under all that grumpiness for his girl, Ivy. They took the trope grumpy x sunshine to another level. This man was down bad for Ivy from day one, even though he tried to fight it as best as he could. I loved that Ivy didn't back down regardless of his personality and stood her ground throughout the entire book.

I had the best time reading this book, and I can't wait to see what's next in this series!

The second book in the Silver Pines series did not disappoint. This book follows Wade, the grumpy older brother of the Ashby clan and Ivy, the new horse trainer.

I loved how right off the bat, Ivy was not intimidated by Wade’s attitude. She gave it right back to him in the best way. It became clear pretty quickly that he was going to fall for her, especially when he started to keep her scrunchies she was leaving everywhere.

For such a grump, Wade had me swooning. Loved his only soft for her attitude and just how smitten he was right from the beginning. There were so many sweet moments that I was not expecting from him. He was such a great and stable partner for Ivy who had some of her own issues to work through. Ivy had some really great interactions with the rest of the Ashby’s and Cece’s friends that I really enjoyed.

I can’t wait to get my hands on book three of the Silver Pines series!

Cowboy romances aren't romance books I normally read, but I loved Ivy and Wade's story! 😍 When I always try a new category of romance, I always get excited when I fall for a really good story. I definitely recommend this book. I love Ivy's personality and I'm such a sucker for a grumpy mmc. I'll never get over a good grumpy x sunshine story.

No spoilers here!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Small Town Romance
- Dirty Talking Cowboy
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Man Obsessed
- Strong FMC

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the early copy!

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. This is my first book by this author and she did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this story line and the characters were very likable. This deserves a 4.5 stars. This will definitely be an auto buy author for me.

I really enjoyed this book. I love a small town romance. Wade and Ivy were so great together.
I love how Wade was a grumpy man but loved and cared so much! I liked reading about their adventures about their jobs with real situations such as infertility issues and emotionally abusive boyfriends. I can’t wait to read about Cade. Thanks netgalley for the earc

Grumpy x sunshine
Workplace romance

A veryyyyy spicy cowboy romance. Both FMC and MMC have manipulative exes so when they give in to their chemistry, they're not looking for anything serious - it's only for a fling. Until it's not. Until it's more...

This felt very similar to Holding the Reins, a lot of similar themes. And a lot of spice. Overall I enjoy Silver Pines, and the side characters are a hoot 😆

4.5 🌟

I loved being back in the Silver Pines world!!! This was such a fun, witty cowboy romance!!! 🤠 Ivy is the epitome of strength with her vulnerability and the way she carries herself through all the obstacles life has dealt her. And Wade is just incredible!! That man is the definition of loving and the way he cares for Ivy is everything a girl could ask for. We love a broody rancher who will do anything for his girl!! Their banter was absolutely hilarious and I was giggling with all the sass they gave to one another. They’re just two fierce characters who love with all their hearts and want to find that same feeling of companionship and belonging somewhere, which they luckily do find in the other 🥹 I just enjoyed every aspect of their relationship and thought their dialogue and chemistry was so enjoyable and well-written! And I loved seeing all the Ashbys again!!! I missed them so much!! I only marked the rating down a bit because the book was SO long and it didn’t have to be in my opinion (there were def parts that could’ve been cut down), but then again I still really enjoyed it 😉

OKAY AND DANG THERE WAS SO MUCH SPICE 😳🥵 THE STORYLINE WAS GREAT BUT BE PREPARED BECAUSE THERE WERE SO MANY SPICY SCENES!! And I ate them up 🤭 WAS LEFT VERY SATISFIED TO SAY THE LEAST!!! WADE BEING A QUIET AND BROODY MAN…YET IN THE BEDROOM HE’S SOMETHING ELSE 😏 I WAS BLUSHING AND KICKING MY LEGS UP IN THE AIR TOO OFTEN!! WADE ASHBY THE MAN YOU ARE!! THE “MINE” TATTOO HAD ME SHAKING 😩😩 AND WE LOVE IVY SPENCER FOR MEETING ALL HIS DEMANDS HEAD ON 🫣😮‍💨

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and Net Galley for the ARC!!

brb gonna go find my own grumpy and protective Wade Ashby now 😉

Thank you NG for an e-arc!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don't read much cowboy romance, but this was so good! I loved the tension and banter.
The scrunchies thing was so adorable!

“…And will forever separate my life into equal parts, the parts before this moment and the rest that is to come…”

Sweet and verrrrrryyyyy spicy - the perfect cowboy romance book. Wade and Ivy are such a great couple - we love a strong, independent woman and a grumpy, broody man.
Absolutely would recommend!

4.25 / 5

The second book in the Silver Pines series hits all the right notes! Ivy is a strong, determined heroine with a backstory that pulls you right in, and Wade? I may or may not have a new favorite cowboy. His quiet acts of service and steady presence make him the perfect match for Ivy. Their chemistry strikes the perfect balance between spicy and tender. I absolutely loved seeing them take care of each other in the ways they needed to be taken care of.

What really makes this book shine is how Ivy and Wade grow both individually and as a couple. The mutual respect they have for one another makes them truly special. Their journey feels so real, and the supporting characters add a lot of heart with a wonderful found-family vibe. (Shoutout Grandpa Dean. LOML.)

If you love stories with strong leads, great side characters, and a touch of heat, you won’t want to miss this one. I’m already counting down the days to the next book! 🙌✨

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read/review this book.

Give me a grumpy man with a dirty mouth any day!!
Wade Ashby is the freakin man with that mouth!

Wade Ashby takes the cake for being my favorite.
He has the filthiest mouth 🥵 and is so protective!! Paisley writes the best men. Nash and Wade are forever planted in my heart.
Ivy is the sassiest woman to give Wade a run for his money. I loved their dynamic together. If you are looking for a couple with fun banter, Ivy and Wade are it!

Let's be honest. If Paisley writes it, I will devour it. Training the Heart is the second book in the series, and we are back on Silver Pines Ranch with Ivy and Wade. From the start, Wade and Ivy are compelling characters. They are complete opposites, but they fit well together. Wade, the classic tough cowboy, gradually reveals a softer side, especially evident when he lets his guard down around Ivy. Ivy, with her bright and easygoing nature, lights up the story. She had a tough past, and it's hard not to root for her. Ivy gave Wade a run for his money and added a little chaos to his life in the best way.

Wade tried hard to fight his attraction to Ivy, but their chemistry was too strong. I loved the development of their relationship and the way they supported each other. I enjoyed their interactions, communication, laughs, and fun together. Even when Ivy teased him, it was clear how he felt for her. Wade was about action, and I am here for it! The moment they gave in to their feelings was delicious. I love a good nickname, and Wade calling Ivy "trouble" was just perfect. We got more time with the Ashby clan, and I loved every moment of their shenanigans. This book has laughter, an amazing romance, lots of heat, and is packed with emotion. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Thanks to Paisley Hope, Dell Romance, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

Wade 🥵 freaking 🥵 Ashby 🥵 just might take the cake as my new favorite book boyfriend

I cannot stop thinking about this book! It’s the second in the Silver Pines Ranch series, and it totally delivers on the grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, and cowboy romance vibes.

Wade Ashby, the brooding ranch owner, is all about control and keeping his emotions in check. Enter Ivy Spencer, a bubbly horse trainer with a passion for animals and a dream of training a racehorse for the Kentucky Derby. Their initial clashes over horse training methods are both hilarious and endearing, especially when Ivy’s optimism starts to chip away at Wade’s tough exterior.

The chemistry between Wade and Ivy is off the charts. Their banter is sharp, the tension is palpable, and when things heat up, let’s just say Ms. Hope knows how to serve us up some deliciously steamy scenes!

Beyond the romance, the book touches on themes of healing and personal growth. Both characters are dealing with past hurts—Wade with his father’s death and a failed marriage, and Ivy with a turbulent childhood and recent end of an emotionally abusive relationship. Watching them support each other and build trust is truly heartwarming.

This is an absolute must-read! The return to Silver Pines Ranch can’t come soon enough!

💜grumpy x sunshine
💜workplace
💜found family
💜small town/cowboy romance
💜spice 🌶️👌🏼
💜forced proximity
💜no third act breakup