Football AU

Because Canon Sucks

by Essie Sloane

The last thing Rowan Rangecroft expected two weeks before the start of the ALF season was to be traded to the Tucson Scorpions, but he knows the life of a professional football player comes with risks like this.

Tucson is an adjustment. He's gone from a playoff team to one that hasn't so much as sniffed the playoffs in five years. He's gone from a nice house to a cold, corporate condo. He's gone from having friends and family around the corner to being a stranger to everyone he meets. Everything is different in Tucson: the coaching style, the team culture, the expectations.

The biggest adjustment is runningback, Milo Tobitt. Milo is energetic, loud, and always moving. He also seems determined to make Rowan his new best friend, and Rowan can't escape him. They share a locker room. They live in the same condo building. Milo even offers to give him rides to and from the stadium. Rowan can't decide if he's annoying or friendly, but either way, his curiosity is piqued.

Rowan isn't sure he can survive Milo Tobitt and the Tucson Scorpions.

Football AU is a MM fanfiction style novel, based on the Canon short story written by AM Rose for the multi author series Because Canon Sucks. In Canon, Milo and Rowan miss out on their happy ever after, so this series strives to give them their happy ending in every other universe.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Sports

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2026

Reviews

[Aleja · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM romance | Sports romance | Soccer romance | Teammates to Lovers | Neighbours to Lovers | Forced proximity | Found Family | Grumpy/Sunshine | Waking up married | Opposites Attract | Size Difference | Rimming & Blow jobs


Bueno, tengo que decir que estoy gratamente sorprendida jajja. No sabía qué esperarme al ser la primera vez que leo a esta autora, pero es que creo que ninguno de estos autores podría escribir una mala historia para Milo y Rowan😭💖

Amé demasiado a Milo y Rowan; me gustó muchísimo cómo se fue dando su dinámica y su relación. La primera interacción entre ambos fue muy graciosa y Milo me enamoró otra vez en esta historia desde el primer momento😂🤭 Rowan me gustó muchísimo también y me encantó cómo la autora llevó su personaje durante todo el libro.

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

Well, I have to say I am pleasantly surprised haha. I didn't really know what to expect since this is my first time reading this author, but honestly, I don't think any of these authors could ever write a bad story for Milo and Rowan😭💖

I absolutely adored Milo and Rowan! I really loved how their dynamic and relationship developed. Their very first interaction was so funny, and Milo won me over all over again in this story from the exact moment he appeared lol 🤭 I really liked Rowan too, and I loved how the author handled their character throughout the entire book.

[labibliofille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something about this one just didn't hit for me. I loved the chaos, the care that each character showed for the other, but it felt almost forced? IDK how to explain it. There were parts I loved and parts I rolled my eyes at. I love the idea of this AU, but it didn't land for me like I'd hoped it would. This was my first book by the author, though, so I plan to take a peek at their backlist to see if I'll like something else by them better.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rowan and Milo first featured in a story they were not fated for a happily ever after. Thankfully there are multiple alternative universe's where that is not the case at all, where they can have the most wonderful, most extravagant happily ever after anyone could wish for! In this one they are both football players and their author, Essie Sloane, is writing it as fan fiction, complete with fun author comments inserted at the start of every chapter. It's quirky, fun, personal, packed with sporting moments, team moments and romantic moments.

The season is due to start in two weeks, the ALF season, Rowan is ready. He isn't ready to be traded. He has to move across the country to join his new team, the Tuscon Scorpions, leaving behind his family, best friend and old team for a soulless rental. The adjustment is a big one, personally and as a player. His team were a playoff team, the new team - nowhere near playoffs. Everyone and everything around him familiar, home, everything and everyone around him strange. But it's Milo, team captain and runningback who is the biggest adjustment, the biggest challenge. From the first moment they meet Milo wants to make Rowan his best friend and when he learns they live in the same condo building there really is no stopping him (nor his elderly aunt).

Honestly, Milo is a delight. He's cute, funny, over-the-top and a great player too. He is genuine in everything he does, something that it might take Rowan a little time to get used to but once it clicks...well the rest is simply...brilliant.

This story will have you laughing out loud, shaking your head in exasperation and disbelief and swooning, there is lots of swooning. I loved the story and I love the concept, I can't recommend it highly enough and I think I want to explore some of Milo and Rowan's other alternative realities!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I’m very new to Essie Sloane’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the multi-authored Because Canon Sucks Series. This book is based on the short story Canon written by AM Rose for this series. In Canon, Milo and Rowan miss out on their happy ever after, so this series strives to give them one in every other universe. I see Milo’s cooking & baking isn’t great in any universe he’s in, well at least the three that I’ve read so far. I just adore Milo and I’m glad that he was eventually able to wear Rowan down in becoming friends that eventually turned into so much more, as they were great together. Rowan struggles with his move to Tuscon after he was traded from the team that he’d been with since he was first signed on and is one of the top scoring teams in the league to one of the worst.

He’s feels lost as everything is not only different in Tuscon but he’s also lost his built in support system of his best friend/Agent Troy & Troy’s wife/Rowan’s older sister Raina. Milo doesn’t let Rowan keep himself separated for long. Rowan doesn’t understand Milo and originally finds him way too much as he talks way too much but it doesn’t take him long to realise that there’s more to Milo than just his chaos gremlin self. I really liked how their relationship progressed as it felt realistic to me. The whole scene in Vegas just made me really happy. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series, as well as more books by Essie Slaone in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[ds321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a feeling all my reviews for the Because Canon Sucks series will include some variation of “fun read.” Because this one, like Dragon and Robot, was fun. As with Robot AU, I got drawn into the fictional author’s fictional chapter notes and wanting to respond. Like with the authors I support on Patreon, they post chapters, or ficbits or AU snippets of their own work, and there’s all kinds of conversation among the subscribers and usually the author as well. I wanted the chapter notes and band-and-forth with the author to be real for Football AU! Whatever is the fiction-reading equivalent of Pinocchio wanting to be a real boy. 😁

Also, by 30% I had added Essie Sloane to my “authors to read more of” list. The characters are so vivid. I’m *not* a creative writer, so please bear with me while I try to explain. Just… I feel like I really got to know Milo and Rowan (and Jonesy and Aunt Ethel), who they are as people, what they are like, without the author resorting to characters describing themselves during their internal monologues. Not that that’s a bad thing when it’s used! And I know plenty of authors are able to create understanding without lengthy descriptions, which is generally my preference, and Essie Sloane’s writing kept me really absorbed in the story. How absorbed? “Started work 90 minutes late because my 10 minutes of reading during breakfast turned into a lot more, and then I had to make some notes for my review” levels. 😒 yeah… not my most productive day. Work day, that is. It was a highly productive reading day!

After work I devoured the rest of the book and, well, it was great. Sorry, not feeling super eloquent, just basking in the enjoyment of another version of Milo and Rowan’s story. And yes, it was fun.

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Thank you for the copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Milo, a football player for the Scorpions and Rowan, a player recently traded to Milo's team


Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Open Door
-Instalust
-Found Family
-Opposites Attract
-Size Difference
-What Happens In Vegas...
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-HEA


Likes:
-Milo's sunshine personality
-Cooking disasters
-Rowan's jealousy/grumpiness
-How Milo brings Rowan out of his shell
-Game play descriptions
-Sneaky Vegas trip
-Side characters/Coach
-Sweet downtime


Quotes:
-"It turned out that sitting in the suck wasn't helping"
-"You did. You couldn't see yourself, but I could. You're a smitten kitten"
-"I was pretty sure annoyed with me was his default setting"
-"We clearly had magic dicks"
-"We were in public, a fact I had to keep reminding myself when he'd do something cute like talk or exist"

This is book three in the Because Canon Sucks series and the first book I have read from this author. I thought it was just as cute as the others and had a way of keeping me engaged with their relationship. I am not a sports person and know nothing about football but I enjoyed how it focused on their budding relationship as well as the sport they played. Milo is still such a sweetie pie and loves to talk and make sure no one is left out of anything. Rowan is a blunt grump and I loved his inside thoughts and how he softens for Milo. These two were adorable and I loved them in this universe. I recommend reading this if you love sports romances with sweet characters, cooking fails, hearts of gold, light teasing and tender moments

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Milo and Rowan head their separate ways in the Canon story by AM Rose, this book places them in a football universe and finally gives them the HEA that they deserve.

This is written in fanfic-style and I enjoyed the author notes (and I'm intrigued by the author character and The Real Liam! Sounds like this will be its own story and I'm definitely interested).

I loved Milo's sunshiny, chaos gremlin energy! He's such a sweet character and I just adore him. Love the fact he still can't bake or cook in this universe, either, lol. Rowan is quieter and steady and big all over! I also enjoyed him very much, especially how he finally just went with the physics of it all - Milo is an irresistible force! The side characters were also fab - we see Aunt Ethel, of course, but I also enjoyed Liam and especially Jonesy, two other players on the football who are also boyfriends. I loved the part that took place in Vegas so much - just...swoon. There are a lot of fade to black scenes, but the spice we do witness is well done. I do feel robbed of the shower scenes that kept being mentioned, lol. I liked that we get a good mix of football in addition to the development of their relationship. This is a light, sweet, low angst book with some humor and light spice. I enjoyed it!

Things to Expect:
* teammates to lovers
* grumpy/sunshine
* Tropes/Highlights:
* insta-lust
* opposites attract
* size difference
* red-head giant (all over!) + blonde (more twink-ish)
* Ride, Milo, ride!
* What Happens In Vegas...
* strawberries
* wonderful side characters
* Milo can't cook/bake and is a chaos gremlin
* Rowan is quiet, steady

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, I know absolutely nothing about American football, but apparently that doesn't matter, because I was fully invested anyway!! Give me football pants, one grumpy giant, and one hyperactive chaos gremlin and suddenly I'm emotionally invested.

Rowan getting traded after five years with the same team genuinely hurt. You could feel how displaced and unwanted he felt, and I loved that this story never brushed that aside. He wasn't just changing teams. He was losing familiarity, routine, identity, and everything that made him feel secure.

And then Milo happened.

Milo is chaos in human form. Loud. Spacey. Endlessly talking. Weaponized friendliness. Questionable baking choices.
But underneath all of that is someone who notices people in a way that no one else does.

The chemistry between these two was immediate and explosive. I loved watching Rowan slowly realise that the guy he thought was so annoying had quietly become the person he wanted beside him all the time.

Also…Vegas.
That whole scene had me grinning like a damn idiot.

What I especially loved is that it was a story about finding a home where you never expected one. Rowan lost one future and accidentally found something so much better.

Bonus points for Aunt Ethel because she's iconic. Like always.

Also the spice????
Good lord 🥵🫠

Anyway. I'm keeping Milo. Rowan can come too.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun and quick read. It is also part of the multi-author Because Canon Sucks series. Each book features a different couple. This is the story of Rowan Rangecroft and Milo Tobitt. Rowan is unexpectedly traded two weeks before the AFL season was slated to begin. He is leaving the team he started playing professional with and a team that is ranked to win playoffs. He has left his best friend, family and familiar home to move to play for the Tucson Scorpions A team that is nowhere near ready any playoff games. Sure he is a little grumpy, who wouldn't be. Staying in a soulless rental isn't helping things either. Milo is the captain and running back for the Tucson Scorpions. He takes one look at Rowan and says to himself, "mine". Living in the same condo building makes it easier for Milo to try and make Rowan his new best friend. Non stop energy and sunshine is about to descend upon Rowan whether he wants it or not. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a fun book that will have you laughing out loud as you read it. I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[GiveMeBooksOrGiveMeDeath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milo and Ronan get to live the football life in this fun fanfic inspired story. Our big grumpy ginger has to deal with his new living situation, which includes his very energetic and over eager teammate, Milo. I do love a grumpy x sunshine couple, and even better when there is lots of sexual tension. As soon as Milo sees Ronan he is smitten. It sure doesn’t hurt to have an elderly wing woman to help things along. Milo‘s aunt Ethel it is such a fun character that you just have to love her… even if her cooking is questionable. Once they finally kiss things get pretty heated from there and I was not disappointed. I love that they are both green flags and they care so much about each other even when facing difficulties, they still are very supportive. There are many sweet moments that I’m sure you will love. I know I did. The best way to describe their relationship is chaos meets stability. This was a fun, low angst book with spice and humor. A fun addition to the AU series.

Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, ADHD Rep, Size Difference, Insta Lust, “What happens in Vegas…”

Story 4/5
Spice 3/5

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐✨ | 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Disclosure: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Football AU by Essie Sloane is a fun, vibrant addition to the Because Canon Sucks series. If you are familiar with the premise, this project aims to give beloved characters the happy endings they were denied in the original canon, and this installment delivers exactly that.

The story follows Rowan, a professional football player suddenly traded to a struggling team, and Milo, the energetic running back who is determined to make Rowan his new best friend. Watching their journey unfold—from Rowan’s initial annoyance to a whirlwind, impulsive Vegas wedding and the fight for a shared future—is both hilarious and deeply satisfying.

I particularly loved the author's notes included in this one; they add such a nice, personal touch to the reading experience. While it moves quickly, the emotional payoff of seeing these two find their way to each other is well worth it. It’s a lovely, lighthearted romp that left me eager for the next title in the series.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up!

Football AU is the third installment in the Because Canon Sucks series. In this one, Rowan and Milo are thrown into the world of - you guessed it - American football. (yes, I have to specify that, because I'm European and football to me is an entirely different sport.) It's also my first book by Essie Sloan! Yay!

Overall, I really enjoyed it. I honestly did! Rowan and Milo are fun characters in every universe and it's fun seeing them get all these different versions of a HEA. Sadly - and this very much is my issue - I had trouble getting into it because of the sports aspect of it, which is an issue I've had for a while now. They're always a hit or a miss, nothing to do about it. I wanted to try this one because this series is such a fun concept and I want to support it. And if you're into sports romance, you'll likely really enjoy it! If you're not that into sports romance, then still give it a go if you're following the series, if only to get more of Rowan and Milo. They're so fantastic, they're definitely worth it.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
What a great read this is! I was entertained throughout, mostly because of Milo and his full on golden retriever energy. Rowan is traded to Milo's AFL team, and doesn't quite know what to do with the young man so full of energy who also turns out to be his neighbour because, of course he is!
There's no staying annoyed at Milo, though. He's so friendly, so nice, so caring. He bought his aunt a neighboring apartment so she was close by when his other aunt/her partner, passed away. He checks in with all of his teammates before a game, and when travelling.
I love the relationship that builds between the two. It's a little bit of a slow burn and it's pretty low angst, whilst having a great chemistry between them that grows into something truly meaningful. Aunt Ethel is fun to read, it's clear where Milo gets his cooking prowess from!
A brilliant addition to the Because Canon Sucks series! I'm loving it so far and can't wait to read what's next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time Rowan and Milo find their way into the world of football. Rowan gets traded from a football team sure to make the playoffs. to one on the bottom rung. Tucson, Arizona is a different world from what he's used to, from housing, food, supportive friends and coaching. Milo is the Tucson Scorpions' running back. He's pure sunshine against Rowan's grumpy grump.
There's friction as there are no strangers according to Milo. Between his positive nature and water over stone wearing down, he becomes someone Rowan can't keep out.
I don't read much sports romance because it tends to be opposites attract or enemies to lovers. The only reason the book works for me, is that this is a different side of our two heroes. I haven't read much Essie Sloan (but that's what anthologies and multiauthor series does, introduces us to new). And though it's not really my cup of tea, the story was well written. The pacing was smooth. It was a quick read.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.

[Twilight · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5 ⭐️ | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 4/5 🌶️

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📱—> Arc Read

𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔:

“I had to stop thinking about the way he smelled. I could do it. I could not do it”

“You start one small kitchen fire while making dinner and suddenly, your husband thinks you’re a liability”

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Firstly I want to thank the author for allowing me to arc read. Because of the nature of these books and what they are intended to be, I am also ranking it on a bit of a different scale, but that’s not to say this book doesn’t deserve 5/5 stars. Having arc read three of the books in the series so far I must say this one was by far my favorite. I was giggling, blushing, the whole time. Milo’s energy in this book reminded me of lot of myself and the way that I act whenever I am comfortable near someone. It’s a short, quick read but I loved every second of it!
If you’re going to read this series make sure this one is one your list!

[Winnie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love sports romances and football has been my favorite sport as long as I can remember. So I was thrilled one made it into this series! I KNEW Milo was going to be on offense but I had him pegged (ha) as a wide receiver instead of a running back. Teammates to lovers is always a fun trope because so many sports romances feature one non-athlete and I love how opposites still attracted in this case. My home state even got a shoutout as Rowan’s former team in Fayetteville! Outwardly calm and reserved Rowan didn’t know what was waiting for him in the chaotic golden retriever of a teammate but he definitely needed a little loosening up. Ethel was great, as always, and Ray was a sweetheart per usual. It’s so fun seeing where the side characters are in their own stories (like Raina and Troy already being married again). I want more from Liam and Jonesy! I received this book directly from the author and this is my honest review. 4.5 stars.

[Jessi .K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Milo and Rowan's fanfic journey continues in the world of the ALF. For all the sport romance loving peeps, ya'll are gonna eat this up!! I am not one of those peeps unfortunately, however I still wanted to experience all of this fanfic journey. So what I didn't like, football, I know it is in the title, still the journey!
What I did like, Milo and the hot mess express, that is this amazing character in this story. I was really able to relate to his feelings about family, and how it doesn't matter how many lists I make, I will forget something! His uplifting, include everyone, and bring a smile to their face attitude gave me all the warm and fuzzies. I liked seeing how hard it can be adjusting to moving away from all you know. And watching Rowan navigate that with Milo was endearing. Was the last 25% of this totally predictable, yes. However, it was still cute and so very heart warming!

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Football AU was such a fun, feel-good read. From the moment Rowan arrived in Tucson, Milo's relentless enthusiasm had me smiling. He's impossible not to love—kind-hearted, loyal, and constantly looking out for the people around him, whether that's his family or his teammates.

I really enjoyed the contrast between Rowan's quieter, more reserved nature and Milo's golden retriever energy. Their relationship develops at a lovely pace, allowing the friendship and trust between them to grow naturally before becoming something more. The chemistry was there from the start, but it was the small moments that made their connection feel so genuine.

With low angst, plenty of heart, and a cast of characters who are easy to become invested in, this was a thoroughly enjoyable romance. Milo completely stole the show for me, and Aunt Ethel was an absolute delight whenever she appeared
I received a free arc and this is my honest review

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This is part of the shared, multi author, Because Canon Sucks series; one of several fan fiction stories, originally created by A. M. Rose, and then expanded by other writers to create an alternate universe, each of them based off of the same MCs, Rowan and Milo, but with their own, unique spin on it.

This was a really sweet story; there was no angst, no drama and best of all, no third act breakup. The spice was plentiful with two big, obsessed, possessive and protective MMCs constantly revolving around each other (which I absolutely loved, by the way) and the fact that they actually talked to each other instead of jumping to conclusions, was a huge plus for me but I thought it just seemed to be just a little too ‘pat’. I know that’s completely at odds with how I usually feel but, what can I say? It is what it is. 4.25 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moth_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you letting me arc read your book!!💚

I love this series so so much!! This book was such a comfy read, Rowan and Milo are everything.

I’ll be honest I’ve never read an American football romance and only ever watch a game in passing but I loved every second with these two and I’ve learnt some things about the game in the process. I defo think I’m gunna watch a game in the future!!

Milo’s chaotic energy is everything, his social cues are non existent but he is honestly sunshine in human form and just wants everyone to be happy!! Rowan likes to keep to himself and isn’t much of a talker but that’s why these two work perfectly together.

All these books have been so nostalgic to when I use to read fanfics. This one made me smile so hard at Y/N character 💚

Essie sloane thank you for writing these sporty boys 🖤 I love them sm!!


One last massive reason you should read this book.. Because Canon Sucks!!

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start this review with 2 prefaces: I signed up for ARCs of ALL the Canon books, it was an offer I couldn't refuse. Also, I am a Brit. We don't really do American Football here and to be honest, I'm not really a sports fan at all and this has had an impact on my review.

I liked both Rowan and Milo. Rowan's stoic demeanour, Milo's manic chaos were fantastic and I enjoyed reading about them together from their first, fairly disastrous meeting to their eventual realisation that they were becoming so much more than friends. I liked the idea of the player who got traded to a new city and team and had to leave everything behind and the team captain who made him more than welcome and slowly brought him out of his shell.

I didn't like the football. I don't understand it and to me, there seemed to be a lot of it (I may have started to skim those scenes after a while), but as I've said before, that's a me thing and has nothing to do with the writing. I do think it fit well with Canon. It has all the fanfic vibes and is a great addition to the series.

3.5* for the story (not the author's fault), but extra credit for the Epilogue, so overall 3.75*

[Chasary Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc river

Because Cannon sucks
Football AU
Once again we Meet Rowan and Milo
I am so enjoying these stories.

Rowan and Milo are both football players who play for the same team. ROWAN IS UPSET because his former team traded him to the scorpions. He’s getting to know the new city and teammates. He meets Milo at his apartment which just cracks me up because Milo cooks in each book this time it was cookies at first. He offers Rowan a cookie and I cackled at his reaction. Rowan and Milo become close and end up getting really close. Milo ends up getting injured and is brooding at home when his team travels to Vegas. He ends up traveling to Vegas to support his team and suitcase rows. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas am I right?

Rowan and Milo become the most cutest couple ever!
Loving these fanfiction books. Can’t wait to see where Rowan and Milo show up next

[Laura Loves 2 Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was my first Essie Sloane book and I really enjoyed it, I will definitely be adding more of her books to my TBR.

The fanfic notes at the end of each chapter totally dragged me into Essie’s world—I was half convinced these people were real (I mean I’m not 100% sure they aren’t)… and honestly, a few of those bits had me laughing way harder than I expected.

This book had a little bit of everything: sports, friendship, romance, and just the right amount of chaos. It was quirky, heartfelt, and ridiculously fun to read.

I laughed. I swooned. I questioned everyone's decision-making skills. I had an amazing time. The whole concept is wildly entertaining, and the story completely won me over. I cannot wait to see what chaos Milo and Rowan are causing in their other AUs.

[jaz! · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)

This should come as a surprise to literally nobody but i am a fanfic girly and have been for most of my life so i will confidently say that right off the bat this concept for a series is so fucking cool and i think it worked really well as a letter to fanfiction with the author's notes, the Y/N and just the whole vibe of it all and it genuinely made it such a fun read and i will definitely be reading the other books in this series. Now onto the actual story part of this review; it was also great. I'm going to be very honest i know nothing about football so i truly was just here for the vibes and i adored Milo and Rowan in this one, they gave me laughs; they gave me spice; they gave me love and they gave me a damn good book. I can't wait to see what comes next from this series but also from this author because this was my first book from them.

[Fiona Tewson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, American Football. An absolutely closed book for me - however, this book made me want to know more about the game and especially Rowan and Milo.

I've not read any Essie Sloane books before, but this certainly won't be my last. The portrayal of both Rowan and Milo is so good, I feel I know them really well and I love that Milo is an energetic person, never still and always moving. I love that Rowan is there to calm Milo down and stop him when it all gets too much (and that Milo can do the same for Rowan).

I enjoyed this book immensely, the relationship between Rowan and Milo was lovely in its build up and execution and the ending was just 😘

Do give the book a read, even if, like me, you know nothing about American Football, you won't be disappointed.

I was lucky to be given an advanced copy from the author, this review is my own words.

[Leandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good sports romance, and even though I know absolutely nothing about football, I had no trouble following the story.

Just like in the original, Milo and Rowan have fantastic grumpy/sunshine vibes, and I was so happy to see the return of the infamous disastrous pretzel.

The transition from the friends to the lovers part of the friends-to-lovers romance felt a little abrupt to me. I would have loved to see their feelings develop a bit more before they got together.

Aunt Ethel is once again an absolutely delightful side character, she's one of my favorite recurring characters.

Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read that was easy to follow, even without any knowledge of football.



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Dual POV
Sports Romance
Strangers-to-friends-to-lovers
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Thank you to the Author for the ARC

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Football AU is part of the multi author Because Canon Sucks series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. In this AU fanfiction type story for Rowan and Milo they are football players. Like the other books in this series I wasn't able to put this book down until I finished it. Milo is just the sweetest over-the-top kind of guy, he's even a good football player. Rowan is more the grumpy giant but still lovable. I loved the chemistry between these two and that it's apparent from the start. I loved all the characters. This was just a great story that Essie Sloane wrote with real feelings. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
received a free review copy

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know absolutely nothing about football.

And yet, Football AU somehow managed to make me care about training camps, locker rooms, and game days, despite the fact that I couldn't tell you what half the positions on the field are.

The real magic isn't the football, though. It's watching Rowan, the quiet, newly traded linebacker who's convinced he's landed in the worst possible situation, get relentlessly adopted by the human embodiment of golden retriever energy. Milo is chaotic, incapable of shutting up, and determined to make Rowan feel at home whether he likes it or not.

Turns out I don't need to like football. I just need emotionally constipated men, chaos gremlins, and authors who understand that I'll read just about anything if you tell me it's fanfiction.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READER***
This was a very fun take on a football story. That’s usually not my cup of tea for a sports romance story but I truly did like this one. It’s most likely because I love the boys Milo and Rowan.

I love that no matter the book pieces of them follow throughout the story line. Rowan gets traded from the Foxes to the Scorpion’s. On his first day right from the airport he’s dropped into Milo’s care to show him around Milo in the captain after all and the captain has to make sure his team is cared for 😉. There’s a decent amount of spice in this book but nothing too crazy.

This is a wonderful stop on the AU series for sure!

[Kristen Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review (and thank you so much for the ARC!).
Yup, I’m still team Milo! I loved this one so much, Rowan and Milo as football players? For the same team? Sign me up! They went from annoyance to love (annoyance on Rowan’s part) in a beautiful way. Milo is as always sunshine and energy to Rowan’s grump. Milo worms his way into his life and heart slowly without Rowan even knowing or realizing it. Oh and the authors notes in this one were amazing again, this time setting up another book altogether and commenting on their “real” life. I don’t want to spoil too much with this one, but the surprise in it…amazing!!