This has all the makings of an emotional read, but sadly it fell short for me on that front. The smut, though? Whooo, that most definitely delivered.

I do wish we got a little more of the non-sex part of their relationship because I just wasn’t emotionally invested. Every time I think they’re finally going to talk about feelings, especially with Ivy fresh out of an abusive relationship, they just go back to doing it. I’m all for a smutty book, but I do like some balance.

Another thing I really, really hoped for was to see Ivy kill it at her job. There was such a huge build up about her being this horse whisperer of sorts, but we didn’t even see them together? I wish we did.

Even with all that, this was still a fun time and I’m looking forward to book 3!

I really wanted to love this book. Being a horse rider I was looking forward to seeing where this would go but I must admit I was a little disappointed. I think there were just too many spicy scenes. It seemed like we got over one spicy bit and was landed with another spicy bit straight after. It kind of took away from the story, Im still not even sure there was a story other than boy meets girl and they get it on. There were so many more levels that could have been investigated, especially around the mental abuse that was touched on but not really fully explored.

I did enjoy it but there was no real story line and too much sex.

4.5🌟
What a great second instalment to the series. I loved being back with the gang. Wade and Ivy's story was everything I wanted. A great blend of workplace, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity romance. I loved watching these 2 grow and bring out the best in each other. It was so easy to get lost in there story. Not only was it funny in places, swoony and sexy but also incredibly moving and heart wrenching. Can't wait for book 3!

Paisley has done it again! Dare I say it, I’m enjoying this series even more than Chestnut Springs, which is the Cowboy romance series that got me in to Cowboy romance in the first place.

I do love a grumpy x sunshine, Wade and Ivy did not disappoint. I enjoyed their banter, the development of their relationship and to be honest I just loved being back in Silver Pines.

I said it in my review for Holding the Reins and I’m going to say it again now.. I can’t wait for Cole and Ginger’s book! I’m calling it, I think that one is going to be the best one in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Paisley has done it again! I didn’t think the first book could be topped but it was! Grumpy x Sunshine will always be my favourite and this did not disappoint. Recommend to anyone looking that loves spice, grumpy sunshine , forced proximity and the one bed trope. Chefs kiss

I love a small town romance, it's always one of my go to choices! I love Wade and Ivy's story so much! Grumpy and sunshine and forced proximity?? What's not to love!!

Thank you to Penguin for sending me an ARC of this book.

I've been falling in love with Paisley and her books over the last 2 months. 3/3 books have been 5 stars and that's a pretty good record.

I am feral for Wade Ashby. The way Paisley writes this man, I'm obsessed. And Ivy is such a spitfire and I adore her. These two are so cute, the way they communicate, I love. I truly dig a book that does fantastic communication and Paisley nails it every time.

I loved seeing so much of Cece and Nash as well, and I can't wait for Cole and Ginger's story.

I really loved the holding the reins so I knew o was going to love this one and think this one even tops the first in the series. Wade and Ivy were everything!

Book Review...

Training the Heart, Paisley Hope

This story takes us back to Silver Pines Ranch and into the heart of the Ashby family. Wade is shouldering the burden of running the family ranch and Ivy is his new horse trainer. He is grumpy. She is sunshine. Their job and living arrangments lead to forced proximity and so their journey begins! This book delivered everything I hoped it would - the small town vibes, the found family, tension, angst, good banter, dirty talk and plenty of spice! If you're looking for a smutty new cowboy romance - look no further!

I loved this book even more than the first one. Ivy and Wade’s relationship just felt so organic and real. This is honestly one of my favourite romance pairings.

I really enjoyed the storyline and how complex each character was. I really liked the way that Ivy brought out Wade’s softer side (especially when she had to stay with him for a bit, so cute!)

I am so excited for the third book to come out. I’m loving this series so far and need more of it!

The spice is a lot but overall didn’t deter from the book. I the epilogues are growing on me and it was quite cute seeing a glimpse into the future.

I absolutely adored Holding the reins, so when I received this arc I was over the moon. This book was the perfect follow up. A great small town cowboy romance. The characters were amazing and I loved getting to know them and reading about their romance. I was so invested in their story. The banter was amazing, made it such a fun read. Ivy and Wade are perfect for each other!

I love this series so so mcuh. This was so good and I absolutely adored it. I didnt wanted it to end to be honest.
Love. Love. Love!!!

Okay, whew, what a freaking book! Ivy and Wade were perfection. What starts as Wade being kind of a jerk to Ivy in a job interview for the training position at his ranch, turns into the cutest damn couple ever. I LOVE how bossy Wade was and how in that he shared the power with Ivy. The spicy scenes were on fire and Wade's mouth was really something else. It's incredible just like his heart!
I loved the family; the entire cast of secondary characters really pulled this story together and made you feel like one of them. Papa Dean and his advice had my dying laughing!
There is a smidgeon of OWD with Wade's ex-wife Jannelle and it was the perfect amount where it added that conflict you want, when the couples are doing so well, but not enough that it took away the spotlight from Wade and Ivy.
Definitely do not skip this book or this author! She's quickly become one of my favorites guaranteed 5-star authors!

I was looking forward to reading Training the Heart after reading Holding the Reins in August. This book has:
🐎 F/M cowboy romance
🍨 Employer / employee
🐎 Fling to more, caretaking
🍨 Love after divorce
🐎 Dual POV, second book in the Silver Pines Ranch series

Thoughts below ⬇️

• This was a good next instalment in the series. It had moments that had me laughing (Ivy’s flustered finger guns), a relationship I wanted to see develop, and page time to a family I’m invested in (get me to an Ashby dinner!).
• For me the high point of this book was Wade [beware spoilers incoming] the tattooed, towel wearing, scrunchie hoarding grump with a soft centre, as soft as his ice cream sundaes.
When he appeared with his new tattoo *swoons and fans self profusely.
•However, both Ivy and Wade have traumatic and difficult past romantic relationships, Ivy’s is a past abusive relationship (emotional, verbal, coercive behaviour) and Wade a manipulative ex-partner. These experiences touch upon their relationship.
•I described the first book as a romance focused with less emphasis on plot (and a spice focused story). This is also the case for Training the Heart. When the spice enters the story it dominates over many other plot elements, which was a little disappointing. I wanted more moments that made me believe in Wade and Ivy as a couple, including tension.
• Furthermore, despite some of the topics touched upon in this book (including those that impact the MCs), the romantic relationship was surprisingly low on obstacles.

wade and ivy🙂‍↕️🥹

as much as i loved this one, book one for me is still my favourite!!!

but a grumpy wade ashby, yes please!! you know i love w grumpy x sunshine!!

i haven’t read an accidental pregnancy trope before, but i must say i didn’t hate it!!

overall such a goodie, and i can’t wait to read more within the collection…basically i’m ready to hear about cole’s love story now please and thank you🫶🏼

4.5 stars

Tropes to expect here:
-Rancher/Cowboy x Horse Trainer
-Boss x Employee
-Road Trip
-One Bed
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Spicy Lessons

So Paisley's debut book was a whole thing which meant as soon as there was any hint of Book 2 on the horizon, I was all in. And boy was it a treat to be back in Silver Pines with the deliciously grumpy eldest Ashby brother.

I've been having a hard time reading this last month or so, and Wade and Ivy pulled me straight out of my burnout slump within the first 4 chapters. This was such a fun, easy to read, low drama, seriously spice packed read.

Who doesn't love a grumpy boss man who is a big softie for his girl? And we're not just talking about his ginormous heart eyes, we're talking about EVERYTHING. He cooks for her. He washes her hair. He gives her spicy lessons. Me makes her sq***t. He got a tattoo for her?!?! Come *on!*

No but seriously, I loved their relationship. The perfect grumpy x sunshine blend. Wade was Ivy's fierce protector, and she was the balm for all his hard edges. Wade fell so incredibly hard for his girl, and I was on board with this from the get go.

Their chemistry in and out of the bedroom was off the charts, and I was not prepared for the absolute scenes. Wanna talk about the barn scene and that epilogue? Drop into my DMs. Paisley, you seriously stepped up the spice in this one. I spent 90% of the read blushing incredulously.

Much like Holding The Reins, the Not Angels girls were on fine fettle and I cannot put into words how much I love them. I adored Mama Jo and Pop Dean's input in this book, and found the scenes between Dean and Wade hilarious, especially when the old man could clearly see what Wade was trying so hard to hide.

A real heart warmer that makes you believer everyone has a happy ending in store for them some day

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

So I think I went a little bit feral for Wade Ashby while reading this. Like I was quite possibly jealous of Ivy?? Normally I’m a bit jealous of both, just happy to be reading, but damn I was feeling that green-eyed monster take over and genuinely left wondering what evil magic potion dust had been put in this book.
But yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED Ivy, but oh my every little thing Wade did, I nearly keeled over at one point and I was sitting down?!
I don’t have anything else to say. I’m just still vibing, totally fine that Wade is fictional. It’s so good, it’s fine.
But I am now so ready for the book we’ve all been waiting for Ginger and Cole!! Can’t wait!

<b>Updated Review</b>

<i>Initial Thoughts</i>

Ummmmmm…so four <i>very</i> light spoilers here:
1. Wade Ashby reads the morning paper wearing only light grey sweatpants and his thin black-rimmed glasses.
2. Wade Ashby likes pain with his pleasure.
3. Ivy listens to and reads spicy romance.
4. That bonus scene 😮‍💨

<b>STORY LOVES</b>
♥️♥️♥️♥️.5 (rounded)
∙
<b>SPICE</b>
🌶️ Medium hot(ish)
∙
RECOMMEND
💳 100% yes

📖“Training the Heart,” Paisley Hope’s second installment in her Silver Pines Ranch series, brings readers back to the small town of Laurel Creek. This time, we meet the spirited horse trainer Ivy, who happens to be the perfect fit for the grumpy and rugged cowboy Wade Ashby, whom we briefly met in “Holding the Reins.”🐎

✨Ivy is hiding from her past, while Wade is still grieving his father and dealing with his troublesome ex-wife. This adds layers of drama to “Training the Heart.”✨

✨I love the undeniable chemistry between Wade and Ivy. The initial sēxüãl tension and Ivy’s accident, which forces her to stay with Wade as her temporary caregiver, lead to a shower scene that acts as the catalyst to break that tension. They give in to the temptation! Paisley Hope has written some steamy and memorable scenes that provide just the right amount of spice without overshadowing the emotional depth of the story. 😮‍💨

✨I don’t want to give away the details of the bonus scene, but just know that it perfectly captures Wade and Ivy’s love story while adding more heat.💗

✨“Training the Heart” is a must-read. Paisley Hope delivers a story that’s both emotionally rewarding and exciting. I’m looking forward to Cade and Ginger’s story.💯

‼️I hope you enjoy “Training the Heart” as much as I did. If you’re sensitive to certain content, please make sure you read the warning before you dive in.✨

Happy reading! 💋

Thank you, Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read “Training the Heart” in advance.

i loved this so much. this book had everything i love about a western romance: lots of great banter, the best found family vibes and a swoony, gruff cowboy with the filthiest mouth (obviously a must) 🤠 if that sounds like something you’d enjoy - i mean, why wouldn’t you - you should pick this up immediately!!

🤠 cowboy mmc x horse trainer fmc
💜 grumpy x sunshine
🤠 man obsessed
💜 one bed
🤠 strong fmc
💜 he gets «mine» tattoed on his hand as a claiming collar 🫠

4.5⭐️ 3.5🌶️

I HAVEN'T GOT THE WORDS TO EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK!

This book series is the first cowboy romance I've read after reading the Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver and I didn't think i was capable of loving another as much as i did for that series... but Paisley Hope has done it! I read both Holding the Reins and Training the Heart back to back and this one is definitely my favourite.. dare i say i liked it even more then my favourite Chestnut Springs book too... and i didn't think that was possible.

I loved both the characters as equally as each other, both was written to PERFECTION. Wade was the perfect example of how to write a grumpy cowboy, to the point that i didn't even notice the switch to him warming to Ivy.. it happened so naturally and flowed so well! Ivy was such a powerful and strong FMC, you really felt all the things she felt and she was so inspiring with how she combatted what she went through and didn't stop or let anyone drag her down when she kew what she wanted.

The tropes in this? done so well, so well i can't put it into words. I was not expecting the pregnancy trope (I probably should have with the storyline of her thinking she couldn't carry a child full-term, but i think i was to busy blindly enjoying every second of this book) but it was done to perfection! The spice was SPICY HOT!

I wouldn't change a thing about this book, it was honestly spectacular - SIX STARS!! I can't wait for the series to carry on and to read more from Paisley Hope!