These books are so dang spicy! It’s such a surprise each time based on the cover. Wade and Ivy have an instant attraction but their work relationship prevents them from acting on their attraction. Not for long though. Their exs really did numbers on them but Wade and Ivy are a good match. Will book 3 be about Cole and Ginger. I’m not a fan of Ginger just yet but I’m sure it will be a great and spicy story. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I love the Silver Pines Ranch series! I love Paisley Hopes writing and now a huge fan! I love small town love stories especially with a grumpy cowboy. Wade, recently divorced, has cut love off completely but that's until he met Ivy, his new employee. The tension between these two is perfect! I could read this book over again! I can't wait to read the third book in this series.

Plot and overall tone-wise, this wasn’t what I personally wanted. The tension and chemistry was good, but not enough to sell me fully.

🔎 ARC Review

Training the Heart

Silver Pines Ranch #2

Publication Date: December 31st, 2024

@authorpaisleyhope
@dellromance
@netgalley

My Rating:
🌟 5/5

📚 Read If You Like:
Small Town Romance
Forced Proximity
Grumpy X Sunshine

In this steamy cowboy romance, a grumpy ranch owner and a sunny horse trainer must learn to work together—the second novel in the Silver Pines Ranch series.

Wade Ashby doesn’t let anyone in. With the death of his father and his failed marriage, plus the weight of the family business on his shoulders, Wade has plenty to deal with. He thrives on being the one constant and steady thing in his family’s life and on their ranch, Silver Pines.

Ivy Spencer knows two things for Animals make better friends than people and she can only count on herself. After a turbulent childhood and a string of bad luck since, Ivy is excited to start fresh at Silver Pines Ranch and live out her dream of training a racehorse en route to the Kentucky Derby. 

Wade needs help on the ranch, but with two entirely different views on how to train his star horse, it makes absolutely no sense why he allows her to stay on. She’s chaos and he’s control, but it doesn’t take long for the levee to break and their passion to ignite.

🔎 My review
I could not wait for his book and am so thankful to have received an ARC! I loved Wade and Ivy and seeing them also heal together. Again, there was not a lack of 🌶. Who doesn't love a 🌶🤠? 😉. I can't wait for the rest of the series, I hope there are at least 2 more 😉

#books #bookreviews #bookstagrammer #bookworm #bookstagram #bookobsessed #romance #paisleyhope #dell #TrainingtheHeart #NetGalley #cowboyromance #healing

If you’re a fan of Elsie Silver or Lyla Sage, I have the perfect series recommendation for you. Training the Heart is the second book in Paisley Hope’s Silver Pines Ranch series and it needs to be on your radar.

Wade is the eldest of the Ashby siblings and he’s responsible for managing the family ranch. He has a ton on his plate, between his dad dying and his failed marriage, he’s a grump who hasn’t been truly happy in years.

Ivy is a horse trainer looking for a fresh start after coming out of a toxic relationship. When she’s hired to fill in for the horse trainer at Silver Pines Ranch, she’s determined to prove herself to the grumpy ranch manager.

I loved this book so much. Wade and Ivy have off the charts chemistry. This book is filled with longing (on both sides), found family, and plenty of spice. I love this world that Paisley Hope has created. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you to Paisley Hope, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine (Dell Romance), and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Training the Heart comes out December 31st.

I loved 75% of this book and I wanted to love the ending but it fell flat for me. I completely understand the use of the accidental pregnancy trope, given the FMCs story and the subtle hints but wish it would have happened earlier in the story or was part of the epilogue. I felt it over shadowed the plot of Wade and Ivy learning to trust each other and working together to have a champion race horse. I was so invested in them and the horse that I felt like I was left hanging- I know we get some resolution in the epilogue, but I personally just wanted more of that part of the story.

I did not add this portion to my Instagram review, as I know this is something that a lot of readers probably wont mind.

To the parts I loved:
Their chemistry was out of this world and I will absolutely never look at scrunchies the same again in my life. I always enjoy forced proximity and this story freaking DELIVERED on that front. I also appreciate strong and witty FMCs and adored Ivy. Wade is literally everything you could want in a MMC and damn did his attitude make me feral. lol

I was also so stoked to see Nash and Cece back and cannot freaking wait for Cole and Ginger's story!!

Thank you so much for allowing me to have an ARC of this story!!

From the beginning of her promotion of this book I knew I was going to fall head over heels for Wade, and fall hard I did. From the beginning Wade was grumpy and hard on the outside but loved Ivy’s sass right from the start. He tried to keep his attraction from her hidden but the more time they spent together the harder it was for him to conceal his attraction, and I loved every minute of watching him fall.

I had so many favorites scenes in this book. My first was the classic wearing nothing but a towel!! I can't help but love the tension it creates between the characters! The second scene is another classic that I fall for every time. Its the "he gets a tattoo for her". But in classic Wade fashion he gets a tattoo on his hand saying MINE. The way I melted and was kicking my feet and screaming. There were other scenes that I loved as well but I don't want to spoil any more. The teaser and trailers for this book don't do it justice!!

One of my favorite things about Wade is the way he took care of Ivy. The way he cared for her when she was injured and even after made me melt. He showed her what it meant to be caring and considerate without asking for anything in return.

Now lets talk about the spice level of this book. This book was 5 chili peppers!! Wade loved giving hand necklaces and letting Ivy take control when she wanted.
Disclaimer: This book contains a lot of spice. Like a lot lol so keep that in mind when reading!

I couldn’t get enough of this book and I cant wait for Cole and Gingers book!!

As an avid cowboy-romance reader, I unfortunately DNF'ed this book at 15%. The story did not give much explanation on where things were or who people were, which maybe I was lost because I didn't read the first book but it says it can be read as a stand-alone. I also did not enjoy just HOW sexual every line was from the first chapter and that so far it was mostly told from the MMC's POV.

Training the Heart is the perfect read to satisfy your craving if you're in the mood for a grumpy cowboy who can't resist a sunshine heroine. Wade Ashby, the book’s brooding, dirty-mouthed cowboy, is everything—and I’m not exaggerating when I say this book had me in a chokehold.

Wade has that irresistible "German Shepherd energy," always loyal and protective, and he’s down bad for Ivy, the sunniest horse trainer you'll ever meet. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Wade might be grumpy, but his soft spots are all saved for Ivy, and watching him fall for her was a delight. Ivy, for her part, is warm and sweet, the kind of heroine who could melt even the coldest heart. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with—hot, spicy, and so much fun to root for.

The writing is sharp, with plenty of humor and steam, making it impossible to put the book down. If you love the grumpy-sunshine trope, this story is an absolute must-read. Wade’s dirty mouth and how he falls for Ivy’s charm will have you hooked from the first page.
Trust me, Wade and Ivy will leave you wanting more.

Oh my god I’m in love with Wade Ashby! I love cowboy romance books to my core and this book did not disappoint! I could not put this book down. 10/10 for me. Found family, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, one bed! I cannot stop thinking about Wade and Ivy, you have to add this to your TBR!

Thanks so much to Paisley Hope and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the eARC of this title. This book is the perfect blend of Grumpy x Sunshine and spicy. I can't wait to read more by Paisley Hope.

Star Rating: ♾️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was so excited for Wade and Ivy’s story, and Training the Heart did not disappoint. This Grumpy x Sunshine cowboy romance perfectly captures the dynamic between the emotionally guarded Wade and the optimistic, determined Ivy.

Wade Ashby is a man who has spent years building walls around his heart, trusting very few after the hardships and heartaches he’s faced. His life is simple, quiet, and predictable—until Ivy Spencer enters the scene. Recently free from a controlling relationship, Ivy is a woman determined to reclaim her independence and pursue her dreams, particularly one that seems nearly impossible: training a racehorse to compete in the Kentucky Derby. When their paths cross, Ivy doesn’t just break into Wade’s life—she dismantles the walls he’s spent so long erecting. Their undeniable chemistry and emotional connection spark a journey of growth, healing, and mutual support. As they navigate their personal struggles, Ivy and Wade help each other rediscover joy and strength, making their love story truly unforgettable.

This book is a perfect example of what makes small-town, cowboy romances so endearing. The heartfelt connections, personal growth, and tender moments between the characters are what make Training the Heart shine. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful, emotional, and satisfying romance.

Thank you NetGalley & Paisley Hope for my ARC of Training the Heart ♥️

#bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookworms #booklover #bookofinstagram #romancereader #bookrecommendations #smuttybooks #smuttyreads #spicybookrecs #grumpyxsunshine #dirtytalkingmc #silverpinesranch #trainingtheheart #paisleyhope #paisleyhopeauthor

Training the Heart by Paisley Hope is the second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series. In this installment, we get the story of Wade Ashby and Ivy Spencer. The author outdid herself with this one!

The spice was spicing in this book, and I mean extra steamy, but one thing Paisley Hope does here that many others cannot is she kept the plot! This is my favorite type of book. I love romance books and this one had me going through a roller coaster of emotions. Please protect your mental health and read the trigger warnings; it was evident that the author was very cognizant of the material she was tackling here involving both main characters as well as their past, present, and future.

One element I really enjoyed in Training the Heart was the connection that Ivy had with the horses and the training philosophy she brought to the table. It showed that "the way we've always done it" isn't always right and as an animal lover who struggles with the concept of horse racing, this made me gain a different perspective.

A couple of things I'd like to mention - Ivy is confident as all get out, I could absolutely never be blasting my smut through the speakers of my car at all times. I strive to be more like her and own this aspect of myself! Wade's new tattoo? I needed to fan myself. There are so many elements of this book that I loved, but I think the best was that Wade is goals. He has total faith and trust in Ivy, he supports her, he is 'partner' personified. And Ivy is someone I'd love to be besties with. Her sass, genuine affection, and support for her people is unmatched.

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, NetGalley, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review Training the Heart with my honest opinions.

I was able to get an ACR to Holding the Reins and loved the book. Receiving the second book of the series, Training the Heart, I was unsure whether it would live up to the expectations I had but it blew them out of the water!

This book is hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I love how this book, like the first, starts out with a funny little intro to the characters. It sets the tone for the book.

Love, love, love this book! Excited for the 3rd book!

Wade….. Ashby….. that’s it that might just be the whole review HAHAHA I’m just kidding, I loved this so much! Ivy is such a strong, independent character and her growth throughout this book was incredible. And Wade might be the perfect cowboy book boyfriend 😮‍💨 with each book in this series, I am falling more and more in love with the characters and found family, and I just can’t wait to continue (and to FINALLY get Cole and Ginger’s book 🤭) Wade and Ivy’s love for each other was so pure and raw, I love love loved it and the ending had me in tears 🥹

Wade Ashby!! I was sucked in from the dedication on this one. Grumpy/sunshine, small town, boss/employee. This was such a fun cowboy romance rand and boy was it spicy! The characters and their banter kept me entertained, while the story just gave me all the feelings! I am loving this series so much & this one didn’t let me down either!!

<i>Just another way for me to shake your nerves, boss... don't you know I do it on purpose?</i>

The way Ivy played with this grumpy rancher was great. She's a spicy audiobook girly, so she used that to her advantage to mess with her boss many times. Just like the first one in this series, I related to the female character a lot. It was very spicy (4/5). Cole was also a great book boyfriend, very thoughtful yet posessive.

<i>See, I knew you were trouble, yet all I've wanted to do since the moment I met you is show you how to behave.</i>

eARC Review: Training the Heart by Paisley Hope
Pub Date: December 31, 2024

I am really enjoying this series by Paisley Hope! It hits a lot of highlights of the cowboy romance genre but also have a flavor of their own. I enjoyed this grump/sunshine, boss/employee romance. Wade and Ivy were explosive and I just loved their banter with each other. The spice was also just as explosive - this book is definitely HOT! I loved seeing the found family and characters from the first book.

My two critiques of this book are that I think kink should be discussed and negotiated before engaging in it and I HATE when characters say that they are "clean" in regards to their STI results. In the year of our lord 2024 can we please leave this terminology behind? It takes just a few extra letters to say "I'm negative".

Thank you to Dell Romance for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

this is a lovely, spicy. tender story! Wade and Ivy are ultimate workplace grumpy/sunshine tropes. I loved seeing them find such deep connection and grow to from just coworkers to deeply connected souls, even navigating some very set in stone walls they each sheltered themselves in. they find not just love between each other but with the lovely family. another sowing spicy cowboy romance in the Silver Pines series! thank you for the arc!!!!

3.5 ⭐️ Ok, who doesn’t love a grumpy cowboy? I really enjoyed the differences in the personalities of Ivy and Wade and how well they worked together. Also, the scrunchies everywhere! I liked Training the Heart better than the first book. I would have liked a little bit more of a slow burn because I preferred the time waiting for them to get together.

Overall a fun quick read that fits with your typical cowboy romance.

Thanks for the eARC NetGalley.