Grumpy Cowboy Meets Sunshine

Ivy Spencer, a fiercely talented horse trainer with a modern approach, arrives late for her interview at Silver Pines Ranch, only to be met by Wade Ashby, a gruff, no-nonsense cowboy still reeling from loss and divorce. Their first encounter is a collision of Ivy's effervescent, open-hearted energy and Wade's rigid, guarded demeanor. Despite initial friction, Ivy's confidence and expertise with horses quickly earn her a place on the ranch. Wade, though resistant, is drawn to her spirit and skill, sensing she might be the catalyst for change he desperately needs. Their dynamic is electric—equal parts irritation and intrigue—setting the stage for a slow-burn romance that promises to challenge both their assumptions about love, trust, and second chances.

Unconventional Training Methods

Ivy's innovative, gentle training philosophy—centered on trust and partnership rather than dominance—clashes with the ranch's traditional methods. She demonstrates her approach with a skittish colt, mesmerizing the staff and even Wade, who is both skeptical and captivated. Her success with the horses begins to win over the ranch hands, but also stirs up distraction and jealousy, especially as Ivy's presence draws attention from every man on the ranch. Wade, determined to maintain professionalism, finds himself increasingly unsettled by Ivy's effect on his team and himself. The tension between progress and tradition becomes a metaphor for the emotional risks both must take to move forward.

Family Ties and Tensions

Ivy is swept into the Ashby family's orbit, experiencing their warmth, humor, and chaos. She's invited to family dinners, celebrations, and late-night talks, quickly becoming part of their world. Wade's siblings and friends tease him about his obvious interest in Ivy, while his mother, Jo, sees the potential for healing in both. The family's support is a balm for Ivy, who has long felt alone, but it also highlights the deep wounds Wade carries from his father's death and failed marriage. The ranch's future—especially the dream of training a Kentucky Derby contender—becomes a shared goal, binding Ivy and Wade together in purpose and hope.

Past Wounds, New Beginnings

Both Ivy and Wade are haunted by their pasts. Ivy's history of emotional abuse and betrayal by her ex, Brad, has left her wary of intimacy and trust. Wade's divorce from Janelle and the burden of his father's legacy weigh heavily on him, making vulnerability feel dangerous. As they work side by side, their mutual attraction grows, but so do their fears. Ivy's determination to never be controlled again clashes with Wade's instinct to protect and lead. Their journey is marked by moments of tenderness and misunderstanding, each learning that healing requires both courage and the willingness to let someone in.

The Nashville Horse Auction

Ivy and Wade travel to Nashville to select a yearling for the ranch's Derby dreams. The trip is charged with anticipation and unspoken desire, complicated by a hotel mix-up that forces them to share a room. Amid the excitement of the auction, Ivy's expertise shines, and Wade begins to trust her instincts fully. They choose a filly, Angel's Wings, whose spirit mirrors Ivy's own. The experience cements their partnership, both professionally and personally, but also brings Ivy face-to-face with Brad, reigniting old traumas and testing Wade's protective instincts. The auction becomes a crucible for trust, loyalty, and the promise of new beginnings.

Boundaries and Temptations

Back at Silver Pines, the chemistry between Ivy and Wade becomes impossible to ignore. Their working relationship is fraught with longing, playful banter, and moments of vulnerability. A shared injury leads Ivy to temporarily move in with Wade, intensifying their proximity and emotional intimacy. The boundaries between boss and employee, friends and lovers, begin to dissolve. Both struggle to maintain control, fearing the consequences of crossing the line, yet unable to resist the pull. Their connection deepens through late-night talks, shared meals, and the quiet comfort of simply being together.

A Night of Vulnerability

One night, the simmering tension erupts into passion, and Ivy and Wade finally give in to their desires. The experience is transformative—raw, honest, and healing. For the first time, both allow themselves to be fully seen and accepted, flaws and all. The physical intimacy is matched by emotional openness, as they share their deepest fears and hopes. The night marks a turning point, solidifying their bond and setting the stage for a partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual care. Yet, the vulnerability also brings new challenges, as both must confront what it means to truly let someone in.

Healing and Homecoming

As Ivy and Wade navigate the complexities of their relationship, the ranch becomes a place of healing for more than just them. Ivy's estranged, alcoholic mother suffers a car accident, prompting Ivy to confront her own patterns of caretaking and self-sacrifice. With Wade's unwavering support, Ivy helps her mother enter rehab, and the Ashby family welcomes her as one of their own. The ranch's sense of community and belonging offers Ivy the family she's always longed for, while Wade learns that love means sharing burdens as well as joys. Together, they create a home where brokenness is met with compassion and hope.

The Kiss That Changes Everything

The culmination of weeks of tension, trust-building, and shared dreams comes in a kiss that shatters the last of their defenses. It is a moment of surrender, where both Ivy and Wade choose each other fully, despite the risks. The kiss is not just a promise of romance, but a declaration of partnership—on the ranch, in life, and in the pursuit of their Derby dream. It signals the start of a new chapter, where love is not a weakness, but the very thing that makes them strong enough to face whatever comes next.

Confessions and Consequences

As their relationship deepens, Ivy and Wade are forced to confront the consequences of their choices. Ivy's unexpected pregnancy brings joy and terror, especially given her history of fertility struggles and the emotional scars left by Brad's manipulation. Wade's steadfast love and commitment help her believe in a future she never thought possible. Together, they face the uncertainty with honesty and resolve, determined to build a family and a life on their own terms. The journey is fraught with setbacks and doubts, but also moments of profound connection and joy.

Racing Toward Dreams

With Angel's Wings, Ivy and Wade pour their hearts into training for the Kentucky Derby. The process is grueling, demanding trust, sacrifice, and relentless hope. The ranch rallies around them, and the Ashby family's support becomes a foundation for their growing family. As the race approaches, the stakes are higher than ever—not just for the ranch's legacy, but for the future Ivy and Wade are building together. The Derby becomes a symbol of everything they've overcome and the dreams they dare to chase, side by side.

The Weight of the Past

Old wounds resurface as Ivy confronts the truth about Brad's abuse and the lies that shaped her sense of self. With Wade's encouragement, she reclaims her agency and refuses to let the past define her. Wade, too, finds closure with Janelle, finally releasing the guilt and resentment that have haunted him. Together, they learn that true healing comes not from forgetting the past, but from choosing to write a new story—one where love, trust, and forgiveness are stronger than fear.

A Family Grows

Ivy and Wade's family expands with the birth of their daughter, Billi Grace, and the continued recovery of Ivy's mother. The ranch flourishes, becoming a place of refuge and joy for all who call it home. The couple's love story inspires those around them, proving that even the most wounded hearts can find healing in connection. Their journey is marked by laughter, struggle, and the everyday magic of building a life together. The arrival of new life is both a culmination and a beginning, a testament to the power of hope and the promise of tomorrow.

The Test of Trust

As Ivy and Wade face the pressures of parenthood, ranch life, and the relentless demands of the racing world, their relationship is tested in new ways. Misunderstandings, insecurities, and the ghosts of old patterns threaten to pull them apart. Yet, each trial becomes an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment—to choose each other, again and again. Through honest communication, vulnerability, and the willingness to forgive, they emerge stronger, their love deepened by adversity.

Angel's Wings Takes Flight

The day of the Kentucky Derby arrives, and Angel's Wings, the filly that brought Ivy and Wade together, takes her place among the best. The race is a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief—in the horse, in each other, and in the possibility of something extraordinary. Whether they win or lose, the true victory is in the journey—the love, family, and community they've built along the way. The Derby is both an ending and a beginning, a celebration of all they've achieved and all that lies ahead.

Breaking Old Patterns

Ivy's mother, once lost to addiction, finds sobriety and a new purpose on the ranch, becoming a beloved grandmother and friend. The Ashby and Spencer families blend, creating a legacy of resilience, compassion, and second chances. Ivy and Wade's children grow up surrounded by love, learning that family is not defined by blood alone, but by the willingness to show up, forgive, and keep moving forward. The ranch becomes a symbol of what's possible when people choose hope over fear, and love over isolation.

The Power of Mercy

The word "mercy" becomes a touchstone in Ivy and Wade's relationship—a signal of surrender, trust, and the willingness to let go of control. It is both a safe word and a philosophy, guiding them through moments of vulnerability and passion. Mercy is what allows them to forgive themselves and each other, to heal old wounds, and to embrace the messy, beautiful reality of life together. In the end, mercy is not weakness, but the greatest strength of all.

Happily Ever After, Redefined

Years later, Ivy and Wade's life is rich with love, laughter, and the everyday chaos of family. The ranch thrives, their children grow, and the legacy of healing continues. Their story is not one of perfection, but of perseverance—the willingness to keep choosing each other, to keep growing, and to keep believing in the possibility of joy. Their happily ever after is not the end, but a new beginning, a testament to the power of love to transform even the most wounded hearts.

Characters

Wade Ashby

Wade is the stoic, fiercely protective owner of Silver Pines Ranch, burdened by the loss of his father and a painful divorce. His gruff exterior masks a heart that longs for connection, but fears vulnerability. Wade's journey is one of learning to trust again—first in Ivy's unconventional methods, then in her love, and finally in himself. His relationship with Ivy challenges his need for control, teaching him that true strength lies in openness and mercy. As a partner, father, and son, Wade's arc is about breaking generational patterns, embracing change, and finding healing in the messy, beautiful reality of family.

Ivy Spencer

Ivy is a gifted horse trainer whose modern, empathetic approach sets her apart. Scarred by emotional abuse and abandonment, she is determined never to lose herself in a relationship again. Ivy's journey is about reclaiming her agency, learning to trust, and allowing herself to be cared for. Her warmth and optimism are both a shield and a gift, drawing others in while protecting her own heart. Through her relationship with Wade, Ivy discovers that true partnership means sharing burdens as well as joys, and that love is not about losing oneself, but about becoming more fully who you are.

Jo Ashby (Mama Jo)

Jo is the heart of the Ashby family, offering tough love, humor, and unwavering support. She sees the potential for healing in both Wade and Ivy, and gently nudges them toward each other. Jo's own journey through grief and resilience models the possibility of joy after loss. Her acceptance of Ivy and her mother is instrumental in creating a sense of belonging and home.

Cole Ashby

Cole is Wade's younger brother, known for his humor and womanizing ways. Beneath the bravado, he is deeply loyal to his family and protective of those he loves. Cole's arc is about growing up, learning to take responsibility, and finding his own path to happiness—often through the example set by Wade and Ivy.

CeCe Ashby

CeCe, Wade's sister, is a source of light and encouragement. She quickly befriends Ivy, helping her navigate the complexities of ranch life and family dynamics. CeCe's own love story with Nash mirrors and contrasts Ivy and Wade's, highlighting the different ways love can heal and challenge.

Nash Carter

Nash is Wade's lifelong friend and eventual brother-in-law, offering comic relief and grounded advice. His own journey through loss and love provides a counterpoint to Wade's, and his unwavering support is a cornerstone of the ranch's success.

Glenda Spencer

Ivy's mother, Glenda, struggles with addiction and grief, but her journey toward sobriety and healing is a powerful subplot. Her recovery, supported by Ivy and the Ashbys, becomes a symbol of generational healing and the possibility of new beginnings.

Brad Bellingham

Brad is Ivy's emotionally abusive ex, whose gaslighting and lies have left deep scars. His reappearance tests Ivy's strength and Wade's protectiveness, but ultimately, his power over Ivy is broken as she reclaims her voice and agency.

Angel's Wings

The filly chosen by Ivy and Wade is more than a horse—she represents hope, healing, and the possibility of greatness. Training Angel becomes a metaphor for the work of building trust, overcoming fear, and daring to dream.

Billi Grace Ashby

The daughter of Ivy and Wade, Billi is a living testament to the power of love to heal and transform. Her arrival marks the beginning of a new legacy, one built on resilience, compassion, and the courage to begin again.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Alternating Perspectives

The novel employs a dual-POV structure, alternating between Ivy and Wade's voices. This device allows readers to experience the story's emotional arc from both sides, deepening empathy and understanding. The shifting perspectives highlight the misunderstandings, fears, and desires that drive the characters, making their eventual union feel earned and authentic.

Slow-Burn Romance and Forced Proximity

The story masterfully uses slow-burn romance, with Ivy and Wade's attraction simmering beneath the surface for much of the narrative. Forced proximity—through work, injury, and shared living spaces—intensifies their connection, creating opportunities for vulnerability and growth. The gradual escalation from professional respect to passionate love mirrors the process of healing and trust-building.

Symbolism of Horses and Training

The process of training horses—especially Angel's Wings—serves as a powerful metaphor for the characters' emotional journeys. Ivy's gentle, trust-based methods reflect her own need for safety and respect, while Wade's initial resistance mirrors his fear of vulnerability. The horse's progress parallels the couple's, illustrating that true partnership requires patience, empathy, and the willingness to let go of control.

The "Mercy" Safe Word

The word "mercy" becomes a recurring motif, symbolizing the willingness to be vulnerable, to ask for what one needs, and to trust another with one's safety—both physically and emotionally. It is used in moments of intimacy, conflict, and reconciliation, encapsulating the story's central message: that love is not about dominance, but about mutual care and surrender.

Family and Community as Healing Forces

The Ashby family and the ranch community are not just background—they are active agents of healing and transformation. Their acceptance, humor, and steadfastness provide a foundation for Ivy and Wade to risk love again. The blending of families, the welcoming of Ivy's mother, and the creation of new traditions underscore the idea that healing is a communal, not just individual, endeavor.

Foreshadowing and Callbacks

The narrative is rich with foreshadowing—references to the Kentucky Derby, the possibility of family, and the healing of old wounds. Callbacks to earlier moments (such as the significance of scrunchies, the "finders keepers" motif, and the recurring use of "mercy") create a sense of cohesion and emotional payoff, rewarding attentive readers.

Analysis

Training the Heart is more than a steamy cowboy romance—it's a nuanced exploration of how two wounded people can find wholeness in each other and in community. Paisley Hope uses the world of horse training as both setting and metaphor, illustrating that the work of building trust—with animals, with others, and with oneself—is slow, messy, and deeply rewarding. The novel's dual narration invites readers into the intimate fears and hopes of both Ivy and Wade, making their journey feel personal and universal. The story challenges traditional gender roles, celebrating vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and the power of mercy—not as weakness, but as the foundation of real strength. By centering family, friendship, and the willingness to forgive, the book offers a vision of love that is not about perfection, but about perseverance and the daily choice to show up for each other. In a world where so many are taught to guard their hearts, Training the Heart is a passionate, hopeful reminder that the bravest thing we can do is let ourselves be loved.

Last updated: January 19, 2026