This is a good book. The two main characters are Ivy and Wade. There is an instant attraction when they meet. Wade runs the family’s ranch, he has an opening for a horse trainer. Ivy applies for the job and Wade hires her. They decided to but a horse and train it for the Kentucky Derby. They start secretly dating. They fall in love.

This writing style is just not for me. I loved the tropes, but I did not feel connected to the characters and did not root for them. I wish they had kept my interest, because I love a good small town/ cowboy situation. This one just missed the mark for me.

This one was a great time, watching two scorned people find themselves while falling for one another. Wade is the main operation manager of Silver Pines Ranch and while his horse trainer is out on leave, he needs to find a replacement. Ivy is exactly what Wade needs, a spitfire of a woman who knows how to ride and train horses like no other. When they start working together, the mutual pining soon follows. When lines blur while away for a work event to pick a new horse, things won’t be the same for Wade or Ivy, even if they claim it’s for one night only.

—-

Wade is a cowboy dream. Getting to see him pine for Ivy, defend her against her terrible ex, and take care of her when she sprains her ankle. My word was he a wet dream. When things heat up for the two, they are hot, hot, hot. They definitely have good bed chem and it shows. So much so that the amount of sex scenes got a bit repetitive. The story was so centered around their relationship dynamics, I honestly could’ve used more ranch visuals. Yes we saw them training a horse, but I wish we could’ve seen more of Wade turning the ranch into his dream of a resort too. Towards the end, the timeline got a bit jumpy for my taste. We could’ve gotten more of those interactions and less sexual encounters. Overall, they had great chemistry, but again, could’ve been developed more. I did enjoy seeing Wade’s family take Ivy in as one of their own. I would definitely be interested in continuing in the series.

*Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review.*

I was intrigued by Wade while reading Holding the Reins and was excited to get into his book! Training the Heart also has shorter chapters which I just love. The tension and banter between Ivy and Wade was great and I was living for the spice! I’m excited to dive into Riding the High next!

Paisley Hope can do no wrong!! I adore this series.. and Wade and Ivy are the perfect "grumpy/Sunshine" pair. If you are a fan of cowboy romance I definitely reccomend this series (Silver Pines Ranch)!!

A perfect cowboy romance that truly caught me by surprise! This was my first time reading a Paisley Hope book and definitely won’t be my last! Such a cute romance that had me swooning.

Title: Training the Heart
Author: Paisley Hope
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25/5)

Paisley Hope delivered with Training the Heart! This book was everything I love in a romance—grumpy sunshine perfection, undeniable chemistry, and the hot spice. Wade is the grumpiest, most emotionally constipated cowboy, but the way he turns into a total softie around Ivy? Swoon. The man dries her hair. DRIES. HER. HAIR. I was gone.

Wade and Ivy have amazing chemistry and you can practically feel it through the pages. Their banter, their tension, and yes, the smut, it was all done so well. It felt natural and intimate, not just thrown in for heat’s sake. Ivy’s lightness balances Wade’s moodiness perfectly, and their dynamic kept me hooked from the start.

And as someone from Kentucky, I loved the setting because it felt real and warm, not just used for aesthetic. Small-town romance with heart, heat, and a cowboy who slowly falls apart for his girl? Sign me up again and again.

Book 1, Holding the Reins, was great...but Training the Heart is better! I can't wait to read the other books in this series, Paisley's writing just keeps getting better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for the ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

As much as I loved Holding the Reins. I love this one just a little more. Cannot get enough of Wade. And that scrunchie scene omg! When I tell you my jaw dropped. That through me in a spiral. Was not expecting that and loved it all the same.

In all seriousness. I loved the message of finding yourself and love again after being hurt by past relationships. Even when you don’t want to be in a serious relationship because of the change of getting hurt all over again.

I can’t wait to read book two. I am here for the banter I know we will have with Cole and Ginger.

Absolutely love this book and the series. You have all the great tropes from forced proximity to cowboys. K love how the series just keep continuing

💖🐾 Book Review: Training the Heart by Paisley Hope 🐾💖

A charming, heartwarming romance full of second chances, healing, and adorable pups! Training the Heart is a feel-good story that beautifully explores love, trust, and the courage to open your heart again.

What it’s about:
When dog trainer Lucy crosses paths with former firefighter and single dad Max, sparks fly—but so do the challenges of past wounds and new beginnings. As they work together to train some very special pups, they discover that sometimes the best relationships require patience, trust, and a little bit of love.

Tropes You’ll Love:
🐶 Small-town romance
👨‍👧 Single dad
💞 Second chance romance
✨ Healing & personal growth
🐕 Puppy love & warmhearted moments

Paisley Hope’s gentle storytelling and lovable characters make Training the Heart a perfect cozy read for anyone who believes in the power of love and redemption.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#TrainingTheHeart #PaisleyHope #SmallTownRomance #SecondChanceLove #SingleDadRomance #DogLovers #FeelGoodReads #Bookstagram #BookReview

DNF @ 80%. I can’t be bothered to finish. I’ve gotten what I needed out of it and I’m ready to move on.

The problem with Paisley’s books is she has way too much spice. It’s repetitive and boring. If she cut some of it out, the stories would be so much better.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
🩵Small Town
🩵Grumpy x Sunshine
🩵Only One Bed
🩵Man Obsessed (but in denial)
🩵Spicy Lessons

This whole series has been amazing but I think this one is definitely my favorite! Wade and Ivy just stole my heart from the beginning and watching their love story unfold was such a great ride! Grumpy x Sunshine will always be a favorite trope of mine and it's done so well in Training The Heart! And the spice is so damn good 🔥 If you love small town romance, don't miss out on this book or series!

Holy smokes this is a spicy one! This series is so fun and I love the continuation!! The slow nights, the want and desire, the finally going through with it, forced proximity. All the things you could want

In Paisley Hope's Training the Heart, the main characters are Wade Ashby, a gruff and stoic ranch owner, and Ivy Spencer, a determined and sunshine-like horse trainer. Wade, known for his control and emotional distance, is a man haunted by past losses and absolutely determined not to let anyone get too close. Ivy, carrying her own quiet traumas, arrives at his ranch with a dream: to train a horse for the Kentucky Derby. What neither expects is how deeply they’ll challenge—and change—each other.

This book is grumpy x sunshine at its absolute best. Wade is the ultimate brooding hero, fighting tooth and nail against the feelings Ivy stirs in him. His inner conflict is raw and real, and every crack in his tough exterior feels like a small triumph. Ivy, on the other hand, is radiant, persistent, and refreshingly grounded. She's no manic pixie dream girl—she's a woman with grit, healing, and hope in equal measure.

Their dynamic is electric. The romantic tension? Off the charts. Paisley Hope masterfully builds the slow burn, layering each interaction with emotional depth, sharp banter, and just the right amount of tenderness. And the stakes—both emotional and literal—keep the pages flying.

If you love stories where opposites not only attract but heal each other, Training the Heart is a must-read. It’s heartfelt, sexy, and unputdownable—a romance that truly earns its happily ever after.

I absolutely loved this book! I adored Holding the Reins and when we got our first glimpse of Wade and Ivy at the end of that book, I knew they were going to be great together. The pacing kept me hooked, I loved seeing their relationship develop over the course of the book, and of course the spice was delicious. Silver Pines has quickly become my favorite small town cowboy romance series, and I am constantly recommending it to my bookish friends.

Okay, Training the Heart completely stole my heart! I was obsessed with this book. From the moment I started, I couldn't put it down. Paisley Hope did an incredible job at creating the perfect mix of heart, tension, and oh my god, the chemistry!

The male lead? Absolutely brutal in the best way possible. He’s intense, commanding, and the kind of guy who makes you want to throw all your attention on him. His strength, both physically and emotionally, completely captivated me. The way he interacts with the female lead? Electric. Every moment with them felt like a slow burn that was so worth it when the payoff finally came.

I loved how Paisley Hope made me feel every moment — from the swoon-worthy scenes to the raw, vulnerable moments. It was a total rollercoaster, and I’m not even sorry about being totally addicted to it. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters after finishing the book.

If you’re looking for a romance with a powerful, swoon-worthy hero who’ll have you hooked from the start, Training the Heart is a must-read. I’m already counting down the days for the next book from Paisley Hope!

4.25/5 stars

The next Ashby's book features Wade and his love interest, Ivy. After Wade's horse trainer goes on maternity leave, he is put in a position where he has to fill the job. Along comes Ivy, full of chaos for the stoic rancher. Neither one can ignore their attraction to the other.

As someone who lives in KY, I was excited to see the derby aspect with racehorses. It's a big thing here, and the author did it justice with her writing.

I absolutely loved Ivy's obsession with scrunchies. Almost as much as Wade enjoyed them.... These two were total opposites in every way, but totally perfect for each other!

Thank you to the author and NG for the ARC!

Training the Heart by Paisley Hope
Second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

📖Once again, Paisley Hope manages to touch exactly where the heart needs it most – with a story that's tender, deep, and beautifully unexpected.

This isn’t just a romance, it’s an emotional experience. Set against the peaceful backdrop of ranch life, with its quiet landscapes hiding inner storms, the characters learn to heal, to forgive – and most of all, to love.

The plot flows effortlessly, the dialogue feels real and moving, and the chemistry? Pure magic.
You start reading thinking it's going to be light and fun, and end up with misty eyes and a full heart.

💬 Highly recommended for anyone looking for a love story with soul, faith, and a truly fresh start.

#BookReview #TrainingTheHeart #SilverPinesRanch #PaisleyHope #HeartfeltRomance

This is a new to me author and every book I have read by her so far I have LOVED loved loved! I loved book 1 in this series and this one might take the cake for me. OH WADE! Lets get into it...

We have a horse ranch and Wade of course runs and owns it. In comes a little spitfire that is set to turn his word upside down. Ivy is a smart woman, outgoing, fun, sassy, sexy and doesn't know it...what does she do about Wade? NOTHING, she gives him a run for his money that's what. I love their relationship from the first meet to the build up and on. There is something about a GRUMPY MMC and a SUNSHINE sweet but sassy MFC that will always make his world whole. These two go heavy on but the HEAT AND SPICE in this book OFF. THE. CHARTS. perfect! I loved the whole story line, the side characters, not a single thing I didn't enjoy in this book! Cole is up next!

I absolutely loved this book and Paisely’s writing and her writing style. The flow was great. The story truly sucked you in and keeper you interested the entire time and needing to know more. I fell in love with all the characters as well. I highly recommend this author and will be reading more books by her in the future