5⭐/3.5🌶️

dude. Ivy and Wade are EVERYTHING to me. Thank you Netgalley for an arc of this book, and i need yall to know the second i finished it i went and bought the audiobook and ebook copy, PLUS book 1 🤣 im obsessed.

My first ever Paisley Hope book was Protect, from the hot shot series that came out this January. Prior to that i had books of hers on my tbr (have you seen those beautiful covers???) but life happens and i just never got to them. After finishing Protect, i loved seeing Hope's style of writing and thought ok lets bump her books up on my tbr. Literally that day i noticed Training the Heart on netgalley and said ok this is a sign.

I know this is book 2 in the series, but i dove in head first and loved every second. I never felt confused, so can confirm they are stand alones. I LOVE a cowboy book. And Paisley, unsurprisingly, can write the HELL out of a cinnamon roll alpha male. Wade had such a caring heart and such a dirty mouth, i felt like i had whiplash (in a good way) while reading. And who the hell doesn't love a tattoo moment...! 

As for Ivy, she was so badass. Leaving what she knew to escape an abusive situation, and recognizing her worth and how much more she deserves, ugh. It was so heartwarming watching her grow and bond with Wade, all while dealing with the issues she had with her mother and medical issues.

No spoilers, but usually im not a fan of the trope that takes place in the last quarter of the book, but it was so sweet and wholesome i didnt even care. I KNEW right away what was happening and was like well fuck. But kept going and was so so happy i did :) ALSO! that bonus chapter 😳🙏🏽

Paisley has gained a new fan, and im so excited to go back and read Holding the Reins this week. Thank you netgalley for the push i needed to find my new favorite author!!