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Natural Enemies
When opposites attract, love blooms in unexpected places.
Buttoned-up botanist Stefan Albemarle has felt like an outsider his whole life. As a result, he mostly keeps to himself—makes it easier not to notice that no matter how he tries, people think he’s a know-it-all and a snob.
Freewheeling urban gardener Milo Rios has worked hard to get where he is, and he’s passionate about his job at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He can get along with almost anyone, but no one has ever made him care enough to stick around.
When Stefan and Milo meet on Milo’s tour of the Botanic Garden, it’s hatred at first clash. But hatred quickly turns to lust as Milo shows Stefan how exquisite it can feel to lose the control he’s clung to for so long. As Stefan’s mask begins to slip, Milo sees a deep vulnerability in the prim academic. Once he’s experienced Milo’s world, Stefan can admit that he wants more from life than professional success. If they can work together, Stefan and Milo just might be able to cultivate the future they both yearn for.
This novella was previously published in the Exposed collection.
Buttoned-up botanist Stefan Albemarle has felt like an outsider his whole life. As a result, he mostly keeps to himself—makes it easier not to notice that no matter how he tries, people think he’s a know-it-all and a snob.
Freewheeling urban gardener Milo Rios has worked hard to get where he is, and he’s passionate about his job at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He can get along with almost anyone, but no one has ever made him care enough to stick around.
When Stefan and Milo meet on Milo’s tour of the Botanic Garden, it’s hatred at first clash. But hatred quickly turns to lust as Milo shows Stefan how exquisite it can feel to lose the control he’s clung to for so long. As Stefan’s mask begins to slip, Milo sees a deep vulnerability in the prim academic. Once he’s experienced Milo’s world, Stefan can admit that he wants more from life than professional success. If they can work together, Stefan and Milo just might be able to cultivate the future they both yearn for.
This novella was previously published in the Exposed collection.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2018
136 people are currently reading
794 people want to read
About the author
Roan Parrish
36 books2,428 followersRoan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.
When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.
She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
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When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.
She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Roan's Newsletter
Roan's Facebook Group
Roan on Twitter
Roan on Instagram
Roan’s website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
August 22, 2019
Hot dirty talk, science geeks, and opposites attract? Hell YES!
I really enjoyed Natural Enemies by Roan Parrish, even more than I expected to. I mean, I usually have fairly low expectations for novellas, but this surprised me.
The pace is rather fast, but it's only a little over 100 pages, so that's to be expected. However, we got some serious heat and some serious emotions, so I'm a happy camper. I think if bossy dirty talk is your thing (raises hand), then you'll enjoy this one.
Of course, I would have probably enjoyed another 50 pages, but I got such great vibes from this story that I'll take it just as it is.
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I really enjoyed Natural Enemies by Roan Parrish, even more than I expected to. I mean, I usually have fairly low expectations for novellas, but this surprised me.
The pace is rather fast, but it's only a little over 100 pages, so that's to be expected. However, we got some serious heat and some serious emotions, so I'm a happy camper. I think if bossy dirty talk is your thing (raises hand), then you'll enjoy this one.
Of course, I would have probably enjoyed another 50 pages, but I got such great vibes from this story that I'll take it just as it is.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
August 22, 2019
3.75
Dirty talk people!!
And being bossy in the bedroom!!
*twirls*
Well this was a pleasant surprise.A very easy read.Yes,it's short but the story was very well crafted.
Milo and Stefan are botanists,as different as night and day.Milo is so laid-back he's practically horizontal.He was an easy charm about him and gives off very positive vibes.People are easily drawn to him.Stefan couldn't be more different.He's never felt he fit in anywhere or was liked by people.As a result he's thrown everything into his studies and work,striving to be the absolute best.His life is very organized but he didn't even realize he was lonely until his world collided with the sexy as sin Milo.
I wasn't sure about Stefan at the start but the more I read and came to understand his character,the more I loved him.
I loved these two guys and this story.I was even fascinated by all the plant references and I would LOVE a roof top garden like Milo!!
My only slight negative was it finished at 80% and the end felt a tad rushed.Still,though,very enjoyable.
Recommended.Available on KU.
Dirty talk people!!
And being bossy in the bedroom!!
*twirls*
Well this was a pleasant surprise.A very easy read.Yes,it's short but the story was very well crafted.
Milo and Stefan are botanists,as different as night and day.Milo is so laid-back he's practically horizontal.He was an easy charm about him and gives off very positive vibes.People are easily drawn to him.Stefan couldn't be more different.He's never felt he fit in anywhere or was liked by people.As a result he's thrown everything into his studies and work,striving to be the absolute best.His life is very organized but he didn't even realize he was lonely until his world collided with the sexy as sin Milo.
I wasn't sure about Stefan at the start but the more I read and came to understand his character,the more I loved him.
I loved these two guys and this story.I was even fascinated by all the plant references and I would LOVE a roof top garden like Milo!!
My only slight negative was it finished at 80% and the end felt a tad rushed.Still,though,very enjoyable.
Recommended.Available on KU.
April 18, 2018
This is a very cute, sexy, enemies-to-lovers story about two botanists who are pretty much exact opposites.
Milo is easygoing and social. He dresses in torn jeans and flip-flops and has a kind word for everyone.
Stefan works long hours in an effort to be the best. He's socially awkward and thinks his accomplishments are the only way he'll be noticed; he's long ago given up on being liked.
People are drawn to Milo, but Stefan comes across as a snob. Milo sees right through that facade and kisses the hell out of buttoned-up Stefan. Talk about a Meet Cute. I dug the way Milo could unwind Stefan just by grabbing his ass.
The MCs are well developed, and I actually liked all the plant talk, even though I have the opposite of a green thumb (a brown thumb?) and pretty much kill any green thing in my care (and not for lack of trying; I overwater or underwater or something, and within weeks, the plant is dead).
The ending is a solid HFN.
Now I want to visit a rooftop garden.
Milo is easygoing and social. He dresses in torn jeans and flip-flops and has a kind word for everyone.
Stefan works long hours in an effort to be the best. He's socially awkward and thinks his accomplishments are the only way he'll be noticed; he's long ago given up on being liked.
People are drawn to Milo, but Stefan comes across as a snob. Milo sees right through that facade and kisses the hell out of buttoned-up Stefan. Talk about a Meet Cute. I dug the way Milo could unwind Stefan just by grabbing his ass.
The MCs are well developed, and I actually liked all the plant talk, even though I have the opposite of a green thumb (a brown thumb?) and pretty much kill any green thing in my care (and not for lack of trying; I overwater or underwater or something, and within weeks, the plant is dead).
The ending is a solid HFN.
Now I want to visit a rooftop garden.
January 22, 2025
Plants, so many plants and two idiots.
A wonderful book that reads a bit like a self-help book and you should avoid it if you don't like greenery at all, because two plant nerds collide here.
The gift of nurturing something into being was one I deeply wanted to share with the kids I’d gathered. Because bringing something into being meant you could do the same to yourself, if you ever needed to. 🌳🌸🌳
It begins with a rather forced rivalry. That is also the only thing I would like to criticize. This supposed rivalry is quite artificial and in no way plausible to me, but I'm also a harmony addict, so I don't really relate to that.
Anyway, the rest is wonderful.
Stefan is a slightly disturbed character who only knows his work and doesn't know what to do with people, not because he doesn't want to, but because he's always been misunderstood. I'd love to cuddle him until he can't breathe. Once you get over his initial asshole behavior, he's someone I'd like to have in my life.
What might it be like, just once, to be the cause of someone’s smile instead of its disappearance? 🥺🌵🥺
And of course Milo is the opposite of him, social, popular and friendly. But not without problems that you don't see at first glance, so he's also interesting.
The initial aversion is of course dealt with through sex, what else, it's quite a short book, so there's not much time to put a lot of plot into it. So insta, but I think it's really well done. And hot, huuuu, that was sizzling.
His full lips looked soft and lush. I swallowed hard, because now I knew firsthand that they felt as soft and lush as they looked. Stefan’s hands were clasped behind his back, putting his firm chest on display. He looked like he’d never touched dirt in his life. I wanted to get him dirty. No: filthy. Wanted to see him panting and sweating and begging and— 🥵🍃🥵
“I like the specificity. It’s what makes them what they are.” His grip tightened and I hardened further.
“I like giving it to them.” He cupped my ass with his other hand.
“I like giving them what they want. What they need.” He pressed with both hands, squeezing my ass and my erection, and my whole body felt hot and needy. He took my earlobe between his teeth.
“Do you want that? Do you want to let me give you what you want?” 🤤🍂🤤
And yes, of course there is a bit of melodrama until they agree that they understand each other better than they thought. So. Happy I am.
“So, you and me,” Milo said. “We’re gonna…try? Being together? Or, ooh, taking over the world together, one botany lab and community garden at a time?” 🌹🌸🌺💐🌻🥀🌷
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: as I said, plants, very very many plants, mild racism, insensitive parents
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: kind of, they're not really together, just acquaintances with benefits, so to speak, and then there's a fight, only afterwards do they really get together
Kinks: No
A wonderful book that reads a bit like a self-help book and you should avoid it if you don't like greenery at all, because two plant nerds collide here.
The gift of nurturing something into being was one I deeply wanted to share with the kids I’d gathered. Because bringing something into being meant you could do the same to yourself, if you ever needed to. 🌳🌸🌳
It begins with a rather forced rivalry. That is also the only thing I would like to criticize. This supposed rivalry is quite artificial and in no way plausible to me, but I'm also a harmony addict, so I don't really relate to that.
Anyway, the rest is wonderful.
Stefan is a slightly disturbed character who only knows his work and doesn't know what to do with people, not because he doesn't want to, but because he's always been misunderstood. I'd love to cuddle him until he can't breathe. Once you get over his initial asshole behavior, he's someone I'd like to have in my life.
What might it be like, just once, to be the cause of someone’s smile instead of its disappearance? 🥺🌵🥺
And of course Milo is the opposite of him, social, popular and friendly. But not without problems that you don't see at first glance, so he's also interesting.
The initial aversion is of course dealt with through sex, what else, it's quite a short book, so there's not much time to put a lot of plot into it. So insta, but I think it's really well done. And hot, huuuu, that was sizzling.
His full lips looked soft and lush. I swallowed hard, because now I knew firsthand that they felt as soft and lush as they looked. Stefan’s hands were clasped behind his back, putting his firm chest on display. He looked like he’d never touched dirt in his life. I wanted to get him dirty. No: filthy. Wanted to see him panting and sweating and begging and— 🥵🍃🥵
“I like the specificity. It’s what makes them what they are.” His grip tightened and I hardened further.
“I like giving it to them.” He cupped my ass with his other hand.
“I like giving them what they want. What they need.” He pressed with both hands, squeezing my ass and my erection, and my whole body felt hot and needy. He took my earlobe between his teeth.
“Do you want that? Do you want to let me give you what you want?” 🤤🍂🤤
And yes, of course there is a bit of melodrama until they agree that they understand each other better than they thought. So. Happy I am.
“So, you and me,” Milo said. “We’re gonna…try? Being together? Or, ooh, taking over the world together, one botany lab and community garden at a time?” 🌹🌸🌺💐🌻🥀🌷
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: as I said, plants, very very many plants, mild racism, insensitive parents
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: kind of, they're not really together, just acquaintances with benefits, so to speak, and then there's a fight, only afterwards do they really get together
Kinks: No
June 28, 2018
I enjoyed this novella, but honestly, it was a little too short for me. I wanted more.
September 13, 2024
2.75-3 stars
A cute little MM romance, but nothing that blew my head out of the water. Two men who work in the plant industry, one is easy going the other is stuffy. They meet and hate each other, until they suddenly begin making out. I enjoyed this book, but I didn't feel any major love for it either.
If you're looking for something light and hot, this is the book for you!
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
A cute little MM romance, but nothing that blew my head out of the water. Two men who work in the plant industry, one is easy going the other is stuffy. They meet and hate each other, until they suddenly begin making out. I enjoyed this book, but I didn't feel any major love for it either.
If you're looking for something light and hot, this is the book for you!
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
April 13, 2026
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
‘Sweet and summery’, a cute little novella where two sort of enemies (but really not) fall in luuurve.
They were barely even rivals, honestly. But that’s okay, ‘cause they turned out to be super adorable together.
[Storytiiiiime. I have loads of freebies on my kindle I’ve never added to my goodreads tbr (I should probably do something about that…) so they kind of got lost in the depths of my library. The other day, I was sort of cleaning sort of searching for something to read when I dug this little thing up. Sorry I completely forgot you existed, book.]
I wasn’t exactly vibing with Stefan at the beginning, because his whole thing is that he’s standoffish and snobby, but once we peel back his layers and reveal his anxious insides (god, I worded that horribly I’m sorry but not sorry enough to change it), he’s actually just a poor alone baby that needs someone to get him.
I don’t say this often when I read novellas, but this was the perfect length. It’s a pretty simple romance, and the fact that they’re botanists, even if different from the usual, is a tad boring. So I’m glad this was a short one.
Short yes, but still sexy AF. Gahddammm, Milo is a dirty talker. Yum. I loved how Stefan just melted at Milo’s touch, this seemingly stuck-up dude loving to give up control, blushing and whimpering at every praise.
Apparently today I’m in a chitchat mood, but to sum up — a sweet grumpy/sunshine, ‘rivals’ to lovers, opposites attract novella. Expect lots of flower talk, a couple cute cat appearances, a touch-starved preppy botanist, and a sunshine botanical garden tour guide that can give him exactly what he needs.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Anxiety
- BIPOC & Latinx rep
- Top/bottom
- Frotting
- Rimming
He looked like he’d never touched dirt in his life. I wanted to get him dirty. No: filthy.
‘Sweet and summery’, a cute little novella where two sort of enemies (but really not) fall in luuurve.
They were barely even rivals, honestly. But that’s okay, ‘cause they turned out to be super adorable together.
[Storytiiiiime. I have loads of freebies on my kindle I’ve never added to my goodreads tbr (I should probably do something about that…) so they kind of got lost in the depths of my library. The other day, I was sort of cleaning sort of searching for something to read when I dug this little thing up. Sorry I completely forgot you existed, book.]
What might it be like, just once, to be the cause of someone’s smile instead of its disappearance?
I wasn’t exactly vibing with Stefan at the beginning, because his whole thing is that he’s standoffish and snobby, but once we peel back his layers and reveal his anxious insides (god, I worded that horribly I’m sorry but not sorry enough to change it), he’s actually just a poor alone baby that needs someone to get him.
I don’t say this often when I read novellas, but this was the perfect length. It’s a pretty simple romance, and the fact that they’re botanists, even if different from the usual, is a tad boring. So I’m glad this was a short one.
“Mmm.” I leaned in. “You like the idea of me messing up your perfect, expensive shit, hmm? Coming all over it. Making you come in those nice wool pants.”
Short yes, but still sexy AF. Gahddammm, Milo is a dirty talker. Yum. I loved how Stefan just melted at Milo’s touch, this seemingly stuck-up dude loving to give up control, blushing and whimpering at every praise.
Apparently today I’m in a chitchat mood, but to sum up — a sweet grumpy/sunshine, ‘rivals’ to lovers, opposites attract novella. Expect lots of flower talk, a couple cute cat appearances, a touch-starved preppy botanist, and a sunshine botanical garden tour guide that can give him exactly what he needs.
No one had ever wanted me like this. No one had ever made me feel anything like this.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Anxiety
- BIPOC & Latinx rep
- Top/bottom
- Frotting
- Rimming
April 23, 2018
4.25 Stars!
Roan Parrish is quickly becoming a favorite author for me.
I really liked this enemies-to-lovers (mild version). Stefan was.....stuffy? Quirky? I wasn't sure I was going to ever like him. But I did.
Milo though. Loved him and his dirty talking ways from the get-go.
Great novella.
Roan Parrish is quickly becoming a favorite author for me.
I really liked this enemies-to-lovers (mild version). Stefan was.....stuffy? Quirky? I wasn't sure I was going to ever like him. But I did.
Milo though. Loved him and his dirty talking ways from the get-go.
Great novella.
April 16, 2026
Hmmm how to say this. The story was overall enjoyable, the intimacy great.
So far, completely fine.
But. The initial animosity between Stefan and Milo was... cringe.
Stefan's anger felt somewhat justified (knowing his reasoning), but Milo"s reaction the first time they met? Yeah, no, an adult should keep a clear and level head.
There was zero relationship development, or if there was any, it could be summarised like this: first encounter hissing/yelling, second encounter making out, third encounter (and all the following encounters) sex, while simultaneously acting like they had found their soulmate.
Obviously not every book needs relationship development.
So, overall not bad, but I'm still a bit disappointed, but I would have liked a bit more.
So far, completely fine.
But. The initial animosity between Stefan and Milo was... cringe.
Stefan's anger felt somewhat justified (knowing his reasoning), but Milo"s reaction the first time they met? Yeah, no, an adult should keep a clear and level head.
There was zero relationship development, or if there was any, it could be summarised like this: first encounter hissing/yelling, second encounter making out, third encounter (and all the following encounters) sex, while simultaneously acting like they had found their soulmate.
Obviously not every book needs relationship development.
So, overall not bad, but I'm still a bit disappointed, but I would have liked a bit more.
April 17, 2018
Hello there overwhelming emotion making my eyes sting a little. Who are you?
Ugh. I don’t like to feel too much of any kind of emotion truly but this book brought it out of me and somehow it did it while keeping a silly grin on my face. I think I can live with smiley leaky eyes. Overly happy emotion I feel might just be acceptable!
This was just a perfect little piece of romance and I couldn’t put it down. Cute. Cute doesn’t sound right but warm and squishy doesn’t really either. It was both of those things though. Gah! This just made me feel so overwhelmingly happy! Almost giddy. I need to get a hold of myself.
I loved this story a lot. It came out of nowhere (it is a surprise after all) and believe me, I am surprised! It was just the perfect romance to me.
These two boys just made my heart race and well, they burned up the pages. It can’t be cute all the time you know!
Really good stuff.
I am super glad this story got released outside of the anthology.
This is a surprise release and is on sale for one week for $0.99 starting today. GO GET IT!
**ARC provided by A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
Ugh. I don’t like to feel too much of any kind of emotion truly but this book brought it out of me and somehow it did it while keeping a silly grin on my face. I think I can live with smiley leaky eyes. Overly happy emotion I feel might just be acceptable!
This was just a perfect little piece of romance and I couldn’t put it down. Cute. Cute doesn’t sound right but warm and squishy doesn’t really either. It was both of those things though. Gah! This just made me feel so overwhelmingly happy! Almost giddy. I need to get a hold of myself.
I loved this story a lot. It came out of nowhere (it is a surprise after all) and believe me, I am surprised! It was just the perfect romance to me.
These two boys just made my heart race and well, they burned up the pages. It can’t be cute all the time you know!
Really good stuff.
I am super glad this story got released outside of the anthology.
This is a surprise release and is on sale for one week for $0.99 starting today. GO GET IT!
**ARC provided by A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
April 17, 2018
I had a sneaky ARC of this one but wasn't allowed to mention it until Roan officially announced the release so here's my review now it's out!
This book previously appeared in the Exposed anthology and, although I own that, I've not read anything from it so this was my first time with Natural Enemies and let me say, it's an absolute delight.
In Stefan, Roan has created a character I could perfectly visualise and understand how his upbringing had led him into a fairly insular and repressed lifestyle. Milo, on the other hand, took me a bit longer to get inside his head, although I loved him as a character from the off.
There's some really funny banter at times but also some quite heartbreaking moments when Milo unintentionally hits one of Stefan's insecurity trigger points but overall it's a seriously sexy (Stefan is all buttoned up and needs Milo to take control but when he lets go, the steam is explosive!)
It's all filled out with loads of gardening fluff and there's a fabulous list at the end of a load of gardening projects and schemes working with community groups to try and make a difference in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the USA.
ARC kindly received from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
This book previously appeared in the Exposed anthology and, although I own that, I've not read anything from it so this was my first time with Natural Enemies and let me say, it's an absolute delight.
In Stefan, Roan has created a character I could perfectly visualise and understand how his upbringing had led him into a fairly insular and repressed lifestyle. Milo, on the other hand, took me a bit longer to get inside his head, although I loved him as a character from the off.
There's some really funny banter at times but also some quite heartbreaking moments when Milo unintentionally hits one of Stefan's insecurity trigger points but overall it's a seriously sexy (Stefan is all buttoned up and needs Milo to take control but when he lets go, the steam is explosive!)
It's all filled out with loads of gardening fluff and there's a fabulous list at the end of a load of gardening projects and schemes working with community groups to try and make a difference in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the USA.
ARC kindly received from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
April 18, 2019
This needed about 100% more hate/time spent as enemies but it is a very short novella so I guess that's to be expected. I just, actually, had different expectations based on the pitch, I guess. NATURAL ENEMIES is very much an opposites attract story and has plenty of plant and flowery bits as you would expect from two botanist-leaning characters. I kill everything green so plants generally make me feel overwhelmed and unworthy but even I wanted to live in a few of the beautifully described scenes.
Cute but it definitely won't be memorable.
2.75ish?
Cute but it definitely won't be memorable.
2.75ish?
June 19, 2018
Una novella corta con el sello de la autora, y eso para mí es un valor seguro, Roan Parrish está entre mis autoras favoritas. Enemies to lovers con dos personajes que se dedican a lo mismo, la botánica, con un enfoque diferente. La noche y el día en sus trabajos, su carácter y sus experiencias vividas, pero con mucha química dentro y fuera de las escenas de sexo.
Bonito, como todo lo que escribe Roan.
Bonito, como todo lo que escribe Roan.
May 12, 2018
Cute but it was not about enemies. It was botanical jargon interspersed with hot sex and was triggered by brief envy, misunderstandings and instalust.
June 28, 2018
I enjoyed the story. But it was basically too short for me. It didn't help that it ended at about 80% with the last 20% devoted to a preview of another book.
I like the way Roan Parish writes. I like her characters. I like how I always get caught up in what's going on with them.
These two MCs are basically polar opposites in spite of working in the same field of study. I liked them together. But I didn't buy into their deep, serious feelings for each other. I still felt like they'd just met when the book ended. I needed them to have more time to reveal themselves. More time for them to struggle before coming to grips with their feelings for each other and compromises a relationship requires.
It's a short story. Well written, yet needs a lot more development for my tastes.
I like the way Roan Parish writes. I like her characters. I like how I always get caught up in what's going on with them.
These two MCs are basically polar opposites in spite of working in the same field of study. I liked them together. But I didn't buy into their deep, serious feelings for each other. I still felt like they'd just met when the book ended. I needed them to have more time to reveal themselves. More time for them to struggle before coming to grips with their feelings for each other and compromises a relationship requires.
It's a short story. Well written, yet needs a lot more development for my tastes.
September 4, 2018
***3 Stars***
This was a steamy and sweet enemies(ish) to lovers/opposites attract novella.
Milo was easy breezy, while Stefan was uptight and serious. I enjoyed the two of them together, but I feel like Milo wasn't as well developed as Stefan. His background didn't feel as fleshed out and I just couldn't fully grasp his character.
Also, while Roan Parrish's signature writing style is all over this novella, some of the spark I'm used to was missing. The transition and evolution of Milo and Stefan's relationship felt awkward and forced.
However, while the romance fell a bit flat for me, all the beautiful imagery of Milo's rooftop garden more than made up for it!
April 22, 2018
I absolutely adored this story. It was cute, and light, with hot love scenes, but it could also pack a punch and be very deep and serious.
I was pleasantly surprised:
1. about whom the bottom was out of Milo and Stephan
2. that Stephan was black and Milo was Mexican
3. that two botanists could be so interesting (while reading this I actually went to water that one plant I have on my balcony which I secretly think it will survive the apocalypse because I remember to water it once a month and it's still alive after 3 years)
Stephan was the overachiever, the glorified scientist married to his job, that cocky pretentious asshole that no one liked because he was very good at what he did and liked to rub it in your face. But he was also the lonely block of ice who had lost faith a long time ago in finding someone to like him for himself. It wasn't his loneliness that broke my heart at the beginning of the story but his acceptance of it as his past, present and future.
Milo was the happy-go-lucky guy that cared too much and wanted to help everyone and everything grow and bloom under the sun. He was the one always surrounded by people, be them a touring group at the botanical garden or a group of students learning about botany.He was the sunshine that lights up a room with his lazy smile and he was the sun able to melt the ice around Stephan's heart.
An absolutely adorable story with a HFN ending!
July 9, 2018
Con más páginas se hubiera beneficiado, porque no os llaméis a error, a partir del 80%, lo que tienes es el primer capítulo de Riven, eso no me ha hecho mucha gracia.
April 26, 2019
This one is hard to review so I'll just go with some vague, rambly thoughts.
Well, I wish this were longer. I love how Roan writes, and I feel like there was a lot to this story that didn't get the in-depth treatment she usually gives her stories & characters.
I did love how the city, at least the little corner of it presented here, was integral to the tale. Sometimes a book could be set anywhere, even with hints about locations or whatnot, but the details were vivid and specific and I think makes NYC a side-character in her own right.
I got a real feel for Milo, his culture, ethnicity, how he fits into his family and what he means to accomplish. I can't say the same thing for Stefan; he was a hard character to engage with. But maybe that's the point? He's so different than his family, he doesn't fit in with what's expected of him given how he looks, where he comes from, what other people expect & project on him. (Including me.) That's part of what made this book hard to review and yet made me appreciate it even more...
Well, I wish this were longer. I love how Roan writes, and I feel like there was a lot to this story that didn't get the in-depth treatment she usually gives her stories & characters.
I did love how the city, at least the little corner of it presented here, was integral to the tale. Sometimes a book could be set anywhere, even with hints about locations or whatnot, but the details were vivid and specific and I think makes NYC a side-character in her own right.
I got a real feel for Milo, his culture, ethnicity, how he fits into his family and what he means to accomplish. I can't say the same thing for Stefan; he was a hard character to engage with. But maybe that's the point? He's so different than his family, he doesn't fit in with what's expected of him given how he looks, where he comes from, what other people expect & project on him. (Including me.) That's part of what made this book hard to review and yet made me appreciate it even more...
May 14, 2018
A cute story about a botanist who has lived his whole life by very narrow standards, avoiding people because he doesn't understand them half as well as he does plants, trying to please his boss and make a name for himself as his one measure of self-worth. Then he meets a botanist of another kind, someone open and easygoing and social. The initial clash of personalities quickly gives way to the discovery that they have more in common than they could have imagined.
Perhaps too quickly - this story would have been worth slowing down just a bit, giving Stefan more time for his transformation. Both men could have used more time to get to know each other in a deeper way, that would have added to the relationship, and Milo comes off as a bit perfect despite his one mistake. There were some lovely bits, though, and I enjoyed both characters. And you have to love a story that is enthusiastic about science.
Perhaps too quickly - this story would have been worth slowing down just a bit, giving Stefan more time for his transformation. Both men could have used more time to get to know each other in a deeper way, that would have added to the relationship, and Milo comes off as a bit perfect despite his one mistake. There were some lovely bits, though, and I enjoyed both characters. And you have to love a story that is enthusiastic about science.
September 4, 2024
For the plant lovers! Nicely balanced little novella for a speedy pick me up.
August 29, 2019
This was hot & sweet . . . and hot.
May 2, 2018
*3,5 stars*
Short and sweet, and very enjoyable (you simply have to love botanists, right?!), but a tad underdeveloped (it is very short, unfortunately). The enemies to lovers theme is not as strongly developed as I hoped. There is a lot of scope for more depth and character growth.
Short and sweet, and very enjoyable (you simply have to love botanists, right?!), but a tad underdeveloped (it is very short, unfortunately). The enemies to lovers theme is not as strongly developed as I hoped. There is a lot of scope for more depth and character growth.
April 17, 2018
Cute read about a blossoming romance between two botanist.
Stefan, initially, appears as uptight and competitive. He graduated with a PhD and received a job straight out of college. He has lived a life of solitude as he finds he works better with plants than with people.
Milo is a fun loving, charming guy who people tend to like. He works in a Botanical Garden where he helps high school kids in the community discover their love for plants. Needless to say him and Stefan are opposites.
So when Stefan see's an article about Milo in a magazine with 30 under 30 botanist his competitive side comes out. He takes it among himself to find out what Milo is all about.
Lets just say when the two initially meet they do not get along. However, after a few more interactions sparks fly and their relationship changes.
Overall, it was a sweet read.
*Note book ends at 81% and the rest is filled with previews of the author's other books.*
Stefan, initially, appears as uptight and competitive. He graduated with a PhD and received a job straight out of college. He has lived a life of solitude as he finds he works better with plants than with people.
Milo is a fun loving, charming guy who people tend to like. He works in a Botanical Garden where he helps high school kids in the community discover their love for plants. Needless to say him and Stefan are opposites.
So when Stefan see's an article about Milo in a magazine with 30 under 30 botanist his competitive side comes out. He takes it among himself to find out what Milo is all about.
Lets just say when the two initially meet they do not get along. However, after a few more interactions sparks fly and their relationship changes.
Overall, it was a sweet read.
*Note book ends at 81% and the rest is filled with previews of the author's other books.*
August 2, 2022
If there's one thing that's safe to say about a Roan Parrish romance, is it's sure to be unique, and Natural Enemies is definitely unique.
Milo and Stefan are botanists, and that's where their similarities end. But they sure do make beautiful music together in the bedroom...
Roan Parrish paints a vivid picture of these two men, and we get interesting details of their lives (both together, and apart). I found Natural Enemies to be soothing and sweet, and pretty darn romantic. Just a really enjoyable opposites attract romance.
Milo and Stefan are botanists, and that's where their similarities end. But they sure do make beautiful music together in the bedroom...
Roan Parrish paints a vivid picture of these two men, and we get interesting details of their lives (both together, and apart). I found Natural Enemies to be soothing and sweet, and pretty darn romantic. Just a really enjoyable opposites attract romance.
January 2, 2025
This is a story that should have had more pages. In an enemies-to-lovers, there has to be an enemy part. That was simply missing here. All it was in the end was jealousy. And that only for about two point five seconds.
But that's not to say that the book lacked depth. The characters were good and the chemistry between the two was definitely nice too.
But that's not to say that the book lacked depth. The characters were good and the chemistry between the two was definitely nice too.
April 19, 2018
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this quick read. It wasn't really about Stefan and Milo being "enemies" because it mostly just felt like one bad encounter between them and then the next one was less hostile until they just started to like each other and then fall for each other. Not really an enemies-to-lovers trope in this one, which is disappointing.
But these two were still great together, and I love how Milo made Stefan loosen up and let go and start to be able to actually live his life so it wasn't all work all the time for him. Milo saw the man underneath the mask and fell in love with him. And Stefan made Milo want to actually be with someone for more than a casual hook up for the first time in his entire life.
The sex, as it has been in the past to Roan Parrish novel's I have read, was incredibly hot, although I wish we had gotten a little more - Idk, I'm greedy, I wanted some blowjobs too haha. But that's okay, it was still hotttt.
This is a great, fun read with some well written characters for such a short book, and great chemistry with an interesting story. Definitely recommend! :D
I really enjoyed this quick read. It wasn't really about Stefan and Milo being "enemies" because it mostly just felt like one bad encounter between them and then the next one was less hostile until they just started to like each other and then fall for each other. Not really an enemies-to-lovers trope in this one, which is disappointing.
But these two were still great together, and I love how Milo made Stefan loosen up and let go and start to be able to actually live his life so it wasn't all work all the time for him. Milo saw the man underneath the mask and fell in love with him. And Stefan made Milo want to actually be with someone for more than a casual hook up for the first time in his entire life.
The sex, as it has been in the past to Roan Parrish novel's I have read, was incredibly hot, although I wish we had gotten a little more - Idk, I'm greedy, I wanted some blowjobs too haha. But that's okay, it was still hotttt.
This is a great, fun read with some well written characters for such a short book, and great chemistry with an interesting story. Definitely recommend! :D
April 19, 2019
Botanists are Sexy!
No doubt about it, scientists are hot! At least these two are in this glorious novella set in Brooklyn.
This was a crazy sexy novella about two extremely different men. Both botanists, one community focused, the other research focused. What starts out as a heated debate soon turns into debauched sex. These two are seriously hot together, and I loved seeing a self contained, proper man of science turn into a pleading bottom. Truly glorious!
I also loved that Roan Parrish gave us two sexy men of color for our MCs. I love seeing more diversity in my romances!
Stefan
Milo
A great read any way you look at it! Have fun and enjoy, I sure did!
No doubt about it, scientists are hot! At least these two are in this glorious novella set in Brooklyn.
This was a crazy sexy novella about two extremely different men. Both botanists, one community focused, the other research focused. What starts out as a heated debate soon turns into debauched sex. These two are seriously hot together, and I loved seeing a self contained, proper man of science turn into a pleading bottom. Truly glorious!
I also loved that Roan Parrish gave us two sexy men of color for our MCs. I love seeing more diversity in my romances!
Stefan
Milo
A great read any way you look at it! Have fun and enjoy, I sure did!
April 24, 2019
Well written short novella with some pretty good sex scenes. This was too short for too much more than instalove and barely there character development but I was still absorbed by the story. Some scenes were so well written I could smell the plants, but others lagged. Enticing to think about what she could have done with this in long form, but it was still engaging.
September 8, 2021
Opposites attract.
Botany community.
Breathe in the sweetness.
Botany community.
Breathe in the sweetness.
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