Unherd

by Winter Pior

Before starting his senior year at college, Barnaby Hirsch, an agricultural major, must complete an internship as a farmhand.

Joined by his partner, Gil, Barnaby finds work at a humble orchard. It isn’t long until they meet their neighbors, a cowboy named Dallas and his loyal friend, Bonnie.

Tensions rise when a summer storm brings the four closer than any of them expected, and Barnaby wonders, how far is too far?

Is there truth in the phrase “the more, the merrier”, or will Barnaby’s new herd be more than he bargained for?



***Content Warning for explicit sexual scenes, mention of suicidal ideation and attempt, mild drug use, and descriptions of an injured animal***

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

Winter Pior is an Aries, artist, and first-time author of the novel, Fawned. He lives in New Jersey and has no pets, animal or otherwise.

Reviews

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends and lovers and barns

I have not read the book previous to this one, but I had no trouble reading and understanding what was going on. I will definitely read the first book in this duet by Winter Pior. I really enjoyed a lot about this book and I really liked the way it delves into what makes a relationship work whether it’s romantic or not. There are a few side characters, but it’s mostly about the four main guys. The intertwining stories were well written, but I did feel like some things could have been cut because the book dragged in parts. The whole thing was a great read especially amazing when you consider that this is only the second book that Winter Pior has written.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge improvement on the first book. I honestly nearly didn't get this follow on as i was not impressed with Fawned! However, what starts as a simple summer internship quickly grows into something far more complicated as the relationships deepen and boundaries begin to blur. I liked how the story explored connection, consent and vulnerability, rather than rushing straight to the heat, even though there’s plenty of that too. The farm and orchard setting created a close, almost cocooned atmosphere that made the characters’ choices feel inevitable. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s honest, intense and thoughtfully handled, with real emotional weight beneath the surface.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed watching established couple Barnaby and Gil getting to know Dallas and Bonnie and seeing how all the relationships evolved and matured over the course of the story. There were some surprises along the way that I hadn't predicted and I really enjoyed that. The premise of the agricultural internship and the description of the activities at the orchard were interesting and set up the plot and characters very nicely. I somehow missed the first book in this series but I'm going back immediately and reading it. Very happy to have discovered this new author.

[Kathreadsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel is here!

Unherd features a happy couple in Gil and Barnaby, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship get deeper and how they continued to support each other! In this book we get to know a second couple, and how they connect to our og couple. If you love found family, this book is definitely for you!

This book has pet play and explores exhibitionism.

I really enjoyed this!

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting…

I am not really sure what to say about this book. I liked FAWNED and I was hopeful for this one but it didn’t live up to my expectations I guess. It was cute but awkward at points. It’s really hard for me to describe but that’s I how I feel…

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He needs to do some work at a farm for his studies and his partner comes along as well. It is going to get more interesting and exciting when they meet another gay couple there. They will become very close to each other so follow them

[Adoraboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed it.

[Dee Your TBR Wrecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel was enjoyable. I love getting to see established couples living in their HEA.