4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️

WOOOOOW, this book was HOT!!!!! In the second installment of the Silver Pines series, we are treated to the king of grumpy, Wade, and his trainer he recently hired, Ivy. From the beginning of this book, I knew these two would be perfect together. She’s the sunshine to his grumpy and the sass she gives him is a nice breath of fresh air. It was nice to see how their relationship developed and how Wade would do anything for Ivy. Also, Ivy is an angel of a character and she really went through it before coming to the ranch (to not give a lot away) so by the end of this story, I was her biggest fan.

The start of the romance was a slow burn but once these two got together, oh my god 🥵🥵🥵 The mouth on Wade???? I was blushing frequently. These two are perfectly matched and just hot as hell together.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an ARC!!!!! This book was def a hit for me!!

Wade Ashby lives by one rule: “No feelings, no fuss.” Between losing his dad, his marriage going down like a bad rodeo, and the weight of the family business on his shoulders, Wade’s emotional baggage carousel is fully loaded. He’s the rock of Silver Pines Ranch—steady, unshakable, and about as cuddly as a cactus. Then there’s Ivy Spencer, whose life motto is “animals over people, always.” After a childhood that could’ve been a reality show and enough bad luck to fill a country song, Ivy is ready for a fresh start. Her goal? To train a racehorse for the Kentucky Derby and show the world (and herself) that she’s tougher than her leather boots. Wade needs help on the ranch, but hiring Ivy? Big mistake. Huge. She’s a tornado of determination and sass, blowing through his perfectly organized life like she’s auditioning for Chaos: The Musical. They argue about everything—especially how to train his star horse—but somehow, Wade can’t bring himself to send her packing. Maybe it’s her passion. Maybe it’s her grit. Or maybe it’s the way she flips her hair when she’s yelling at him. What starts as a battle of wills quickly spirals into something much steamier. One minute, they’re butting heads, and the next, they’re locking lips like it’s a romance novel. (Oh wait, it is a romance novel.) Turns out, opposites don’t just attract—they combust. And when Wade’s control collides with Ivy’s chaos, the result is a love story hotter than the Silver Pines sun. THIS IS A SPICE SHOW WHOOOO!

Training the Heart delivers a sizzling, slow-burn romance set against the picturesque backdrop of Silver Pines Ranch. Wade and Ivy are the quintessential grumpy-sunshine pairing, and their chemistry practically crackles from the page.
Wade’s brooding nature and stoic dedication to his family make him the perfect foil for Ivy’s spirited, chaotic energy. Their clashing approaches to training the prized racehorse create plenty of tension, both professional and personal, as they’re forced to confront their own vulnerabilities. Ivy’s passion and resilience make her an endearing heroine, while Wade’s journey from guarded to openhearted is deeply satisfying.
The ranch setting is richly detailed, immersing readers in the world of horses, hard work, and heartfelt connections. While the pacing sometimes lags in the middle, the emotional payoff and fiery moments more than make up for it. Fans of cowboy romances and opposites-attract dynamics will find themselves rooting for Wade and Ivy as they learn to trust each other—and themselves.
Training the Heart is a delightful mix of steam, heart, and healing that will leave readers eager for their next visit to Silver Pines Ranch. A must-read for lovers of rugged cowboys and spirited heroines!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Ivy's applied for the job as head horse trainer in Silver Pines and she's working closely with Wade Ashby, who's the owner/manager of the ranch. Sparks fly and they embarked on a journey towards a relationship.

It was really good that I thought it was a bit better than the first book but oh boy, I was proven wrong because it's so much better and wayy off good compared to the first.

As we go along the story, we saw more emotional side to them. I still love going back to this world though.

I can see why a lot of people love it because it does have that tension that's palpable even off page. The spicy scenes were hot (the mouth of Wade with his dirty talk!), side characters and found family was really incredible to see. We also see a different kind of plot regarding purchasing a race horse so that was fun.

If you read Swift and Saddled, this might be your cup of tea. I will def read the rest of the series and the author announced the book 4 and I just can't wait!!!

💜Small Town
🐎Boss x Employee
💜Grumpy x Sunshine
🐎Bossy Rancher/Cowboy MMC
💜Strong and Sassy FMC
🐎Forced Proximity
💜Man Obsessed
🐎Found Family

TW: fertility issues and past emotional abuse

I was so happy to return to Silver Pines, and to see Wade and Ivy! I loved grumpy/shine and OMG is that Wade and Ivy! Because of this they may seem very different but really they are so similar. They both have immense pressure to provide for their families, have deep seated hurt, and the will to make a successful run in the horse racing world.

Wade is obsessed but totally in denial! He tries to maintain his gruff attitude but really he is no match for Ivy. There a big ways he takes care of her and spoils her but it’s also in the smallest gestures that can be overlooked. Mmhhmmm…he collects her scrunchies not only because he wants a piece of her but because he wants them handy when she will need one!

Ivy is much a strong woman, being authentically herself after escaping past trauma, and the ways she is a sassy spitfire with Wade! I love how she quietly supports Wade and reminds him to live a little for himself

These two were amazing together. The way they learn about each other was sweet and had me melting. And when I say these two were hot, I ain’t lying! The tension was thick with the way they fought against their feelings. I loved their special word/phrase. 😏 The spice was a SPICIN’!!!

Brad and Janelle were the worst! Anyone would have been better than these two but Ivy and Wade are perfect for each other and were destined to find the other! 🥰

Wade and Ivy were perfection. No flaws. I love them separate and I love them together. I will accept zero criticism about them.

Wade was such a grumpy man and let me tell you, I love them grumpy. Now make it a grumpy cowboy and I am on my knees saying please! But let’s not forget that this cowboy has the dirty talk locked down. I mean that mouth had me sweating! He is for sure the king of taking care of his woman.

“𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘐𝘷𝘺...𝘚𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘺."

Ivy was this strong and fiesty firecracker that Wade calls “Trouble”. She gave him all the snark and never backed down. She was so confident in herself and I love that!

Paisley definitely delivered the banter and chemistry with these two! I can’t wait to be back in Silver Pines with Cole and Ginger!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

This was so swoony and wholesome ahhhh

The slow-burn and the midnight ice cream + movie dates were >>>>>

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

I love a cowboy romance! I read book #1 last month and gobbled it up. After obsessing over Lyla Sage's Rebel Blue series, I needed another cowboy series to give me all the feels.

We get hints at Wade and Ivy in Holding the Reins. And I was so so excited to see the grumpyxsunshine of it all. Add in a dash of work place romance and I am sold.

Guys, the spice was so spicy! I was here for it! Wade and Ivy had so much chemistry it was insane. We love a protective hero. And Wade is definitely a man obsessed.

Can I tell you how much I can't wait for Ginger and Cole's book? We have a lot of build up and I'm ready to see them combust!

5/5

Wade and Ivy!! This story was such a fun one to read. Wade appears at first to be a grumpy gruff ranch owner. He is dealing with a failed marriage and trying to run his ranch. I loved being able to see his softer, spicy side as he falls for Ivy. Ivy is trying to start over after an abusive relationship. She is hired as the temporary horse trainer for the ranch. Love the cast and characters we see again from the first book to this second one. If you love man obsessed, who did this to you vibes, one bed, cowboy romances add this one to your TBR!

Such a fun, sexy time! If you're in the mood for a grumpy x sunshine and forced proximity romance, you should definitely pick this one up! It was a very quick read with heartwarming moments, some family dynamics and a lot of sex. The FMC was feisty and strong, but very sunny and bright and the MMC was grumpy and thawed throughout the book which I really enjoyed. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

wow... paisley has done it again. first off thank you so much to Netgalley for letting me read this early. this is one of my most anticipated reads this year so thank youuuu. i thought i was obsessed with nash carter but then wade ashby was born.

this was giving all the rugged, grumpy x sunshine vibes. the cowboy vibes. both of them being horse lovers and trainers. the tension and the angst i live for it. paisley knows how to write good banter and the banter between ivy and wade was delicious and divine. the spice was immaculate. the relationship between the two characters and their chemistry. i loved ivy so much as a character. she is so badass and she is so confident but she also has her past that has shaped her. wade is this grumpy cowboy who has a heart of steel and here comes this petite scrunchie loving trainer who not only helps him train his horses but trains his heart to love. i cannot wait for this book to be out in the wild.

the little surprise towards the end did not see that coming. seeing everyone again and just seeing this story unfold was so beautiful. i love being in the silver pines ranch world and i cannot wait to be back soon.

5 ☆

The good news is that this book was a lot better than the first book in this series!
The bad news is I still don't think this series is for me.

Overall I would describe this book as fine.

Like the first book, this one had a high smut level. There was improvement in overall writing from book one to book two.

I think this book was too long, and the trope at the end wasn't my favorite (but no spoilers on that).

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book

2,75- 3 stars
5 steam

"𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉"

The dedication alone is an example of what you'll find in this book.

Wade Ashby will never be forgotten. If you thought Holding the Reins was hot, this is even hotter.

Chief grumpy hired a new trainer for the ranch and he did not expect Ivy to come in and swoop him off his feet. He really met his match! Ivy came in strong with her smutty audiobooks and honestly couldn't relate more.

This book was so hot but sweet at the same time, I loved both characters and I'm so happy they got their HEA.

The found family in this series is everything. I feel like I'm part of the Not-Angels click, and papa Dean and the things that come out of his mouth will take you out.

I am so excited for Cole and Ginger's story next, their cameos in this book are to die for.

Mark your calendars, Training the heart release December 31st 💜 in the U.S

Thank you so much to the author, net galley & random house publishing for the eARC.

I picked up this book expecting a cute romance story with all the feel goods and a little bit of spice. Boy was I wrong about the level of spice, but man it was good. Wade and Ivy are the perfect grumpy/sunshine combo and have the best banter. Their story of friendship that became a passionate affair to a loving relationship has so much growth for both of them. This book also covers some heavy topics in a way that doesn't drag the reader away from the witty relationship of Wade and Ivy, but also acknowledges the weight of the topics.

My only note if that I like interconnected standalones to be able to do just that, stand alone (to be fair, the description does not say that the reader doesn't not have to have read book one, so this is probably all on me lol). In the beginning I felt like I was missing some information that I assume was in book one of this series (that I have not read at this time but am excited to pick it up). I also still have no idea why everybody calls Wade "Sergeant" or if there was a particular incident that earned Ivy her nickname of "Trouble".

This is a must read cowboy romance with some of everybody's favorite tropes including forced proximity, one bed, boss/employee, found family and grumpy/sunshine.

[3.75 Stars😊] Training the Heart was one of my most anticipated books of 2024! Give me a grumpy cowboy any day of the week, and Paisley Hope delivered a perfect Grump-turned-German Shepherd MMC with Wade Ashby. However, I had a lot of mixed feelings about Training the Heart, but an overall favorable opinion of the book.

To start, I LOVE the found family trope, and Paisley Hope created one of my favorite families and girl gangs! I loved how they welcomed and supported Ivy even though things were initially tense between her and Wade, and I liked Wade's evolution into a man-obsessed (I mean, "finders keepers" with the scrunchies 🫠 was the best!). He cared for Ivy in ways she could accept on her terms, and I thought their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a lot of fun to read (although she giggled A LOT. Like, A LOT, LOT).

But I also thought their relationship never really grew out of the insta-lust phase into something with deeper roots, and there were soooooo many spicy scenes that I actually got bored with them. BORED, y'all! I fell asleep during one of them! I would have traded 2-3 of those scenes in favor of how Wade and Ivy's work dynamic evolved as she trained Angel's Wings because I thought Angel's Wings was the emotional heart of the story and not Wade and Ivy's romance. I really wanted her to see how she trained instead of only getting big milestones sporadically throughout the book. It pains me to say this, but their relationship was forgettable. It had so much unrealized potential because they were too busy staying naked instead of talking and moving the plot forward.

At one point, I realized I wasn't desperate to know the rest of the story. I wasn't reaching for the book every chance I got, and that alone told me that something was missing from this book. I can't fully put my finger on it. Did I still have a great time reading it? Yeah, I did, but every time I think about Training the Heart, I feel a little sad because it could have been so much more. I'm cautiously optimistic about Cole and Ginger's story because their banter was soooooo much fun to read!

+A huge thank you to Paisley Hope, NetGalley, and Dell Romance for the ARC of Training the Heart! All thoughts in this review are my own.
____________________________________
Details:
💘Contemporary romance
🤠Cowboy/western romance
🏡Small town romance
👔Workplace romance
👀Dual, first-person POV
⛈️Darker themes and elements
🌹No third act breakup
🙌🏻Would re-read

Characters and Tropes:
🌪️Broody MMC
🫦Boss/employee
📍Forced proximity
>>>🔑Under one roof
🧩Found family
🛏️Only one bed
🧲Opposites attract
>>>🐴Neighbors
>>>⛅Grumpy/sunshine
🚗Road trip
🤰Secret/accidental pregnancy

Spice:
⚡Fast burn
🥵Explicit content and language (extreme)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Excellent to Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Very Good to Great (4.25-4.50)
😊Good to Really Good (3.50-4.00)
🙂Just OK to Decent (2.75-3.25)
😒It's A No (1.00-2.50)
🚫DNF

I absolutely love a good small-town romance, and Training the Heart by Paisley Hope delivered everything I wanted and more! Wade and Ivy are perfect for each other. Their chemistry felt so real, and their journey was filled with heartwarming and emotional moments.

Ivy’s story really tugged at my heartstrings—I hated seeing what she endured with her ex, but I was so happy to watch her find healing and love with Wade. The found family aspect in this book was one of my favorite things. The friendships, Mama Jo’s warmth, and the tight-knit community brought so much depth to the story.

Wade and Ivy both carried their own baggage, but watching them slowly open up and come together was so satisfying. Their growth individually and as a couple felt natural and beautifully written. I also loved the grumpy x sunshine dynamic—it was done so well!

This is my first book by Paisley Hope, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already planning to go back and read Cece and Nash’s story next because I can’t get enough of these characters.

And that surprise twist at the end? Absolutely perfect—it tied everything together in a way that made so much sense and left me smiling.

If you love small-town romances with emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a satisfying happily ever after, you need to pick up Training the Heart. Paisley Hope has definitely found a new fan in me!

Thank you Paisley Hope, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell, and Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book is a STEAMY cowboy romance that takes place in a local ranch in Kentucky! SPR (Silver Pines Ranch) is wanting to enter a horse into the Kentucky Derby, but they hired a new horse trainer to the team who has her own methods of how to train a horse. This is the second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series! This book is expected to release on December 31st, 2024.

➼ grumpy/sunshine
➼ forced proximity
➼ cowboy hero
➼ boss/employee
➼ horse trainer

Trigger warning(s): emotional abuse with an ex

This definitely was a great second book for the series! As soon as I read about these two in the first book, I knew they would end up together in the second book! I never thought I would say this, but there was almost TOO MUCH $mut in this book 😭
For me, it was just a tad too much and I would just skip those scenes towards the end. They ended up being 3-5 chapters long in some cases and then there would be a one off chapter without it, then back on to $mut and at that point I was just over the $mut. I did however enjoy their romance and the story of these two slowly falling in love!

Wade Ashby is the broodiest man alive. If you read the first book in the series then you definitely know what I'm talking about. However, he clearly loves his family dearly and is a great boss to his ranch hands. There was definitely growth with his character and you could see him just growing to be a better man with Ivy!

Ivy Spencer is carefree soul on this earth. She LOVES animals, specifically horses of course, and she just knows how to train a horse well. She initially shows up to the job interview late, which angers Wade, but she proves herself with her knowledge and care for horses. I loved their dynamic in the beginning and was so happy to see her growth from her past emotional abuse and how she overcame it with Wade by her side

Book boyfriend? Absolutely yes, but not for me!

★★★.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💧

I am just loving this series and these books just keep getting better and better! Ivy and Wade were perfection and i couldnt get enough of these two! They fell fast and hard, these two were meant to be 100%. Wade was such a grump and i loved it so much, Ivy was exactly what he needed in his life. Their chemistry was top tier and the spice was so good! They worked so well together and their communication was so open and healthy.

💜 Cowboy Romance
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 One Bed
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
💜 No Third Act Break Up

I am obsessed with all the characters this world that Paisley has amazingly created and i cannot wait for Ginger and Cole's book next!

I’ve read two other books by Paisley Hope and I am really starting to love her. I signed up for the ARC of this book right after I read Holding the Reins. It then got snatched up by a publisher so the ARC date moved. When I signed up the first time, I was fully aware of all of the tropes. Some of them are not my fave, but I signed up anyways because I enjoyed the first book so much. Signing up the second time around, I completely forgot about the trope I hate. I figured it out midway through and it honestly gave me such an ick lol I was so invested in Ivy and Wade by this point though so I pushed through. I initially got this confused with another cowboy romance series, so I was a little off in the beginning. But I grew to love Ivy and Wade. I love a good brat and grumpy cowboy. I love how these two just worked together. I loved how Wade’s whole family knew and gave him shit for it. I loved how much he cared about Ivy and her mom. I loved watching him with his brothers too. I loved how they had their little movie night thing and they just hung out together, just being together. Don’t let that fool you though, this book is filthy. These two are so horny and they are doing it every chance they get. The bonus scene at the end was my personal fave. Overall, I did really enjoy this book. I will definitely continue the series because I think Cole and Ginger’s book will be my fave. I loved Wade and Ivy together. The writing was fantastic, which I’m coming to know and love about Paisley Hope. The trope thing did impact my experience, but that's on me and not the author. Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC!