Training the Heart by Paisley Hope was an incredible read that had me hooked from the very first page. It struck the perfect balance of witty banter, sizzling tension, and heartfelt emotional moments. I found myself so invested in the characters and their journeys that I even teared up multiple times—which for me is always a sign of an incredible and moving story!

The main characters, Wade and Ivy, were a joy to read about, but the sense of community and the relationships surrounding them really added depth to the story. The integration of characters from the first book was seamless, and the family dynamics and friendships brought so much warmth and authenticity to the narrative. It truly felt like I was part of this world, and I didn’t want to leave when the book ended!

Paisley Hope handled sensitive topics like alcoholism, abuse, and fertility struggles with such care and nuance. These themes were woven into the story naturally and added layers of depth, making me empathize deeply with the characters.

The romance was beautifully done, with sizzling tension that built up to some incredibly steamy moments. The chemistry between Wade and Ivy felt organic and only added to the story's emotional depth. Wade’s transformation from the grumpy, guarded cowboy to the most loving and attentive partner was incredibly satisfying, while Ivy’s journey of personal growth and healing from past abuse was both inspiring and empowering. They were a couple you couldn’t help but root for.

Paisley’s writing was immersive and engaging, pulling me into every moment of the story. The character arcs were meaningful and inspiring, and the emotional payoff was well worth it. This book is now one of my all-time favorites, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

I absolutely adored “Training the Heart”. This is the second installment in the Silver Pine series focusing on Wade & Ivy’s relationship. Paisley’s words give a power of emotions, making the love between the characters entertaining & enjoyable.

What stood out to me the most was the spice! It was next level and had me blushing from the beginning to the end. To me, the best spice in books are the ones with grumpy MMC. Wade Ashby is a stubborn man with a filthy mouth & I adored every little bit of it!

To fully appreciate Training the Heart I would 10/10 recommend reading “Holding the Reins”. You will not be disappointed reading either of these books!

Thank you so much Paisley Hope, NetGalley, & Random House Publishing for the ARC!

After Ivy's introduction in Holding the Reins I couldn't wait for this book. I am so grateful to be able receive the ARC version.

I AM OBSESSED! I absolutely love Wade and Ivy.

Any book that has text threads gets me every time and this one did not disappoint. I am so happy that Ivy found her way to Wade and their family. After hearing about their ex's and the horrible relationships they both came from, their story was all the sweeter (& spicier lol)

The banter between Wade and his Siblings is perfection, but PaPa Dean is unhinged and definitely my favorite 😂

......'Mercy' 🥵🥵

If Paisley Hope does one thing really (really really) well, it’s make the chemistry for her MCs fly off the page. And from the beginning, Wade and Ivy were a freaking delight. He’s grumpy and surly, all serious and stoic. She’s the new horse trainer he hires, and is a capable, funny, take-no-crap woman who instantly has him head over heels (begrudgingly). There are so many moments in this where I had a smile on my face, reading their banter and how she needles him (it’s also my love language). And then there were so many moments where I was BLUSHING so hard because, lord, these two are hot (you’ll never look at scrunchies the same).

What I appreciate in Paisley’s books is that they all have an element of an emotional backstory, too. In this one, we have Ivy dealing with the emotional fallout from an abusive ex - in the moments where she opened up, they were raw and heartfelt. And, of course, Wade was there as the ever supportive, slightly overprotective down bad man he is. These two had so many adorable moments (their movie nights!! I mean…), the roadtrip and one bed trope always make me feral (and these two were SO hot for each other that it was SO much fun!), and there was so much communication and love and respect between them. I love a competent FMC and more than love an MMC who doesn’t stand in her way.

As always, I was eating up the breadcrumbs for Cole and Ginger’s story (I NEED THEM, please, Paisley, I’m begging) and absolutely adored seeing Nash & CeCe in their lovey-dovey coupledom. Not to mention, how much fun they made of how down bad Wade was (honestly, my favorite part). I love Silver Pines Ranch and can't wait to go back!!

Oh I love a good cowboy romance.
This had ALL the tropes in it and I ate. it. up.
I would totally recommend to all Elsie Silver fans who are looking to feel similar feelings!

Super excited for the next one!!

Thanks for the ARC NetGalley!

Grumpy rancher Wade Ashby stole my whole heart. I could not put this book down as the tension, spice, and some of the most tender and sincere moments gripped me from the very beginning. Top tier cowboy romance 😍🤠

Also, Author Paisley did an amazing job handling sensitive topics in this book.

Wade fcking Ashby... that's it that's the review. He is honestly the most perfect man and I don't have a single negative thing to say about him.

But really, holy hell I loved this so much. I loved being back at Silver Pines. Paisley truly has created a wonderful world within it, and it doesn't feel like it's been done before and I like that about it. I will say, I am not a prude but I was taken back a bit by how much smut was in this but like you'd have to read the book to know that Wade and Ivy just ooze chemistry and to put the two of them together in a room you're bound to have what takes place within the book happen. Their sexual chemistry is insane, and I loved the way Paisley wrote it.

I cannot wait to read more. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

When it comes to grumpy, Wade Ashby has a permanent scowl. Between his ex-wife, still dealing with his father's passing. And the weight of his family' ranch on his shoulders, he takes serious cowboy to a whole new level. When Ivy Winters comes to work on his ranch as the new horse trainer, their personalities clash. With her sunshine demeanor and her never ending poking the bear, add in a road trip, one bed and an ankle injury, and hold onto your horses for some angst and spilmice!

“I knew you were trouble, yet all I’ve wanted to do since the moment I met you is show you how to behave”

It’s a universally known fact that cowboys just do it better, right? Right.
And then add in a sassy horse trainer - with an unapologetic love for spicy romance books - and watch the magic happen 😮‍💨

“Not yet, baby. This is what heaven feels like, let me take my time”

I just ate up the banter between Ivy and Wade. They had me giggling and kicking my feet one moment, then sweating the next. Wade did his best to stay in his grumpy ass persona but was actually the sweetest man underneath it all and I was just swooning over him from the start. And every time Ivy decided to rile him up I couldn’t help but cheer her on and smile through the repercussions.

“Now you came in here, so tell me you want it. Tell me to stop being a gentleman. Tell me to be the man you’re in here looking for, Ivy”

And when the tension finally breaks, it explodes. Wade very much stops being a gentleman, and you’ll love every second of it.

And I never thought I’d say this, but I really enjoyed the pregnancy trope in this. Paisley Hope deserves an award for that alone, because I usually avoid it at all costs. It was a pleasant surprise and I might even be willing to try another. Maybe. If she writes it.


Tropes include:
•Employee x Boss
•Forced proximity
•Grumpy x Sunshine
•Teaching moments
•One bed
•Trauma rep
•Accidental pregnancy

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! Infinity stars. Absolute perfection, in every way possible.

Paisley always manages to outdo herself with every single book that she releases, and Training The Heart is no exception.

I have loved Wolf.e and Holding The Reins immensely with all of my heart, and I love Ivy and Wade so much!!

The grumpy x sunshine vibes between these two are absolutely immaculate. I love Wade and Ivy individually and together, and it is very obvious that they are meant to be together. Wade's surly and prickly demeanor, combined with Ivy's sweetness, vulnerability, and sassiness, is a dream come true. I loved how his restraint unraveled and the tension became absolutely delicious! The spice was also top notch, as always (I will never be able to look at scrunchies the same way again)! Wade was very clearly obsessed with her, and there's no denying it. The acts of service that he did for her were all so adorable - cooking for her, watching action movies with her, and making sure all of her emotional and physical needs were met was just so heartwarming to read about. I also love Ivy's character as well - despite all of the trauma that she endured throughout her life, I loved seeing her embrace her newfound strength and give in to the love between her and Wade.

Additionally, the side characters were also incredible! I loved seeing Nash and Cece so happy and in love, and Cole and Ginger's banter and chemistry makes me absolutely giddy inside. I love the Not Angels together, and I was so happy when Cece, Ginger, and Olivia welcomed her with open arms into their friendship group!

Also, Olivia and Asher's crumbs make me absolutely feral. While we didn't get much of Olivia in this book, I just know that she is going to be my favorite FMC of this series. And Asher is very clearly a man obsessed with her, and I am so here for it. Haden is also such a sweetheart, and I can't wait for him to get his HEA with Ivy's sister, Cassie, in Book 4 of the Silver Pines series.

Overall, thank you so much to Paisley Hope and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy for this book. I loved every second of this cathartic experience, and I cannot wait for Riding The High and the remaining books in the series!!!!

Infinity stars!!!!

Tropes:
tropes in this book
- cowboy romance
- small-town romance
- horse trainer FMC x cowboy rancher MMC
- forced proximity
- grumpy/sunshine
- healing from trauma
- workplace romance (he’s her boss and she is his newly hired employee)
- interconnected standalone
- happy ever after (🍼!!!) with a surprise pregnancy
- amazing side characters
- he gets a tattoo for her (I love this trope!!)
- man OBSESSED + in denial
- grief and anxiety representation
- heartwarming found family vibes
- amazing girl squad

I will read anything this woman writes. I’m a diehard fan of her men and Wade did not disappoint 😘🤌🏼

3.5 ⭐️ I was so excited to get this ARC because I love myself a cowboy romance 🤠 This was such a great grumpy/sunshine trope and the spice was top notch 👌🏻🌶️ Wade’s “mine” tattoo is everything. 🫠

I really liked the book and the characters back stories, the only reason I couldn’t give it a higher rating was because it felt so familiar to the other cowboy romances I’ve read this year.

Training the Heart is the second book of the Silver Pines series and can be read as a standalone. I couldn’t wait for Wade and Ivy’s story and it didn’t disappoint! Wade is so grumpy and always scowling while Ivy is sassy and a spitfire. These two are complete opposites but perfect for each other. I loved the fact that Wade took care of Ivy when she was hurt. There is nothing better than when a tough and broody cowboy turns to marshmallows for his girl! I absolutely adored this book and I can’t wait for Cole and Ginger’s story!

I’m convinced Paisley Hope can do no wrong, the way this woman writes a grumpy cowboy is perfection.

Wade Ashby is looking for someone to cover the spot of head horse trainer at his ranch, that’s when he meets Ivy. Ivy is looking to start over, so she takes the job at Silver Pines. After an accident, she ends up staying with her grumpy boss. He doesn’t seem to mind taking care of her though 😉

Wade is such a grump, but he’s been burned in the past. Deep down he’s a sweet man, he takes care of his people. He also has a spicy side, one you’ll go feral over 🫠 he brings a whole new meaning to hand necklaces 😮‍💨 Ivy is as strong and loyal as they come, she’s also been burned in the past. These two and their banter, I absolutely adored them together! And omg the spice 🔥

This series has been amazing so far, I can’t wait for Riding the High! I’m so ready for Cole and Ginger 😍

Thank you Paisley, NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

This book was not good. I didn’t like the writing or the tropes. I just feel like this book is a bunch of flowery writing and words intended to teach a certain tiktok audience and get a reaction, but when you read it in context it is cringey.

training the heart by paisley hope 💌
— arc review

I finally finished reading the second book in the silver pines series, and it did not disappoint! I am so grateful that I was able to be given arc’s to both of the books in this series so far! paisley never fails to deliver on the small-town spicy, but deep and heartfelt, cowboy romances! and this was no different, the story and characters were so fun to read about, but also held a lot of depth to them that made the book even more enjoyable as a reader.

tropes in this book
- cowboy romance
- small-town
- horse trainer fmc x cowboy rancher mmc
- forced proximity
- workplace romance (he’s her boss)
- interconnected standalone
- happy ever after (🍼!!!)
- he gets a tattoo for her (!!!)
- man OBSESSED + in denial
- grief and anxiety rep

Anytime a guy washes/does her hair I’m done for. Then he whips out the reading glasses!?!? Wade and Ivy gave the perfect amount of push and pull, and their banter was exactly what I wanted! He’s her boss and the mouth on this man!! He’s rugged and grumpy and exactly how I like my men, completly obsessed! Ivy was such a strong FMC and she held her own. This series has such a strong found family and I can’t wait to see how each book builds on that. Absolutely loved this!

Paisley Hope is hands down one of my new favorite authors. I have no words for how amazing this series is and how excited I am for the next two titles to release. Wade and Ivy are a match made in sassy grumpy heaven and I am absolutely obsessed with the entirety of this book. The plot feels so authentic, the found family is one I aspire to have myself, and the relationship Wade and Ivy develop is one for the ages. If you love Cade and Willa from Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series, you will LOVE Training the Heart.

4⭐, 3.25🌶️

Heyyy to this freaking cutie with HEAT Cowboy/ Workplace romance!

WADE ASHBY is an absolute vibe. A MAN that got THE tattoo for his girl?! Swoon. I enjoyed Wade, even though he was too grumpy at times, his relationship with Ivy flowed well and I just liked how their relationship flowed (& bless a no-third act breakup!) Both of their past relationships make you love their characters more, and want to punch their ex's in the MF face. Ivy's ex was so gross, and I think how Wade treated her was the beautiful way for recovery. and Wade was just precious, and glad how he handles Ivy's concerns in the cutest way (dang its tough not spoiling a certain event, lol)

💜Workplace Romance - Boss x Employee
💚Grumpy x Sunshine
🐎Cowboy/ Cowgirl Romance
💚Small Town Romance

Also - how does a real life girly apply to be a member of the fictional Not Angels group? Because they are just great and I love it! ALSO, this leads me to my pure excitement for Cole and Ginger's story next!!

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC of this book, and thank you for the #gifted copy of this book granted from Dell Romance/ Random House Publishing.

Wade Ashby doesn’t play games and is well known for his grumpy disposition. Running Silver Pines Ranch after his father’s passing, going through a divorce, and putting his family first has taken a toll. Not to mention finding a temporary horse trainer because the current one will be on maternity leave. Wade decides to give Ivy Spencer the job, even though her training technique is vastly different from his. Both are complete opposites, yet it could lead to a very steamy connection. Will working together make them or break them?


I love this series! I thought the first book Holding the Reins was HOT, this one took it to another level. The tension was built on and when you get to the spice it doesn’t stop at a couple of scenes. Wade is the ultimate cowboy! He’s hard working, puts others first & knows how to treat a woman right. Both characters have been through heartache and are just trying to survive.The dialogue between Ivy and Wade will have you smiling and at times blushing! The pace of the story was perfect, there was always something that grabbed my attention. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and the craziness they added to this awesome novel. If you want a Cowboy novel that doesn’t hold back on the spice… you NEED to read Training the Heart!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this eARC.