Natural History

by Margot Scott

Five years ago, I broke Alexis Kelley’s heart by denying her a kiss on her birthday. I broke it again the next morning when I accused her of framing me for a crime I didn’t commit against her family.

When I run into Alexis the night before I’m set to start my new job as a tenure-tracked professor at my alma mater, I expect her to tell me off. Then her brown eyes meet mine with the same intensity as before. Only, Alexis is all grown up now, with curves and a smile to die for.

I was too old for her then. That hasn’t changed, but I can’t keep my hands to myself. She’s everything my battered heart needs to be whole again.

The problem? She’s taking my Natural History course.

If her family finds out, my career is over, but loving her is worth the risk.

Alexis found her way back to me after all this time.

And I intend to keep her.

Margot's note: Crack open your textbook and get ready to study HARD for this hot-AF professor. As with all of my instalove books, this one's steamy, filthy, and dripping with age-gap goodness, and features a guaranteed HEA.

Twelve of your favorite instalove authors are coming together to offer you a thorough education in love. Grab your Kindle and enroll in Love 101!

Let’s Get Physics by Mila Crawford
Human Biology by Lena Lucas
Bad English by Evie Mitchell
Fine Arts by Jenna Rose
Oral Communication by Winter Travers
Advanced Spanish by Mayra Statham
Simple Math by Loni Ree
Basic Chemistry by Harlow Layne
Natural History by Margot Scott
Physical Science by Nichole Rose
Basic Business by Melissa Williams
Intro to Anatomy by Lily Nicole

Genres: Romance, College, Contemporary, Short Stories, Second Chance, Novella, Contemporary Romance

128 pages, ebook

Published September 9, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Margot Scott writes boundary-pushing forbidden romance that ranges from light and smutty to dark and taboo. When she’s not tethered to a coffee IV, dreaming up wildly inappropriate age-gap relationships, you can find her tucked into a quiet booth at the nearest sushi place.

For inquiries regarding foreign, audio, and other subrights, please contact Laura Pink at laura@sbrmedia.com

Reviews

[Isabella. R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stolen Kisses Stars ⭐

Natural History was a sweet romance which would be the perfect introduction to this author. Where Margot Scott excels at writing some of my favourite daddy kink stories, this was not one of those. Even with the forbidden aspect of an age gap and a professor/student relationship, there was a lot to like without any kink involved.

What fucking good is doing the right thing when people are determined to assume the worst about you no matter what?

Alexis Kelley always regretted how things ended with Gavin Dunn. Demanding a kiss at 16 from a much older man who happened to be her father’s colleague wasn’t the wisest decision. With time against her, she never got to apologise for her actions until Gavin reappeared in her life 5 years later.

Professor Gavin Dunn enjoyed the summer he spent with the Kelley family until it all went to pot. Back in town, bumping into Alexis is a reminder that she is no longer a kid but a woman with stars still in her eyes. Except now he is attracted to Alexis and can pursue it. Well that is until he finds himself as her teacher.

A few minor hiccups along the way, yet the one thing that rang true was their feelings towards each other. Both characters had a great moral compass and continued to do the right thing for all people involved. But there comes a time when you need to say fuck it and make yourself happy, and so they did.

“Let the world stare,” I say. “I’m done hiding my love for you.”

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, hotness, also known as Professor Dunn. Margot Scott has done it again. She always writes a steamy and entering novella and leaves you wanting more.

Alexis has loved Gavin Dunn since she was fifteen years of age. Gavin was once Alexis’s father's research assistant until something happened on Alexis’s sixteenth birthday. Fast forward five years later, and they’re reunited. Alexis still has the same feelings for Gavin, and Gavin sees her in a whole new light. The problem is Gavin is Alexis’s professor.

Let me tell yea; Professor Dunn will make all your lady bits go beep, beep, beep-ity beep. Alexis is one fabulous female protagonist I would be friends with in college. I mean, she hides top shelve whiskey in her closet from her roommates. Plus, she is level-headed. Natural History is a steamy hot novella and will want you to enroll in the next class.

[Lori [semi-hiatus]]

dnf 2nd chapter
I'm shocked. Margot Scott is usually safe.
Heroine slept with other people while being in love with the hero.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Kind of Taboo

I really liked this book. It's a little dirty (barrier free -- hubba hubba!) and plenty sweet with a touch (or ten) of family dramatics. Plus, it's a bit taboo - I mean, have you read Margot Scott? Of course, it's taboo but in a good, fun way. There's an age gap plus the whole professor / student dynamic. Yum! 🔥💕🔥

Alexis' crush on Gavin had faded with time until he reappears several years later. A lot of old feelings are stirred up for her and her family, not all positive. I appreciated how the truth all came out and the impact it had. I'm voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this novella.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always talk about choices when it comes to critiquing a book because that’s really what it always comes down to when it comes to rating and like or disliking of a book. Authors make choices for their characters and their plots. Readers make choices on what works for them or does not. Choices are an integral part of the outcome of a reading experience yet neither the reader nor the author has any control of the other’s choices. Yeah, if that’s not a recipe for a live volcano, I don’t know what is.

All that being said, let me tell you that being in the mood (making the choice to) to read a student/teacher and/or age-gap story is always a go for me. I will always jump on that choice. The more taboo the story gets, the higher I will jump. Most of the work I have read by Margot has been ridiculously satisfying for me. She delivers what she says she’s going to deliver. Nothing more; nothing less. I like that a lot. She’s an author I can count on.

Natural History was an all around enjoyable read with all the trademark goodness Margot always brings to the table. The chemistry between that H/h sparked from the beginning and both chased it like it was their lifeline. There’s no real push-pull to the story and that made me super happy because when you write a short(ish) novella, there’s no time for OTT shenanigans. There’s barely any time for development but Margot always makes sure it happens. #wordwizard

There are two plot-points / things that happen in this storyline that made me so ridiculously happy I clapped after finishing LOL The first was the conflict in the story wasn’t really between the H/h and therefor allowed them as a couple which allowed their story to be that much more realistic. Second, and like the best part of this journey (for me) was I felt their connection and growing love as I turned the pages, but there was no OTT declaration before the epilogue and that kids, is how you keep me happy with an insta story :)

The story held a steady 4.5 rating for me until the epilogue *heart eyes*

1-Click: books2read.com/naturalhistory

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slightly taboo romance is between Gavin and Alexis. These two knew each other several years ago, when Gavin and her father were working together. There is some bad blood between them still so when Gavin and Alexis reunite, they both know that giving in to their sizzling chemistry might cause some family drama.

But Alexis isn’t a kid anymore and she knows what she feels for Gavin isn’t a fleeting thing. The connection she feels with him is too strong to walk away from. Both of them are determined to explore these feelings until Alexis walks into Gavin’s classroom the next day!

Suddenly, keeping their relationship a secret from her family isn’t the only thing they have to worry about. Dating a student could cause a scandal that might end Gavin’s teaching career.

Sexual tension is through the roof! I enjoyed this one because although it has some drama sprinkled in, it’s outside drama. Both Gavin and Alexis are always on the same page, supporting each other, bantering and flirting. There was never any question or doubt about their feelings for each other and that was a nice change. Both have had past relationships but it doesn’t stop them from pursuing each other.

Both MCs are thought provoking, likable and down to earth. I can highly recommend for those that like sweet and spicy romance with a touch of taboo and the forbidden 😊


* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Alexis is 21 and Gavin is 34.

Cheating : Not between MCs but H was married before but ended up divorced when he caught his wife cheating in him.

OM/OW drama : Not really drama per se. Gavin is dealing with his cheating ex who is fighting him about her share of the house they shared while married. There isn’t a whole lot of page time devoted to that issue but she does make an appearance in the book when Gavin is finally ready to stop fighting her. I personally hated that he gave in to her – she cheated so in my book, she deserved nothing and the nerve that she had to demand more was outrageous! – but it was a step forward for him as he realized that he had moved on already and that her petty arguments weren’t worth the time and effort it took to deal with her. It was significant because he was finally closing the door on that part of his past. It also helped that Alexis was there as moral support!

Separation : It’s been 5 years since they last saw each other. Not technically a separation since they weren’t romantically involved back then but thought I’d mention it here. Once they reunite, there is not separation.

Push/Pull : None. They both are committed to their budding relationship. There is some push from her family, mainly her father and her older sister due to their history with the H.

Main Pursuer of relationship : This one starts off with both MCs pursuing the other but when it turns out they unknowingly have a teacher/student relationship at school, Alexis is the one to pursue Gavin when he tries to remain professional.

Possible Triggers: There is some family drama around Alexis’ step sister and mom as well as between Alexis’ dad and Gavin. Gavin left under bad terms with her father (was actually falsely accused) so their relationship is a secret until they get discovered.

HEA/HFN : Ends on a HFN but has a really cute epilogue 4 years later with the MCs married and expecting!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The only thing worse than standing close to Alexis and not being able to touch her, is not knowing where she is or who she’s with or what she’s thinking. The not knowing is a special kind of suffering that numbs me to everything else."

This was a good student/teacher read that I thought was sweet but also had a fairly decent amount of depth with with Alexis's family issues. I liked how it all got resolved.

I'm honestly not sure what's keeping me from giving it five stars or putting it on my re-read shelf. It just seems to be missing... something.

However, it was a good read that's definitely worth a check out.

[Kimmylongtime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gavin is a man from her past that may ruin Alexis if they get to close. Too bad old feelings start to come back to the surface and things may get out of hand before it’s too late. This was a steamy edition to this series.
I can’t wait for the next one each is better than the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up really enjoying this one. And I’m so happy because I was having a hard time with Margot’s stories now.

Gavin and Alexis were really hot and cute together. Their story wasn’t something that different but was still good to follow around.

▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: forbidden romance, age gap, teacher x student

[Stephanie Kemler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars is being generous but I’ve loved two other Margot Scott books so I’m willing to be kind. And three stars because the writing is decent.

But wow did this novella go slowly. It was supposed to be prof/student forbidden romance which is always excellent but it felt really sweet and coy like a regular contemp romance. I thought there might be more risk or danger or something.

There’s also quite a long scene while Alexis’s sister is in labor and all these family resentments and grudges come to a head. I realized it was a story about family, which is nice and all, but it sucked the life out of all the forbidden romance vibes.

If you’re looking for forbidden-light with cute characters and family, this would be a great read. If you’re looking for dark and smutty and crossing the line it’s a pass. Check out Ward and Blood & Wine by Margot Scott instead for that dark and forbidden that’s missing in Natural History..

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly my cup of tea. I love age gap and forbidden romance and this book checked both those boxes. Add in a hefty dose of emotions and heat and some sweetness and drama and you have yourself a delightfully tempting treat to get your read on with. I thought Alexis and Gavin's romance was fast, fun, fiery, filled with feels and fantastic!! This is my elective, objective review.

[Kait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and steamy age gap romance.

~He used to be her fathers best friend and the man she had a huge crush on. Five years later she runs into him and is shocked to see heat in his eyes… for her.~

Great smutty scenes. Teacher/student kink.

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful age gap, professor/student story.
It took Gavin and Alexis years to get where they are now. In a happy and loving relationship that was not without its ups and downs

[Barbara Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margot Scott delivers AGAIN with Natural History!

The main reason she's an absolute favorite author of mine: Though her stories are a delight to follow, all the way through them you're on the edge of your easy chair--wondering when the next shoe is going to drop. Add to that, her books are always filled with plenty of tantalizing steam ... and emotion that comes straight from spellbinding character development.

And when I say the ending of Natural History is superb, I'm not just referring to the final pages. She builds up to it beautifully over several chapters, making the entire read an across-the-board pleasure!

In other words, I enjoy the hell out of Margot Scott's work because she's an incredibly accomplished writer. What more can I say?

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. This is book 9 of the Love 101 series. The story involves a student-teacher relationship. I thought the story was great. The story follows the romance of Alexis Kelley, the student, and Gavin Dunn, her professor. I thought the characters were great. Alexis is a great character. I think she is strong, and smart. To me, I really like how she is there for her family, and her love for Gavin. She has loved him since she was 15 years old when he used to be her father’s research assistant. Gavin is also a great character. His character has gone through some things after the events of Alexis’s 16th birthday. To me, I thought he was sexy, smart, and loving. Also, I think he had feelings for Alexis when she was 15, but didn’t tell her because of their age gap. However, now that she is 21, he can and that’s why he believes that loving her now is worth the risk. The ending was cute. I am glad that they got their happily ever after. Also, I cannot wait to read the rest of the Love 101 series. Overall, a great read.

[Sam&Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I haven’t read any other books in the Love 101 series, I’m a huge Margot Scott fan so I definitely wanted to check this out. This story probably fits in well to the Love 101 collection but it was a little flat for a M.Scott story. I love her super filthy taboo tales and all the steam🔥🔥🔥
This story was just ok, and a little to angsty for me. It took nearly half the book for our couple to finally get together. There’s a few amazing steamy scenes but not nearly enough for me.
I’m sure this book was tamed way down to fit with this series, so I should give it 5* but it was just ok to me. I didn’t love it, but I definitely prefer fluffy story with lots of steam. This is not a fluff story. It’s a second chance (sort of?) romance where they need to battle hard to be together. In the end it was a cute HEA.

[Camila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Por favor, este libro fue sacado directamente de una de mis fantasías jajajaja Tengo que admitir que no le tenía mucha fe a los libros de esta escritora después de haber leído Pretty, Dark and Dirty pero estos últimos dos (y el que estoy por empezar: Run Baby Run) ciertamente me están haciendo cambiar de opinión. Son completamente adictivos . Son súper cortitos y super calientes. ¿Qué más pueden pedir?

[Shawna McAlerney Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis has always had a crush on Gavin but he always looked at her like a little sister. Something big happens and he leaves her life for 5 years. When a chance meeting brings the two together again, Alexis and Gavin can't seem to keep their feelings in check and they start a forbidden relationship, not just teacher/student relationship but one that she has to hide from her family. When everything starts to crash down around them, they have to rely on each other to get thru this even if everyone is against them.

Super hot book with a smoking hot older man and a younger student. I would highly recommend this book!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A steamy, short, sort of forbidden, moderate age gap romance. Alexis has been in love with Gavin since she was 15 and doing research with her professor father. Now years later they run into each other again. Age isn’t an issue anymore but the fact that Gavin is one of her professors now? Well that posses a problem, along with the fact that her father still blames him for something that he didn’t do. Alexis is tired of being forced to follow in her father’s footsteps, especially now that it might take Gavin away from her.

[Kirsten Pardini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis is a smart and curvy woman, who is feeling very stagnant in her life. Her family has very clear expectations for her life, but is that what she wants? Gavin has finally gotten the job of his dreams. The rest of his life is a tad messy. Will they help sort each other's missing pieces out?

Also random side now Erica at the end is my hero! By the end she was my favorite character!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteer to take Gavin's History class. These two had me rooting for them from the first. Yes, it was forbidden, but true love knows no bounds. So glad everyone finally stood up for themselves and said what they really wanted. Great story of love and happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/10/2022)! 🎁

[Michelle Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis didn't intend to see a stunning Gavin at an event for her father, but she did. In this steamy, sexy short read by Margot Scott, panties are dropped, sparks fly and emotions are high. Will Alexis finally get her happy ending, or will this be an extra elective for her to learn from?

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc for my honest review

This was a steamy student/ professor romance with a twist. I loved that they had past history before being in the professor student setting. Alexis and Gavin had great chemistry and I enjoyed reading their story.

[Assh · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫
Gavin (34 ans) et Alexis (21 ans)
Erica (grande soeur, 8 ans son aîné)

Professeur, université, agegap

.

Douce, calme et réconfortante.
Mensonges et trahisons ont faillit, mettre fin à leur relation, et détruire sa famille.

Mais contre tout attente, la nouvelle venue de la famille, l'enfant d'Erica vient tout chamboulé et permettre a chacun de se repentir de de pardonner les erreurs du passé.

.

J'ai adoré cette histoire.
J'en ai lu d'autres de l'autrice qui etait pas mal, mais celle-ci était juste le mélange parfait de romance et de drame.

Je n'ai pas pu le lâcher une fois commencé, j'ai été accroché dès la première page. J'ai adoré l'alchimie et l'attraction qu'avaient ces deux-là et les plaisanteries entre eux étaient vraiment incroyables.

Ils ont une belle histoire et vous avez vraiment ressenti l’amour !
L'intrigue manquait de profondeur mais c'était un excellent moment à passé.
.

.


📖 Citation

"Let the world stare," I say. "I'm done hiding my love for you."




📖

🇬🇧
Five years ago, I broke Alexis Kelley’s heart by denying her a kiss on her sixteenth birthday.

When I run into her again the night before I’m set to start my new job as a tenure-tracked professor at my alma mater, I expect an icy reunion. Then her brown eyes meet mine with the same burning intensity as before. Only, Alexis is all grown up now, with curves and a smile to die for.

I was too old for her then. That hasn’t changed, but I can’t keep my hands to myself. She’s everything my battered heart needs to be whole again.

The problem? She’s taking my Natural History course.
If her family finds out, my career is over, but loving her is worth the risk.
Alexis found her way back to me after all this time.
And I intend to keep her.

🇫🇷
Il y a cinq ans, j'ai brisé le cœur d'Alexis Kelley en lui refusant un baiser le jour de son anniversaire. Je l'ai encore rompu le lendemain matin lorsque je l'ai accusée de m'avoir accusé d'un crime que je n'avais pas commis contre sa famille.
Quand je rencontre Alexis la veille de mon nouveau travail de professeur titulaire à mon alma mater, je m'attends à des retrouvailles glaciales. Puis ses yeux marron rencontrent les miens avec la même intensité brûlante qu'avant. Seulement, Alexis a bien grandi désormais, avec des courbes et un sourire à tomber.
J'étais alors trop vieux pour elle. Cela n'a pas changé, mais je ne peux pas garder mes mains pour moi. Elle est tout ce dont mon cœur meurtri a besoin pour être à nouveau entier.
Le problème? Elle suit mon cours d'histoire naturelle.
Si sa famille l’apprend, ma carrière est terminée, mais l’aimer vaut le risque.
Alexis a retrouvé son chemin vers moi après tout ce temps.
Et j'ai l'intention de la garder.
📚

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Love 101 series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Alexi has always loved Gavin from the time she was a teenager while doing research with her father, a few shenanigans later causing him to walk away and leaving her to remember him over the years the crush didn’t go away but the intensity lighten. Gavin sexy as all get out professor who knew Alexi loved him, but he couldn’t go there he felt he was too old for her and he was friends with her father. Fast forward years later he is a professor, and she walks into his calls as his student no longer the little girl he remembers but a woman that has taken over his thoughts and dreams. He thought Alexi would hate him but instead she proves to be a mature person about everything but for her the crush was back in full force. The chemistry was still just as intense for her as it was when she was younger and this time the magnetic pull couldn’t be ignored but with a teacher/student relationship how will they make it work, will he give her a chance this time around, and will they grab ahold to the second chance given to them?

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis has been in love with her father's assistant for awhile now. There was a misunderstanding with Gavin and her father and they haven't worked together or spoken in years. She runs into Gavin at a gathering for the college she goes to and they reconnect. Gavin is attracted to Alexis and still remembers how things sparks between them years before. Nothing happened back then but he isn't about to let anything stop him now. Alexis needs extra credits for finishing school on time and ends up in a class Gavin teaches. Will they have to pull back from being together because of her being in his class? What will her father think about them being together?

This is an amazing story once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having history together can help you find love.

I kind of loved this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable with a touch of the forbidden. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. Erica was a crappy sister to Alexis. The way she always nitpicked her sister and undermined her was ridiculous. I’m not usually a fan of either member of the main couple having relationships after meeting but in this case, it didn’t bother me at all. Alexis didn’t pine for Gavin after he rejected her. He didn’t pine for her either. They both had fond memories of each other that were reawakened once they were reunited. The chemistry between them was steamy and hot. Alexis and Gavin had a great relationship. I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the multi-author Love 101 series, Margot Scott's Natural History is an awesome, well-written, steamy romance that checks so many boxes! Alexis was in love with Gavin years ago as a teenager when he was her father's research assistant. Thirteen years older than her, Gavin knew nothing could come of her crush back then - and then a misunderstanding banished him from her and her family's lives. Five years later, they run into one another at a Brookstone College event and both are drawn to one another. Even when Gavin ends up being the professor of her Natural History course, they cannot stay away from one another. Gavin and Alexis have Kindle-melting chemistry, and their story is full of interesting characters and nuances. This is a highly entertaining, enjoyable and engaging romance!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fast read. Gavin and Alexis have history from 5 years ago when Alexis was 16 years old. Thing happened that send Gavin out of Alexis life. Now we are 5 years head and Alexis see Gavin and finds that the love she had for him is just as strong years later. Gavin is a teacher at her College and she happens to end up in one of his classes. They have a strong chemistry together and they are trying to keep a lid on it so Gavin doesn't get fired. Sweet and steamy story. I'm so glad that Gavin and Alexis Dad finally got a chance to make up. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.