Competing is Tory’s life, but when the unexpected happens and it keeps you off your horse, it means you refocus your energy. It also means that when the time is right, you have to battle hard to get back to the top.
Barefoot Pastures – Book Two
By lilimahoney
This is the second book in the Barefoot Pasture series. I will be honest, I have not read the first book at all. After reading this one, I definitely want to. However, you don’t need to read the first one in order to read the second. Lili wrote this young adult story in such a way that I wasn’t lost, but she also wasn’t overloading it with recapping book one. You could draw your own conclusions about things that happened by how she eluded to them.
This story revolves around Tory. She is a young girl who just turned 18 and is looking to find her footing in life. In this book, we really get to see her start to grow and mature more. Tory is a kid, and sometimes reading stories with this age for the main character, I have to remind myself how young she is. There were times that I did want to smack her and say ‘seriously why are you doing that?’ But other times, I thought she handled things with maturity, grace, and heart. She was a character I loved and hated and got frustrated with. This made the story so much more. Tory was a very well written young woman. I liked the depth she had and the growth she had throughout the story. It only made me hungry for book three to see how much more she’s going to grow into an amazing woman.
Jake is for a lack of better term, her love interest. This isn’t really a romance read, so it’s a loose fitting name. He’s known Tory and her family for years and is friends with her brothers. Jake is in his early twenties and already off at college. One thing he realizes is Tory is the woman he wants at his side. Lili captures Jake’s frustration, confusion, love, and every other emotion so well. You know he wants to get to the end of the ride and start the happily ever after, but what Jake forgets is that it’s the journey that makes it worthwhile. Tory reminds him of that. She also grounds Jake and gives him a soft place to land.
Tucker and Tyler are Tory’s brothers. They are her other halves almost. The bond the three of them have is unlike anything I’ve experienced being an only child. She wrote their connection so fiercely you could feel it through the pages as you read. They would all do anything for the other and are there for their highest highs and lowest lows. Each of them is unique but both offer Tory some solid advice and guidance on her journey of life. I hope that someday Lili will write about their story.
Megan, Dillon, and DC along with many others round out the circle of friends for Tory. They each bring a unique dynamic to it and Tory’s life. I am always amazed at how authors can write secondary characters so well that you feel the connections of friendship growing stronger with each turn of the page. Along with the friends, Tory’s parents are also present throughout the book. While fiction stories with troubled pasts or missing parents have a place, I’m always refreshed and renewed when a story shows a family bond as strong as Lili has. It makes me smile, feel all warm inside, and just provides joy. It reminds me of my bond with my parents.
Rusty, what can I say about Rusty. That horse and Tory have a bond, that I think unless you’ve had a horse or maybe a dog, you won’t understand. My college roommate had a horse and many times I would go hang with her or help out when needed. There was this bond with the two of them, that her horse didn’t have with everyone else. Tory and Rusty are exactly like that. I LOVED IT! Although, I’m anxious to see what happens and changes with them as Tory’s life changes into adulthood. I have a theory, but I’m keeping that a secret until the last two books are out.
This is a lengthy read, but one I enjoyed. I seriously didn’t realize how long it was because I was that engrossed in Tory’s life. I really wanted to know about her barrel racing career, her summer, the trials and tribulations she is faced with. Also how she learns and works to become an adult. I thought the plot and issues fit with the age of the characters. They are emerging adults in the world and so their life struggles and concerns are not that of a thirty-year-old. This is truly a young adult read. I think any high schooler could read this and enjoy it. Any adult who likes these stories should check it out. It’s an amazing reminder of how hard work pays off, your work ethic and respect matter at a young age, and sometimes life gets messy and confusing but at the end of the day family, loyalty, and friends are what make it brighter.
I am giving this five pointe shoes because this story gave it all to me. It also made me want to read the first book and the next one as soon as I can.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to re-immerse myself in a story. There is something about this series and the way the author writes that calls up my innocence and becomes food for the soul.
“Without you, Tory, I don’t see anything worth fighting for” -Jake
This is the second book in the Barefoot Pastures series. It can be read as a standalone but to feel the full extent of this series, I would advise to start withthe first book.
I was pulled in by Tori’s character. She is strong and feisty. She fights what she believes in. I loved her character’s growth in this book. It was natural and seamless. I also loved that we get to see more interaction between her and Jake. I live for those moments.
If I wasn’t already in love with Jake from the first book, this book would have cemented it. We get to see all of his sides. From the strong and capable ranch owner to the soft and loving man he is with Tori. Jake is a strong, silent and powerful cowboy, sigh!
I’ve never had a thing for cowboys but Jake is everything!
The Barefoot Pastures series is a journey of self discovery and I’m so glad it’s taking me along for the ride.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a continuation to Barefoot Pastures (Book One) so if you haven’t read it yet, you really should. You will understand the story and the characters much better.
If you have read Barefoot Pastures (Book One) you have already fallen in love with the characters. Ms. Mahoney put so much depth into all of her characters that you feel you really know them and they are really good friends. This is true of even lesser characters like friends of the boys, DC, Nate and Bo.
I wish I grew up like Tory raising and training horses, competing in Rodeos. I have always liked horses and rodeos but lost track of them due to life getting in the way but these books have reawakened my love for both.
I highly recommend reading this book and anxiously look forward to the next part of Tory’s story, heading to college and seeing where she and Jake go next in their relationship.
This book was phenomenal! After meeting Tory and everyone in her life in the first book, this book goes more in depth on what her life is like. I don’t want to post any spoilers..but if I was you, I would grab this book ASAP! I couldn’t stop thinking about it to read ARCs that I had to review until like a week later. Tory is my spirit animal and I would love to live in her world!
I loved Jake and Tori’s story… A beautiful written story of love and family and coming of age. This book had just the right amount of angst to keep you reading and the authors description of the world they live in had me feeling as though I was there myself looking through the looking glass. My heart hurt along with Tori and than it swelled for their love. I am looking forward to reading more from this extraordinary author!
I’m not usually a YA Reader , but I gave book one a chance and loved it . It was easy to dive right back into this series to find out what happens to Tory and Rusty in book Two .
I needed to know What’s next in Tory’s life after She’s injured and cannot do the one thing she was born to do ….Ride Horses.
It was very emotional to watch Tory and Rusty being separated because of her accident . They have such a strong connection at times it just broke my heart .
Tory is determined , stubborn , and doesn’t give up easy .I like that about her…. I knew she would make it back in that saddle again .Which brought in the action and adventure I enjoyed.
But you also start to see a change in Tory .Those defenses crumble a bit , she’s spending more time with family, friends and Jake .
I loved Jake and Tory together . He is so gentle and patient with her .He’s not going to give up on her , even though sometimes it’s hard .He knows she’s what he wants and he’s willing to wait . Theirs is a beautifully written, slow building romance that feels real and right .
I’m excited and cant wait to see what happens next in this YA Saga.
Just Breathe
The author has given us another amazing story. This story picks up right where Barefoot Pastures ended.
Tory is just as stubborn and hot headed as ever.
Jake is loving and full of patience. These two are locked in a battle of wills which one will come out on top?
The author draws you in to the story with her ability to write endearing characters. Tory is innocent and awkward in her own skin. Tory reminds everyone what it is like be 18, falling in love and trying to find your path in the world that will lead you to who you are meant to be.
Jake is just sweet,loving,sexy and doing his best to love Tory and support her however he can. They truly bring out the best in each other.
When this group of family and friends get together you feel like you are part of their lives.
Rusty who wouldn’t want a Rusty? I love the relationship and bond Tory and Rusty have. Their bond is evident through out the story.
The Barefoot Pasture books are amazing. The two books in this saga are the first I have read by this author. I was not disappointed. I recommend them and can’t wait for more from this crew. Thank you Lili Mahoney for giving us these amazing books.
All I have to say is WOW! This book captured my attention immediately and I just couldn’t let it go. Barefoot Pastures- Book Two is filled with depth, meaning and just the right amount of angst. The storyline is engaging and consistent. Initially I didn’t think Ms. Mahoney could top Barefoot Pastures- Book One however she definitely proved me wrong and exceeded my expectations. Jake and Tory’s love story is just wonderful and made my heart full. I highly recommend reading both books.