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Bareback: An MM Cowboy Novella
Henry Sky's first trip to the National Finals Rodeo isn't exactly going to plan. After walking in on his girlfriend with rodeo's current heartthrob and her telling the whole internet about it, he's understandably out of sorts. Uncomfortable with all the attention and lack of help from his friends, the only one who seems to know how to distract him is his stoic, mysterious roping partner...
Ansel Cartridge has been around the rodeo scene for a while and knows just how hard it is to be the center of attention. In hopes of getting Henry out of his head, Ansel opens himself up, giving Henry a glimpse into his life that no one else gets. Now if he can just keep his feelings under control...
Together they'll explore the city and themselves and figure out if what happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas this time.
Ansel Cartridge has been around the rodeo scene for a while and knows just how hard it is to be the center of attention. In hopes of getting Henry out of his head, Ansel opens himself up, giving Henry a glimpse into his life that no one else gets. Now if he can just keep his feelings under control...
Together they'll explore the city and themselves and figure out if what happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas this time.
- GenresM M RomanceWesterns
111 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2025
13 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 23, 2025
Awwww the epilogue! I loved this.
January 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Henry + Ansel 🖤
First times | Pining | Rodeo cowboys | Gay for you
This book had a micro trope that I love, but dont see often. When going bareback is the first time for both MCs. I'm a ho for that. A new level of trust and intimacy that they've only ever obtained with each other.
Other than that, this was just all right. Nothing amazing. I read a lot of novellas and know that a lot can be packed into small packages. This one felt lacking.
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Rodeo cowboys
Team roping partners
Pining
Unrequited love
Gay for you
Underwear sniffing
Freckles
Frotting
Spitting
First times
Calls him "kid"
Fun in a horse trailer with other people around
Ties rope arouns his wrists and hooks his arms above his head on a hook in the horse trailer
"Sweetheart"
Talk shit to him and die
Neck squeezes
Bareback
Both of their first times without a condom
"Straight" guy bottoms
Epilogue - 1 year later, they're married
Strict roles
Warnings:
Cheating (not between MCs) - MC gets cheated on by girlfriend
Slur directed at MC
Seemingly derogatory comment about bottoms - at one point Ansel is mad and says "I ain't no bottom!" - maybe that's some internalized homophobia?
Henry + Ansel 🖤
First times | Pining | Rodeo cowboys | Gay for you
This book had a micro trope that I love, but dont see often. When going bareback is the first time for both MCs. I'm a ho for that. A new level of trust and intimacy that they've only ever obtained with each other.
Other than that, this was just all right. Nothing amazing. I read a lot of novellas and know that a lot can be packed into small packages. This one felt lacking.
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Rodeo cowboys
Team roping partners
Pining
Unrequited love
Gay for you
Underwear sniffing
Freckles
Frotting
Spitting
First times
Calls him "kid"
Fun in a horse trailer with other people around
Ties rope arouns his wrists and hooks his arms above his head on a hook in the horse trailer
"Sweetheart"
Talk shit to him and die
Neck squeezes
Bareback
Both of their first times without a condom
"Straight" guy bottoms
Epilogue - 1 year later, they're married
Strict roles
Warnings:
Cheating (not between MCs) - MC gets cheated on by girlfriend
Slur directed at MC
Seemingly derogatory comment about bottoms - at one point Ansel is mad and says "I ain't no bottom!" - maybe that's some internalized homophobia?
May 23, 2025
DELICIOUS and SPICY, I absolutely loved this COWBOY M/M ROMANCE! This was a very quick novella with only 95 pages, and 1 great love story! The story follows Henry Sky’s first trip to Vegas Redo isn’t going exactly to plan as his girlfriend dumps him for another man. But the only one who knows how to distract him is his roping partner, Ansel Cartridge. He big, and handsome, and can’t get Henry out of his head. Together they’ll explore the city of Vegas, and themselves, because “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Would definitely recommend to those who love M/M COWBOY ROMANCES!
August 9, 2025
A five second ride
Y’all, this may be a novella but it packs a punch. It has romance, humor, passion, and dirty dirty cowboys 😏 If you want something lighter in plot, heavy in smut, and still a little sweet, definitely give this one a shot. It’s a cute & well worth it!
Y’all, this may be a novella but it packs a punch. It has romance, humor, passion, and dirty dirty cowboys 😏 If you want something lighter in plot, heavy in smut, and still a little sweet, definitely give this one a shot. It’s a cute & well worth it!
February 27, 2025
4 🌟
Spice: open door
I am so glad this was put on my radar! Love getting to support a local author. Can't wait to read more from her.
Spice: open door
I am so glad this was put on my radar! Love getting to support a local author. Can't wait to read more from her.
February 10, 2025
A super quick read to add to your shelf. I absolutely adored the characters. Definitely not a genre I would typically reach for but found a quick love for the “plot”. Highly recommend!!!!
February 6, 2025
For a very short novella it was pretty darn good and nice spice! Took one star away just cause the end and jump was really severe even for a novella. Felt it could have been done a bit better even with just 10-15 pages.
March 25, 2025
3.5!! I needed this to be longer because I definitely enjoyed it. I want more from these guys!!!
Safe. The only cheating is Henry’s gf cheating on him at the beginning. There’s a guy who flirts with Ansel but he only has eyes for Henry. I’m guessing there’s an age gap since Ansel is 33 and he calls Henry, kid, but we have no idea how old Henry is.
Safe. The only cheating is Henry’s gf cheating on him at the beginning. There’s a guy who flirts with Ansel but he only has eyes for Henry. I’m guessing there’s an age gap since Ansel is 33 and he calls Henry, kid, but we have no idea how old Henry is.
August 6, 2025
“Always trust a lady in red boots.”
Henry is new to the rodeo scene, team roping is his thing, and he’s damn good at it. He’s in Vegas for the NFR, chasing that coveted buckle. But buckles attract buckle bunnies, and his just hopped, right into bed with another cowboy. Literally. Humiliated but too proud to show it, Henry is rescued by his roping partner, Ansel, who whisks him away to a place that changes everything.
⠀
Ansel isn’t new to this world. A rodeo vet with plenty of wins and he buckles to prove it, along with more than a few rumors and assumptions to boot. But no one knows that for the past year, he’s been falling hard for his teammate. When his partners buckle bunny pulls the classic hop-hop-hop routine, Ansel takes Henry to Wanda’s a local bar where the rodeo fades and the drag queens come out to play.
⠀
One night. A few drinks. And the kind of kiss that makes the world spin. When the dust settles, will it be a drunken mistake left behind in Vegas, or will their rope team turn into something deeper, something lasting?
⠀
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⠀
DR Barnes, you were a random Amazon find, and what a goldmine. While there’s not a ton of rodeo detail, it does give us two men finding something solid in a world built on flash, fame, and fleeting hookups. One knows what he wants. Someone who doesn’t see him as a ride-it-once cowboy fantasy. And the other, well he sees a man with heart, and quiet strength. And he’s not afraid to climb in the saddle and ride that forever. Short, steamy, and will ROPE you in. If you’re looking for cowboys who kiss like they mean it and love like they’re in it for the long haul, grab this book.
Henry is new to the rodeo scene, team roping is his thing, and he’s damn good at it. He’s in Vegas for the NFR, chasing that coveted buckle. But buckles attract buckle bunnies, and his just hopped, right into bed with another cowboy. Literally. Humiliated but too proud to show it, Henry is rescued by his roping partner, Ansel, who whisks him away to a place that changes everything.
⠀
Ansel isn’t new to this world. A rodeo vet with plenty of wins and he buckles to prove it, along with more than a few rumors and assumptions to boot. But no one knows that for the past year, he’s been falling hard for his teammate. When his partners buckle bunny pulls the classic hop-hop-hop routine, Ansel takes Henry to Wanda’s a local bar where the rodeo fades and the drag queens come out to play.
⠀
One night. A few drinks. And the kind of kiss that makes the world spin. When the dust settles, will it be a drunken mistake left behind in Vegas, or will their rope team turn into something deeper, something lasting?
⠀
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⠀
DR Barnes, you were a random Amazon find, and what a goldmine. While there’s not a ton of rodeo detail, it does give us two men finding something solid in a world built on flash, fame, and fleeting hookups. One knows what he wants. Someone who doesn’t see him as a ride-it-once cowboy fantasy. And the other, well he sees a man with heart, and quiet strength. And he’s not afraid to climb in the saddle and ride that forever. Short, steamy, and will ROPE you in. If you’re looking for cowboys who kiss like they mean it and love like they’re in it for the long haul, grab this book.
October 19, 2025
🤠🌵 Y’all, this little novella might be short, but it kicks like a bull and melts like butter. Bareback by D.R. Barnes has it all—romance, humor, passion, and yes… dirty, dirty cowboys 😏
Henry’s new to the rodeo scene, chasing buckles and dreams in Vegas, until a certain buckle bunny sends him straight into humiliation territory. Lucky for him, his roping partner Ansel swoops in like the cowboy hero we all secretly want. One night, a few drinks, and one kiss that changes everything… and suddenly, team roping isn’t the only thing heating up 🔥
Ansel completely stole my heart. He’s that perfect mix of protective and soft—big, quiet, and burning up inside. The way he looks out for Henry while falling hard himself? 🥺 Perfection. And Henry—just wanting someone to see him for who he truly is—made my chest ache in the best way. The chemistry between them? Off. The. Charts. 🔥
Short, spicy, and unexpectedly sweet — this story ropes you in and won’t let go. I wasn't ready to say goodbye—I wanted at least another 200 pages with them! 🩷 If you’re in the mood for cowboys who kiss like they mean it and love like they’re in it for the long haul, saddle up. Bareback is absolutely worth the ride 🐎💋
Henry’s new to the rodeo scene, chasing buckles and dreams in Vegas, until a certain buckle bunny sends him straight into humiliation territory. Lucky for him, his roping partner Ansel swoops in like the cowboy hero we all secretly want. One night, a few drinks, and one kiss that changes everything… and suddenly, team roping isn’t the only thing heating up 🔥
Ansel completely stole my heart. He’s that perfect mix of protective and soft—big, quiet, and burning up inside. The way he looks out for Henry while falling hard himself? 🥺 Perfection. And Henry—just wanting someone to see him for who he truly is—made my chest ache in the best way. The chemistry between them? Off. The. Charts. 🔥
Short, spicy, and unexpectedly sweet — this story ropes you in and won’t let go. I wasn't ready to say goodbye—I wanted at least another 200 pages with them! 🩷 If you’re in the mood for cowboys who kiss like they mean it and love like they’re in it for the long haul, saddle up. Bareback is absolutely worth the ride 🐎💋
November 30, 2025
This story offers a refreshing blend of emotional vulnerability, humor, and genuine connection. Henry Sky’s first trip to the National Finals Rodeo begins in complete chaos, and the author captures his frustration, embarrassment, and uncertainty with a realism that makes him instantly relatable. His unexpected companionship with Ansel Cartridge becomes the heart of the novel quiet, steady, and beautifully developed.
Ansel is a standout character: introspective, guarded, and deeply empathetic. His willingness to open up to Henry adds a thoughtful, intimate layer to the story, and their growing bond unfolds with a natural, believable rhythm. The narrative handles their chemistry with restraint and sincerity, allowing the relationship to build through shared experiences and quiet moments rather than forced drama.
The setting Las Vegas during the NFR adds energy without overshadowing the emotional core of the book. The exploration of public pressure, personal identity, and learning to trust someone new is handled with maturity and warmth.
Ansel is a standout character: introspective, guarded, and deeply empathetic. His willingness to open up to Henry adds a thoughtful, intimate layer to the story, and their growing bond unfolds with a natural, believable rhythm. The narrative handles their chemistry with restraint and sincerity, allowing the relationship to build through shared experiences and quiet moments rather than forced drama.
The setting Las Vegas during the NFR adds energy without overshadowing the emotional core of the book. The exploration of public pressure, personal identity, and learning to trust someone new is handled with maturity and warmth.
December 5, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
HON-EY. This novella was 🔥✨️🔥✨️🔥✨️🔥✨️ hot and magical.
NFR rodeo championship in Las Vegas. Two roping partners: Ansel & Henry.
Henry gets cheated on my by his buckle bunny gf and Ansel swoops in to save the day. I'm not giving anymore away.
But Bareback also features:
• spitting in his mouth (🥵🥵🥵)
• obviously they go bareback
• rope play
• and a pining scene that is (&!**!!+×)
• p l e a s e
Bareback is available in the KU store and its also only 99 cents. So obviously I followed the well trod path of downloading it to KU only to turn around and buy it.
In my reading journal, that notation is
KU -> OWN
😂🫠🫠
BAREBACK was hot, there are 2 other novellas availible. One looks like an MF primal play story and the other is a WW Sapphic revenge? Barnes seems very multi-genre! But they sure as hell can write a cowboy story, and honestly, I AM HERE FOR IT.
I loved Henry and Ansel. My only issue was it was 96 pages. I could have happily read 400.
HON-EY. This novella was 🔥✨️🔥✨️🔥✨️🔥✨️ hot and magical.
NFR rodeo championship in Las Vegas. Two roping partners: Ansel & Henry.
Henry gets cheated on my by his buckle bunny gf and Ansel swoops in to save the day. I'm not giving anymore away.
But Bareback also features:
• spitting in his mouth (🥵🥵🥵)
• obviously they go bareback
• rope play
• and a pining scene that is (&!**!!+×)
• p l e a s e
Bareback is available in the KU store and its also only 99 cents. So obviously I followed the well trod path of downloading it to KU only to turn around and buy it.
In my reading journal, that notation is
KU -> OWN
😂🫠🫠
BAREBACK was hot, there are 2 other novellas availible. One looks like an MF primal play story and the other is a WW Sapphic revenge? Barnes seems very multi-genre! But they sure as hell can write a cowboy story, and honestly, I AM HERE FOR IT.
I loved Henry and Ansel. My only issue was it was 96 pages. I could have happily read 400.
August 15, 2025
Bareback by DR Barnes
This was such a cute and spicy little read—short enough to fly through but packed with so much charm. Ansel completely stole my heart. He’s the perfect gentle giant with a streak of heat, melting the second Henry says, please. I loved how he wanted to protect Henry, even while guarding his own heart.
The pacing felt just right, especially with the epilogue flashing forward a year to their wedding—it gave the romance an extra dose of sweetness and closure. Henry’s longing to be loved and cherished for exactly who he is hit me right in the feels, and Ansel’s fear of being a regret or one-off made their journey toward love even more precious.
If you’re craving a quick fix of dirty-talking cowboys, humor, and genuine passion, this novella absolutely delivers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
This was such a cute and spicy little read—short enough to fly through but packed with so much charm. Ansel completely stole my heart. He’s the perfect gentle giant with a streak of heat, melting the second Henry says, please. I loved how he wanted to protect Henry, even while guarding his own heart.
The pacing felt just right, especially with the epilogue flashing forward a year to their wedding—it gave the romance an extra dose of sweetness and closure. Henry’s longing to be loved and cherished for exactly who he is hit me right in the feels, and Ansel’s fear of being a regret or one-off made their journey toward love even more precious.
If you’re craving a quick fix of dirty-talking cowboys, humor, and genuine passion, this novella absolutely delivers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
February 16, 2025
I can't even begin to express how freaking good this story was.
When I saw that it was 88 pages, I settled in for a quick, smutty read.
But holy heck, was I surprised.
This story is FILLED with emotion, character development, angst, and swoon worthy lines.
It is absolutely PACKED with delicious scenes of discovery and love, and I was desperate for more!!
I would read an entire series about these two.
I really hope DR Barnes keeps putting out amazing work like this, because I am HERE for it!!
When I saw that it was 88 pages, I settled in for a quick, smutty read.
But holy heck, was I surprised.
This story is FILLED with emotion, character development, angst, and swoon worthy lines.
It is absolutely PACKED with delicious scenes of discovery and love, and I was desperate for more!!
I would read an entire series about these two.
I really hope DR Barnes keeps putting out amazing work like this, because I am HERE for it!!
August 12, 2025
3.75⭐️
This novella came highly recommended by Bookstagram! The author was unknown to me, but that was just another reason to see what was up!
It was a fun and very fast read that was spice heavy and plot light. It is perfect for reading in-between books or as a last minute download to kill time.
2 Rodeo Cowboys figure out that you shouldn't doubt a diva in red boots. After a night out on the town, these two men lose all control mentally and physically.
This novella came highly recommended by Bookstagram! The author was unknown to me, but that was just another reason to see what was up!
It was a fun and very fast read that was spice heavy and plot light. It is perfect for reading in-between books or as a last minute download to kill time.
2 Rodeo Cowboys figure out that you shouldn't doubt a diva in red boots. After a night out on the town, these two men lose all control mentally and physically.
November 18, 2025
New author to me and I was pleasantly surprised! This is a great cowboy MM read - with one who is gay (although not necessarily openly) and his rodeo partner - Henry - who is younger and "straight." Henry is dating a woman until he finds her in bed with the hotshot rodeo king. That relationship coming to an end, he finds comfort and friendship in his work partner.
June 8, 2025
Two cowboys. One has a crush the other had his heart crushed. Perfect timing to lean on each other. One is gay and one is straight. That puts a twist on things.
This is a short novella that can easily be read in one sitting.
This is a short novella that can easily be read in one sitting.
Read
April 30, 2025So sweet...
What a sexy and sweet little love story! I adore the epilogue on my gosh, so sweet! Definitely recommend giving this book a read!
What a sexy and sweet little love story! I adore the epilogue on my gosh, so sweet! Definitely recommend giving this book a read!
August 7, 2025
Henry & Ansel are absolutely sweet & delish. This is a great read when you need some cowboy loving. Delightful!
August 7, 2025
Loved this novella.
It’s short, spicy and sweet!!!
(And it has cowboys, yumm)
It’s short, spicy and sweet!!!
(And it has cowboys, yumm)
August 23, 2025
Fun Quick Read
This was a fun quick read. It actually had more story/ plot than I was expecting. Henry and Ansel were perfect for each other and who doesn’t love some begging!
This was a fun quick read. It actually had more story/ plot than I was expecting. Henry and Ansel were perfect for each other and who doesn’t love some begging!
September 23, 2025
What a cute and spicy novella! I love Ansel and Henry 😭❤️
Read
January 19, 2026I watched Brokeback Mountain for the first time and I needed something happy and cowboy related.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews