Skip to main content

Member Reviews

This is perfection.

I really needed a new cowboy romance to sink my teeth into and I was so happy when I found these.

The plot was thick, and funny ( I was giggling and kicking my feet) the characters are developed in a way I have recently found lacking in some other romance books!

It is also spicy AF, but that does not overshadow the writing or the plot! I am a very happy girl.

Was this review helpful?

WHERE DO I START?!
This doesn’t get 5 stars it gets 5 freaking HUNDRED stars omg.

Ivy. IVY SPENCER. THE WOMAN YOU ARE. Strong, fiery, sassy, kind, caring, humble, respectful and god bless her so vulnerable in her own skin. I have never related to a character so much. She has been through hell and back and it has affected her deeply and it shows sometimes but she is so strong and capable that she refuses to let it change her life completely. I love her so much and she was the PERFECT addition to the ‘Not Angels’

Moving onto Wade. Chief. WADE COWBOY ASHBY. Good lord that man, and his mouth. We love a grumpy cowboy who falls first and HARD. The way that man made me simp over words written on a page was UNFATHOMABLE. He can call me brat any day 🥵

Once again, Paisley has smashed the found family trope. The ashbys were back in full force with this one! And the Not Angels (my soul sisters).

The mental abuse from a spouse storyline was done well, trigger warning for blackmail and verbal abuse.
I also think the alcoholism storyline line (again, TW) added another depth to Ivys character and background (mother is an alcoholic) that was woven into the overall plot fantastically. There were all these little moments and sub plots that kept the story flowing beautifully.

Also it had THE ONE BED trope. I mean, COME ON.

Was this review helpful?

Grumpy X Sunshine
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
Man Obsessed & In Denial
Strong FMC
Road Trip/ One Bed
Surprise Twist (Pregnancy)
Takes Care Of Her/ Acts Of Service
No Third Act Break up
Found Family


Ever had a book you loved so much it’s hard to get the words together to tell everyone how much you loved it? That’s how I’m feeling with this book. We’re only half way through this cowboy series and I can’t wait for more.

I need to be a part of the Ashby family as soon as possible. I love their family aspect so much and how welcoming they all are. Ivy fits in so well with them all they all embrace her personality.
There’s not many people who would turn up to an interview a little late and tell her possible new boss. The reason is because her smutty slow burn audiobook couple had just kissed and she needed to know what happened next. This book hits all the emotions and I know there are people out there who will not read a book with the pregnancy trope but I promise you, you need to overlook that and read this book, you’ll thank yourself later. I loved the spice in this book and the fact that it gets spicier with each book just leaves you wanting the next book. The build up for Cole & Gingers story within this book is just *Chef’s Kiss*.

I really hope this series get’s the hype it deserves, any fans of the chestnut springs or Rebel Blue Ranch series are going to love this.

This book gets a 4.5 from me.

Was this review helpful?

Ugh I never knew I would love a cowboy romance but my god I do! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Small town romance with a grumpy cowboy. What more could you want? I’m really enjoying reading this series and would definitely recommend - especially for those in their cowboy era!

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in the Silver Pines series and my favourite one so far. I adore the Ashby family. They seem so fun and they love hard. Their family dinners seem like a scream and I want to be a part of that girl gang. I cannot wait for Ginger and Cole's book. Ginger is just hilarious.

This is the perfect small town cowboy romance. I loved Ivy's sass and how she wound Wade up. Their banter was entertaining and definitely made me laugh. The grumpy cowboy having movie and ice cream sundae nights was too sweet. However, the spice is amped up even more from book one, but I found it didn't overtake the plot as much.

It does cover deeper topics though and makes you feel all the emotions and I'm pretty sure I shed a tear. I just wanted to give Ivy a massive hug and I loved seeing her make friends just as much as falling in love. Wade taking care of her was swoon worthy. They are just too cute together. The found family made my heart happy.

If you're a Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage fan then I highly recommend this series.

Was this review helpful?

Can you imagine turning up to an interview and explaining that one of the reasons you were 6 minutes late was because you were reading a slow burn and they had finally kissed and the roommate was about to have his turn? No, me neither but apparently that’s just how Ivy rolls!

Ivy is a strong and sassy fmc that pushes and teases Wade and takes no shit which I love! Wade was the perfect mix of grumpy and sweet, especially with the middle of the night ice cream sundaes. I really enjoyed how supportive and trusting they were of each other even with their pasts. And I will never look at scrunchies the same again!👀

Also that dedication at the start of this book is everything and had me even more excited to start this book when I read “who will tattoo mine on his hand just so it looks pretty wrapped around your throat” *melts*🥵

Whilst I really enjoyed this book and getting to see all of the characters again from Holding the Reins it felt like it was a long and slightly slow read.

Thank you to the publisher Penguin Random House UK and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

This review only needs 6 words to explain my 5 stars… ‘Wade Ashby and THAT hand tattoo’.

I thought Nash was hot, and I loved him and CeCe, but Wade and Ivy just had something more that I couldn't put my finger on.

Wade is the ultimate grumpy cowboy. He has the weight of running the family ranch on his shoulders and a piece of work ex-wife he is finally just cutting ties with.

Ivy is the sunshine that Wade isn't looking for in his life. She has joined the ranch as his new horse trainer, and although she seems to be happy and easygoing, she certainly hasn't had an easy time of life.

As well as the light and fun side of the story with spicy lessons, girl gang fun, and family banter, there is also alcoholism, fertility issues, and domestic abuse.
This book has it all to keep you hooked each chapter.

Boss x Employee
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Accidental Pregnancy
One Bed
Man Obsessed

Was this review helpful?

Overall I enjoyed this book, I love a grumpy cowboy/ranch owner who isn't actually that grumpy at all

I enjoyed how supportive they were of each other and how trusting they were, even with their shitty exes

I really enjoyed their ice cream and movie nights and how much Wade looked after Ivy when she was injured

Like with the first book in this series, once the spice hits it overtakes the plot and I just wish there was more of a balance between the two, as the plot is so strong and enjoyable in the first half but it kinda just fades away in the second half

- grumpy cowboy X horse trainer
- boss x employee
- small town / ranch setting
- accidental pregnancy
- forced proximity

Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC

Was this review helpful?

This book HAS and IS everything! I loved all of it from the sassy FMC to the grumpy rancher MMC. Training the Heart has everything you could want from a great cowboy romance and more and is a perfect read for a day at the park to enjoy the sunshine and Silver Pines ranch.

I can’t wait to read Cole and Gingers story! And anything else by Paisley Hope.

Summary: Wade, burdened by his family's ranch and failed marriage, finds unexpected passion with Ivy, who's determined to train a Derby racehorse.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Don't let anyone trick you into thinking this is a grumpy/sunshine...this is a dark & moody, incredibly hot, rugged cowboy with a wickedly dirty mouth/sassy & strong horse trainer whose positivity is catching.

Having read Holding the Reins, I knew I was going to enjoy this as we've met the characters before & the style is the same, but Paisley Hope turned up the spice level with this one 🔥

Again, this has the Elsie Silver vibes (Wade & Cade are very alike), the fabulous family element, the humour & text message exchanges are again very similar, so if you've enjoyed those give these a try.

I'm looking forward to Ginger & Cole's story.

Thanks to @penguinrandomhouse & @netgalley

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for honest feedback.

This felt very similar to Cece & Nash's story, including an a**hole ex that was abusive & I knew where it was gonna end up - verrry spicy, haha!

I have a feeling that Ginger & Cole are gonna end up the same way ;)

An easy, but 'slightly cringey if you're sitting next to other people' read.

Was this review helpful?

I am absolutely obsessed! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First of all, the dedication? HOT🔥🔥🔥! I mean, it had me blushing before I even started chapter one. Paisley sure knows how to set the mood! And if you thought Nash was hot in "Holding the Reins," buckle up because Wade is on another level entirely. This man is pure cowboy perfection 🥵🔥.

So, this is the second book in the Silver Pines series, set in the quaint small town of Laurel Creek. We follow Wade Ashby, our brooding cowboy, and Ivy Spencer, his new head trainer. Wade’s running the family ranch, and Ivy’s stepping in temporarily while his head trainer, Sam, is on maternity leave. From the moment they meet, sparks are flying! Both are trying so hard to keep it professional - Wade’s sworn off relationships after a rough divorce from his ex-wife, Janelle, who's still in town causing havoc, and Ivy’s healing from the fallout of her relationship with Brad, her narcissistic ex and previous boss.

I devoured this book in a single day. I couldn't put it down! Wade and Ivy together are pure magic. He's the grumpy to her sunshine, and watching him struggle to keep things professional is both hilarious and heartwarming. Picture this: a grumpy rancher indulging in ice cream sundaes at midnight while binging action movies with the girl he loves. Adorable, right? 🍨🎬

Paisley’s writing is seriously addictive. She manages to weave backstories filled with hurt, suffering, and bad luck, so you just can't help but get sucked in and root for the characters' happily ever afters. Okay, I know the surprise pregnancy trope isn't everyone's cup of tea, but trust me on this one. With Ivy? I was begging for it. After everything she's been through, she deserved that happy ending so badly. The way Paisley handled it was sensitive, thoughtful, and just perfect. And seeing Wade, who always puts others first, finally think about his own happiness with Ivy? Chef's kiss.

In this series each book can be read as a standalone, but the stories are interconnected, so we get to have a few moments with CeCe and Nash form Holding the Reins, who make some cameo appearances, and we're teased with Cole and Ginger's story (I am SO READY for "Chasing the Roots"!). Paisley has a knack for creating characters you can't help but fall in love with.

In conclusion, Paisley Hope is destined for greatness. This series is an absolute hit, and I’m here for every single book she writes. Automatic buy? You bet! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

P.S. After this book, I'll never look at a scrunchie the same way again and that tattoo? Phew!... IYKYK 😉

Thank you so much to author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

✨Workplace Romance✨
✨Grumpy x Sunshine✨
✨Forced Proximity✨
✨One Bed✨
✨Super Strong FMC✨
✨Dual POV✨
✨He Takes Care of Her✨

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

That dedication though 🥵🔥
This is the second book in the Silver Pines series and follows Wade Ashby and Ivy Spencer. Wade runs his family ranch and has just hired Ivy to work for him temporarily while his full time trainer is on maternity leave.
From the moment the two meet there is an instant spark which they try to fight. Wade has sworn off relationships after his divorce and Ivy after separating from her boyfriend and previous employer.

I loved this book. I burned through it.
Wade and Ivy were so cute together! The image of a grumpy rancher having ice cream sundaes in the middle of the night while watching action movies is adorable!
There’s also something about these gruff overly masculine men being so protective that even when these ladies twist an ankle it’s like they want to fight the ground that I just love!

One of the things I enjoy about this series is the fact that they could be read as standalone books but they’re still interlinked with CeCe and Nash popping up! I know it’s not groundbreaking but it is a nice thing 😂

Paisley Hope has created some amazing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with! The story was compelling as well, I can’t say I know a lot about the Kentucky Derby but I didn’t feel lost at all with the explanations given!

Overall I really did enjoy the book and I’m hoping for a 3rd book in the series! I’ll also be picking up wolf.e when it is realised! I will be reading anything the author writes! ♥️

Was this review helpful?

After enjoying the previous book Holding the reins by this author, this was a must read, so thank you to Net Galley for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy a great sequel. Once again a lovely storyline with great characters

Was this review helpful?

Paisley Hope has just got even better!

After reading Holding the Reins I was excited to read this next book and wow it did not dissapoint. Grumpy / sunshine small town cowboy romance - whats not to love!!?

Ivy and Wade are both escaping toxic relationships and whilst Wade is the grumpy boss he is unable to keep it professional for long. The way these two characters evolve from strangers, boss and employee, lovers to all out in love is a great story, the spice just hots this up to another level!

I cannot wait to see what comes next and look forward to reading the next in this series.

I received this book as an ARC and provide my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. I enjoyed this sequel, I liked the emotional storyline, the ending felt.a bit unfinished for me.

Was this review helpful?

Hold on to your cowboy hats, ladies, because Wade Ashby is going to blow you away!

I read and loved HOLDING THE REINS when it first came out - I adored Nash and CeCe and completely fell head over heels for Paisley as an author. NOTHING could've prepared me for Wade and Ivy's story...

Let me tell you that I started reading TRAINING THE HEART and I did not move all day because I was utterly obsessed with this story - I couldn't wait to find out what would happen, yet I never wanted it to end. Paisley's writing is INCREDIBLE - her characters are like old friends and I feel so at home at Silver Pines Ranch. This story is full of emotion, heartache, and humour. We have a feisty yet vulnerable heroine, and the guarded, dirty-talking cowboy. Wade is the grumpy to Ivy's sunshine, and they are a match made in heaven.

TRAINING THE HEART is easily going to be one of my top reads this year.

Was this review helpful?

·Grumpy X Sunshine.
·Workplace romance.
·Found family.
·One bed.
·Dirty talking professional.
·Touch her and d*e.
·MMC who constantly praises the FMC.
·Surprise pregnancy.
·HE GETS A TATTOO FOR HER!

Training the Heart follows Wade Ashby as he brings in a new horse trainer to cover one of his workers who’s on maternity leave. Wade expected someone reliable, trustworthy, punctual and quiet. What he didn’t expect was Ivy Spencer to come waltzing into his life with her sassy mouth and abundant supply of scrunchies and turn his world up on its head.   

Ivy is running from an ex-partner who mentally abused her and looking for somewhere to find her feet until she’s back on track. What she didn’t expect to find was a grumpy ranch owner who only smiles when she’s around and brings her ice-cream sundaes in the middle of the night.

This story is beautifully written and sucks you in with the characters back stories and the hurt, suffering and bad luck they’ve experienced. I’m usually not a lover of the surprise pregnancy trope, but with Ivy I was pleading for it because she’s been through so much that she deserves the happiness she receives, and so does Wade for dealing with so much all the time and never giving as much as a fleeting thought to his own happiness.

The characters are so well fleshed out and described that they feel like literal living people. The found family element just makes me want to move into Silver Pines forever because all of the side characters sound like a riot too. Especially the Not Angles and Papa Dean!  I’m hoping (praying and offering my first-born child, literally) that we get a look into the sizzling tension between Cole and Ginger because that is something I would 1000% devour! The epilogue to this book was beautiful and heart-warming to say the least. I have one thing to say;  the bonus chapter ?!!! Excuse me, that set my entire world on fire !!Thank you for sharing this beautiful work of art with me, I cannot wait to see what other wonderful novels you come out with in the future.

Was this review helpful?

Following on from book one, this follows Wade and Ivy. Ivy is the new trainer and she is sunshine with a few grey clouds of self doubt and her own worth after her last relationship. Wade is the grumpiest of grumps but not when it comes to Ivy.
I loved the first one and this one shows that this series will be a winner. I can’t wait for the next one which I hope will be Ginger’s story.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?