3.75 ⭐️ rounded up

The second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series picks up right where Holding the Reins ended and follows grumpy but steady rancher Wade Ashby and Ivy Spencer who is Silver Pines new temporary horse trainer that pushes his buttons from the start.

There’s a lot of tension from them the minute Ivy steps foot on the ranch but also an instant attraction. Despite being opposites in every way, their common ground is wanting to do what’s best for the ranch. They’re also both dealing with past scars and grief which is something that further strengthens their relationship. All they need is a little forced proximity and care taking for things to heat up.

Training the Heart was emotional, spicy, and had the same great found family as the previous book. I had a fun time with this and can’t wait for Cole and Ginger!

Training the Heart is the second book by Paisley Hope that I have had the honor to do an arc read for and just like the first, this one was so damn hot 🥵

Wade is a divorced rancher who is grumpy as all hell after a relationship with someone who was so toxic. Ivy is a little spitfire horse trainer who spins his head right around the second they meet. Ivy comes from just as bad a toxic relationship as Wade so it is clear there is going to be some hesitation to give into each of their feelings for each other… especially since he is her boss 😳

But once they connect, there is not stopping them and holy hell the mouth on that man is 🤯🤯🤯 (I will admit though, I can do without the name calling but that is just my personal preference)

The storyline that goes with this just makes the book all the more great. I highly recommend you give it a read!

Thank you Paisley, Random House and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 ⭐️ / 3.5 🌶️ / 1💧

Holy shit, Paisley's got me screaming mercy for Wade Ashby (never thought I'd have the hots for a man with that name let me tell you). I did not expect to become that obsessed with him and Ivy, I didn't want this story to end, and I just want to read more and more about them.

I loved Ivy from the moment we met her in the previous book, and I loved getting to see more of that first interaction here - the grumpy x sunshine aspect of their relations was so perfectly done, their push and pull, and the tension that was so deliciously broken - I loved there was no game playing, Wade was all in, in such a mature manner and gave whatever Ivy needed to feel worthy no matter what with her background.

AND THAT DEDICATION - melted. Can't say anything else - you need to read this.

Plus, I need Cole's book immediately.

Thank you to Paisley, Random House and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

and right when you think the cowboys in this series can’t get any better, you read about a grumpy one 🫡🤠 yeehaw. loved the whole cowboy and horse trainer theme, loved the meet “not” cute, and loved everything about their relationship!

~Contemporaty, Romance, Small-Town, and more!~

Training the Heart by Paisley Hope follows Ivy Spencer, the new temporary horse trainer at the Silver Pines Ranch. Her new boss, Wade Ashby, is still grieving his father's death while also recovering from his failed marriage. With the weight of his family's ranch on his shoulders, it is no wonder he comes off as grumpy and closed off. Despite Ivy and Wade's differences, they have one thing in common: helping the ranch succeed, even if they have different ideas on how to do it. Even though they are both determined to keep things professional, sometimes a flame can't be put out, and feelings can't be ignored.

4.75| This book was a nice mix of romance and real life. While some aspects of this book seemed very book-like, there were also realistic elements in there as well, like grief. This is a topic I'm glad wasn't dropped from the last book. Seeing how Wade was dealing with the grief verus how CeCe did was refreshing. The language in this book was a significant upgrade; It felt less forced and more natural than the previous book. The continuation from the last book to this one was great. I loved seeing Nash and CeCe from a different perspective and how their life progresses. If you haven't read the previous book, it might cause some confusion with the backstory; nothing you don't eventually catch on to, but some parts might feel a little lacking. The pacing of this book was good. Some parts felt a little slow or a little fast, but nothing major that ruined the experiance. I did find the time skip a little disorienting; it gets better as the book goes on, but it felt a little sudden at the time. One part this book nailed was the small-town vibe. I also loved the family dynamic and how that extended to Ivy's mom.

I enjoyed hearing more about the horse world throughout the book. I was a bit confused at times; I wish the glossary had been pointed out. I had no way of knowing it was there until the book was already over. It was a fun addition; I just wish I had known it was there. One part I especially enjoyed was how much Ivy felt like a part of the town and family at the end of the book. She forged real relationships on her own, not because of Wade, which was delightful to see. The side characters in this book were top-tier. I love how we got a glimpse of their own storylines throughout the book, and I am hoping to see some of those stories continued throughout the series. I adored Wade and Ivy's relationship. They had so much chemistry, and the banter was off the charts and a joy to read. The scenery and descriptions were great and did a wonderful job setting the scene.

Overall, this was a fun read that was hard to put down. It did have serious points but managed to stay relatively light-hearted. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves some good banter and small-town vibes. I can not wait to see what happens with Ginger and Cole! I look forward to reading more!

live laugh LOVE cowboy romances. i cannot wait to continue devouring whatever paisley hope conjures up, and training the heart was no exception- dare i say i liked it even more than the first one! i def recommend for anyone whose a fan of the chestnut springs series or looking to get into fast paced, steamy cowboy romances

I cannot get enough of these!! The cowboy/ ranch vibes books are my comfort reads right now and this hit the spot. The characters were perfection and it was such a fun, easy read!

I really, really enjoyed this book. It is so romantic with the way the characters fell so completely and without intention. It's also so charming with the smalltown feel, it being set on a ranch & having a cowboy vibe, and having such a close family involved. It's also hella spicy, which was fun, too.

The first book in this series caught my eye on social media, and for that I am so thankful. I absolutely love the writing and the characters, and I cannot wait for the next book!

Read this if you love: workplace romance, small town, cowboy/cowgirl/ranching, steamy romance, grumpy vs sunshine, he takes care of her, close knit family, good friend group books!

I LOVED this story; it was such a fun sequel to the first book I enjoyed so much!

3.75/5
This had every trope you could ever need, honestly. I really liked seeing both of these characters really come out of their own and enjoy the easy relationship they had. Wade and Ivy’s relationship also felt very attainable. There was nothing extravagant about it. Just two people having fun together and watching movies to start.

The Ashby family sounds like so much fun. I maybe should’ve refreshed my memory on Holding the Reins a little before this just so I could’ve been reminded of where we were at when this started, but it was good enough without it.

The brothers best friend -> workplace romance -> single dad and the woman who is friends with his sister but they’ve had the craziest banter their whole lives -ness of this series is really giving exactly the same as Rebel Blue Ranch. But don’t get it twisted, I’m still eating it tf up

This book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ it was honestly a bit much for me. But I know a lot of people will love how often they be fuckin, so I won’t really hold that against it

ARC from NetGalley and Random House

UGH my heart, Ivy and Wade are everything! I love grumpy bossman Wade and sunshine-y Ivy. The immaculate friendship/family dynamics carries from the first book on into the second in the series, and it continues to give the most wholesome, heartwarming found family vibes. If you love cowboy romances this is one to read! Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

What a beautiful book. I thought nothing could top the first book and Nash, but then Wade came along and became my new favorite.

This will definitely be one of my best reads of the month, it has all the tropes I love in a book, boss/employee, sunshine/grumpy, slow burn. Really super recommended, I loved it from start to finish, I read it very fast because it had me so intrigued I couldn't stop.

Ivy, you became one of my Fmc this year.

Okay - Wade and Ivy are just EVERYTHING! I loved Holding The Reins but this one - just so yummy. Wade is my new book boyfriend. The book has a lot of yummy tropes, including high chemistry and slow burn, friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, some dom/sub stuff and lots of sexy moments. I will be rereading this again and again. Five stars.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this arc.

Review of Training the Heart

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Training the Heart is a spectacular addition to the series that has truly stolen my heart. After being captivated by Holding the Reins, I wasn't sure if any couple could top that, but Wade and Ivy have proven me wrong. Paisley has delivered another enchanting story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and I can't wait for Riding the High!

The chemistry between Wade and Ivy is electric, and the author skillfully weaves their love story with just the right amount of spice. The way they navigate their challenges feels authentic, making their relationship relatable and deeply engaging. Paisley has a gift for creating characters who not only feel real but also resonate with readers on an emotional level.

The pacing of the book is well-balanced; it allows for moments of intense passion while also delving into the deeper aspects of Wade and Ivy's lives. Their individual growth throughout the story is a highlight, showcasing how love can transform and strengthen us. The themes of trust, vulnerability, and commitment are explored beautifully, making this more than just a romance—it’s a journey of the heart.

The supporting cast adds depth and richness to the narrative, with each character contributing to the overarching story in meaningful ways. Their interactions provide both humor and insight, enriching the world that Paisley has built.

Overall, Training the Heart deserves infinity stars. It’s a perfect blend of love, spice, and emotional depth, solidifying Paisley’s place as a must-read author in this genre. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment, Riding the High, and I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt romance that leaves a lasting impression.

Ummm wow just wow. I thought the last book couldn't be beat with Nash but then here comes Wade Ashby and oh man, I was so so wrong. Just like book 1 we start out strong with the dedication page. "To those searching for their grumpy, loyal, protective cowboy who will tattoo mine on his hand just so it looks pretty wrapped around your throat, don't give up, babe. Your Wade Ashby is out there." If that doesn't make you want to dive right into this book I don't know what will.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
- small town romance
- boss/employee
- hidden romance
- grumpy/sunshine
- forced proximity
- one bed
- dom/sub
- possessive MMC
- he fell first
- talks of alcohol abuse, narcissism, and abuse

I absolutely DEVOURED this book I think even faster than the first book. This is a small town/ ranch romance book with spice. Make sure to check the triggers as it does contain some topics that aren't ok for everyone.

Ivy Spencer the FMC just got hired to be the new temporary horse trainer for Silver Pines ranch. And grumpy Mr. Wade Ashby the MMC is her boss and neighbor on the ranch. She is always full of sunshine and sass and doesn't let any man stand in her way of getting things done. Wade is the complete opposite to Ivy, he's ridiculously grumpy to everyone including his family and a little possessive later on. However, the dynamic between these two is like no other and I just loved reading their story. I binged this book in under 24 hrs and loved every minute of it.

"Let go Ivy, soak my face. Fucking suffocate me, and say my name when you do."

"Do you know what happens to little brats, Ivy?"..."They get fucked, hard."

"You're going to look so fucking pretty wearing my collar, Ivy."

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Paisley Hope and Random House Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I did not think it was going to be possible to love a book in this series anymore than the first… and then I met Wade & Ivy.

I am head over heels obsessed with this series and this book in particular had me giggling, blushing, and kicking my feet the entire time. Ivy added so much sass while Wade was so grumpy, and it truly made for the absolute best banter and chemistry! I will always love a workplace romance, so the author nailed it with this story.

I loved this book, I will reread this book, and I am counting down the days for book 3!

This was an absolutely perfect small town cowboy romance. Wade was such a grump at first and Ivy the most sunshine

This was an absolutely perfect small town cowboy romance. Wade was such a grump at first and Ivy the most sunshine

I was looking forward to reading this since I really enjoyed the first book in the series but this one was difficult to get through. Way too much spice and not enough substance. Will still plan on reading the next book in the series.

An incredible second book in the silver pines series. The spice was…off the charts good. I was fanning myself though the whole book. The tattoo…I cannot. Massive clap for not having a really big pivotal third act breakup. There was also never any miscommunication or doubt in the relationship which I loved it just felt so…adult. If there were questions they talked about it instead of leaping to conclusions.

From a character standpoint you see Ivy grow back into herself after years of doubt and second guessing. You don’t expect to see character growth from Wade, but you surprisingly do. In the first book of this series you learn he has an ex wife. Throughout this book you see him start to see that you accept the love you think you deserve not the love you actually deserve. In addition to that the moments between Wade and Ivy where he just loves her silently though his actions not his words.