Selkie AU: Beyond the Storm

Because Canon Sucks

by Arlo August, Arlo August, Ronan Marlow

On a stormy night, fisherman Rowan takes his boat out to sea, intending for it to become his coffin, instead it becomes a life raft for a beautiful stranger with inhuman features.

Captivated and intrigued, Rowan sees no other option and takes the injured stranger back home, only when he wakes, Milo decides he doesn’t want to leave.

Rowan has no purpose, and Milo is burdened with a purpose that feels too great for him. But Milo believes the burden of being the next chosen ruler might finally be eased when the ever present guidance from the Selkie Goddess urges him to stay with the fisherman. But what happens when he uncovers the reason his goddess wants him on land has nothing to do with Rowan at all?

At the potential of losing Milo, Rowan must determine if the annoying sunshine constantly beaming out of the flirtatious selkie might actually be the lighthouse this fisherman needs to find home.

Additional tags: mm romance, rowan/milo, fisherman/selkie prince, human/selkie, selkie milo, folklore, selkie AU, alternate universe, except it’s like this universe there’s just selkies, secretly, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, found family, tooth-rotting fluff, happy ending, caretaking, mpreg, because baby selkie, nesting, did i mention baby selkie, theres only one bed, its rowan, rowan is the bed, reversed kidnapping, selkie caught first feelings caught later, milo steals rowans fish as well as his heart, target audience: me, i can not stress this enough: baby selkie,

Selkie AU is a standalone MM novel based on the short story, Canon, written by AM Rose for the fanfic-style 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 one in every other universe.

Genres: Omegaverse, Shapeshifters

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 12, 2026

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selkie AU (Beyond The Storm) is just further proof that Ronan Marlow is an incredibly talented author. Seeing a fluffier, more lighthearted side to this author is so fun and shows incredible range. It’s funny, it’s romantic, it’s sexy, it’s different. It is the beautiful writing you have come to know from Ronan Marlow but with a sweet and fun twist of Arlo August. I was lucky enough to get to read an early edition of this book and as always, cannot wait to see what comes next for this author.

[Marie:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Milo and Rowan so freaking much🥹🥹
This book was so sweet and I couldn’t get enough of it! Definitely cried no one’s shocked haha. I loved how they chose eachother no matter what🫶

[Em Yardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arlo August (Ronan Marlow) really looked at Rowan and said, "You know what this depressed fisherman needs? A chaotic, thieving selkie with zero concept of personal space." And honestly... 10/10 decision. 😂

There is something so special about taking characters you already love and dropping them into a completely different world, while somehow making them feel even more like themselves. That's exactly what this book did. Because Canon Sucks.

This story starts in an unexpectedly heavy place, with Rowan drowning beneath the weight of loneliness and depression, and it completely broke my heart. A grumpy and depressed fisherman decides today is the day to enter the storm and never come back... too bad fate was like, "Psych, bitch! Here's a fiery klepto selkie shifter instead." 😂🤣 Sorry, no refunds.

And Milo?

OH. MY. GODDESS.

Little Hurricane Milo is the only acceptable description for this adorable menace. His endless curiosity about humans, complete lack of understanding boundaries, and unwavering certainty that Rowan was his mate had me laughing the entire book.

I mean...

"Milo!" I shouted... "What are you doing in here?"
"I wanted to see what a shower was."
"It's like a waterfall!"
...before immediately trying to steal the shower head.

Peak Milo behaviour. No notes.

Or this absolute gem...

"It was some bizarre case of reverse kidnapping, and I was far too tired to deal with it now."

Honestly, Rowan spent this entire book trying to convince himself he wasn't completely gone for this little hurricane, while literally everyone including Milo, fate, and probably the Goddess herself already knew better.

Milo's internal logic absolutely sent me.

"He was great at making food, and I was great at eating it. Perfect. Match."

I cannot argue with that reasoning.

Their relationship is everything I wanted. Funny, ridiculously sweet, deeply emotional, and yes... dangerously spicy. Rowan tries so hard to resist, but poor man never stood a chance.

When Milo says...

"I feel you. You're as familiar to me as my coat. More of a home than the sea. My goddess led me to you, yes, but I'm choosing you."

EXCUSE ME WHILE I SOB.

And then Rowan completely destroys what's left of my heart...

"I'd been ready to sink. And then came Milo. He was a beam of light... He was my home."

Someone hand me tissues immediately.

Don't get me wrong though... the emotional damage is beautifully balanced by absolute chaos.

Like Milo genuinely wondering...

"Was his dick just always... out? That didn't seem very safe."

Or casually sniffing Rowan because obviously that's perfectly normal.

"What are you doing?"
"Sniffing you."

No thoughts. Just selkie things.

And the flirting?

Rowan: "You're a sex demon."

Milo: "Decide after your dick is inside me."

Rowan: "That's just what a sex demon would say."

I was DONE. 💀😂

This was actually my first introduction to an mpreg omegaverse, and honestly... it did not disappoint. I'm so glad I read this because this book was endearing, sweet, low-key hilarious, emotionally devastating when it wanted to be, and ridiculously addictive.

The world-building deserves its own applause too. The Selkies, Aarlinuk, the Goddess, and the colony all felt alive instead of simply existing as a backdrop for the romance. It genuinely feels like there's an entire universe waiting to be explored, and I already need the next book.

Also...

THERE'S A SELKIE BABY.

That's it.

That's the review.

Actually no...

The selkie baby had me rubbing hearts out of my eyes for the rest of the night. 😍

This short, fast-paced, and dangerously spicy read is absolutely a one-sitting book. I laughed, swooned, kicked my feet, giggled like an idiot, and somehow fell even more in love with Rowan and Milo.

Special mention to Rowan calling Milo "little hurricane"and "little selkie," because I melted every single time.

Arlo August (Ronan Marlow) just doesn't miss. 🤷‍♀️

Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next trip back into this universe because that ending left me with the biggest smile on my face and approximately zero patience.

[Miss Lady Orchid · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are so freaking adorable!

From the very beginning, Milo and Rowan completely stole my heart, and I found myself smiling through so much of their journey. It balances humor, warmth, whimsy, and romance in a way that feels effortless, making it one of those stories that's simply fun to experience.

Milo was my favorite character. I loved how determined he was in absolutely everything he did. Even when he was objectively wrong, he didn't give up. Instead, he'd come up with an entirely new plan to somehow make reality fit his conclusion. That stubbornness could have made him frustrating, but it was balanced so well by his genuine thoughtfulness and curiosity that he became incredibly lovable. He's 100% brat-coded, and that personality was the perfect complement to

Rowan's naturally grumpy, caretaker instincts. Watching Milo discover the human world was
endlessly entertaining, and I lost it when he became completely obsessed with the clothes dryer.

I’m torn between wanting to gag at the seaweed and marshmallows, and wanting to try it.

Rowan was a character I connected with more than I expected. His isolation due to his circumstances was relatable. I thought it was interesting that Rowan was so disconnected from his family, yet via the chat they seemed very connected to him. It reminded me how easy it can be to feel alone, even when you have people quietly supporting you. I think that's something we all can relate to. Part of me would have loved to see more scenes between Rowan, Milo, and Rowan's family, but I also understand why the story kept distance there. It reinforced Rowan's emotional state and made his comfort at finding his own family feel more meaningful.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was that I truly never knew where it was headed. Every time I thought I had figured out the direction, it surprised me. The selkie world was wonderfully imagined, and I loved the idea of their underwater homes. Somehow they felt both magical and incredibly cozy despite being beneath the frigid north Atlantic ocean. Discovering that world alongside Rowan made it even more immersive, and I adored watching him desperately try to impress Milo's family.

The pacing stayed consistently smooth throughout, keeping me engaged from beginning to end. The characters remained true to themselves, and their growth never felt forced. Their relationship developed naturally and didn’t feel forced.

Overall, this is a charming, magical romance filled with lovable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and plenty of heart. I'd highly recommend it to readers who enjoy M/M omegaverse, open-door romance, magical creatures, and stories full of whimsy and warmth.

[Jasper (Screaming Opossum Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Arlo August for the ARC read. Seals are one of the favorite animals in my house, and I was so excited for selkies. Milo as a cranky seal galumping around was everything I wanted and then some. Even sunshine characters get annoyed at stubborn grumpy humans sometimes.

Milo as a selkie is everything. Arlo wrote him in a way that seal is so believable, and there’s definitely that classic Ariel quality to him with his curiosity for human objects even before meeting Rowan.

And Rowan, our dear 6’7” hunk of grump and chronic depression. Our beloved. Who gets roped into so much when all he really wants is to stay home. Or on his boat. And not have to go save the (figurative) world.

But he follows his gung-ho Selkie anyway. Cause who else is going to keep him alive, for starters.

But the depression rep in this, guys. As someone who has dealt with chronic depression for way too long…it’s good. It’s there. It’s a big part of why Milo & Rowan even meet. But it’s just a factor of Rowan, but one that is addressed even after being used as a catalyst. Cause depression doesn’t just leave cause you meet the love of your life, even if that means learning new ways to cope, because someone is a persistent little selkie full of sunshine. That’s really a part of this book that struck me the most- the acknowledgment of that, of it being a part of a character without it being the main plot point, the reality that sometimes…you’re just sad. Nothing causes it, really. It just is.

But baby Rory and his resting grump face, my heart. I keep looking at that character art series and going all 😍😍😍😍

Baby Rory, guys.

The book really is worth all the hype. And I loved seeing Selkies in literature, we don’t see that specific mythological creature much. And the fact that this is just the beginning of a universe has me so happy.

-MM romance
-Selkie x human
-Inhuman/atypical genitalia
-Mpreg
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Depression rep
-Chosen mates
-Size difference (6” in height, but Rowan is just…bi

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so special about taking characters you already love and dropping them into a completely different world, while somehow making them feel even more like themselves. That's exactly what this book did.

This story starts in an unexpectedly heavy place, with Rowan drowning beneath the weight of loneliness and depression, and it completely broke my heart. Watching him slowly find hope again through the absolute force of nature that is Milo made every emotional moment feel meaningful.

And Milo? Oh my goddess. He completely stole the show!! His endless curiosity about humans, his complete lack of understanding boundaries, and his unwavering certainty that Rowan was meant to be his mate had me laughing constantly. Hurricane Milo is the only acceptable description for him. Poor Rowan never even stood a chance.

Their relationship is everything I wanted. It's funny, ridiculously sweet, deeply emotional, and incredibly spicy. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but what I loved was watching Rowan slowly learn that he didn't have to earn love. Milo chooses him again and again without hesitation, and seeing Rowan finally believe he is worthy of that love was just beautiful.

The emotional moments hit just as hard as the action, and the balance between heartbreak, humour, romance, danger, and scorching chemistry was absolutely perfect. I laughed, I swooned, I got emotional, and I couldn't stop turning the pages.

The world building was another standout for me. The Selkies, the Aarlinuk, the Goddess, and the colony all felt rich and immersive while leaving so much room for future stories. It never felt like the world existed only for this romance. It felt alive, with endless possibilities waiting to be explored, and I already can't wait to dive back into this universe!!

The ending left me with the biggest smile on my face and so much excitement for what's coming next. That final tease has me desperately waiting for the next book already.

[Twilight · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Selkie AU: Beyond The Storm

𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: selkiexhuman, grumpyxsunshine, mpreg, omegeverse, size difference

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5 ⭐️ | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5 🌶️

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📲 — ARC Read

𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: “I wasn’t going to survive him. He was the storm I’d decided to lose myself in. As unstoppable and inevitable as a hurricane thrashing at the shell of the person I’d become.
He was more
He was the first rays of sunlight that parted through the storm clouds. He was the rainbow after the rain.”

“I couldn’t exist without him. Not for a single day. Not for a single hour. Not a single minute. He was everything to me. I didn’t care how much danger it would put me in if it gave him even a fraction of a better chance at surviving . If all I could do with my life was ensure he could live his, it would be more purpose than I ever ever dreamed of.”


𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me to ARC read for them. With that being said, all opinions are my own.
This was my first time diving into something that would include m-preg, and man did I enjoy every minute of this story. It’s clear how much I adored it and loved it considering that I completely devoured this book in an entire day. Milo and Rowan’s relationship in this book in the series had me giggling and kicking my feet; while also having to fan myself from some of the spicer scene because my goodness were they hotttttt!! Definitely one of my tops in the series that I have had the pleasure of ARC reading so far.

[Tooth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get started on my review, I want to say I received an arc of this book, however everything I’ve written is my honest thoughts. Thank you to the author also! Now, let’s get onward to my thoughts!
I’ve read almost all of the books in the canon au series, and I can say that this one is by far my favorite! If you are someone who doesn’t care for fanfiction then this one’s for you, as it reads more like an actual novel. Going along side that, arlo (also writes as Ronan marlow)happens to be one of my all time favorite authors, so I already knew going in I was most likely going to love it, and I wasn’t wrong. One of the things I’ve always loved about the authors writing is the angst, the emotion. Rowan’s character is this book really spoke to my heart. His struggle with depression, and the conversation he has with Milo about him being sad sometimes, it really hit home for me. And the way Milo responded? I had to stop reading for a few minutes because I was trying not to cry. There was so many tinder, beautiful moments in this, not to mention the storyline itself. There was the perfect about of nasty spice, and actual plot. I really loved learning about all the different shifters and am so excited to see how it all develops as the series goes on! Oh, and Rory! Cutest little baby ever, and I had so much fun reading Rowan and Milo being parents. Really had me giggling, kicking my feet. Overall, I really loved this book, and can’t wait for the special editions of this to be up so I can add it to my hoard and read it again.

[Faye Pallatina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for an early copy of this book.

As soon as I saw this series being posted about, I was intrigued. I love the idea of Rowan and Milo getting so many HEAs because Canon really does suck!

I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like this before, I didn’t even know what a Selkie was until I looked more into this story. I had such a good time reading this though, it was the perfect escape to a whole new world.

I loved that Milo never gave up on Rowan. Especially since Rowan was at such a low point in his life when Milo crashed into it and just gave him a reason to start caring again 🥹

I will ALWAYS love me a chaos gremlin and Milo is the perfect example. That boy/Selkie is hilarious. The joy I felt reading him build his nest and just nab anything and everything to put in there was pure gremlin behaviour, love it love it love it.

There was a lovely spot of drama added in, which was delightful to read, it brought the right amount of action into a lovely story about two people finding each other at the exact time they needed to, and then choosing each other every day after that.

Also, marshmallows wrapped in seaweed…. May have to give that a try 👀

I will say it again…. This was the perfect book to escape, forget about real life for a short while and live in their world of neediness and stubbornness and their well deserved HEA 👏🏼

[Reading Rommance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was adorable and so funny. I love Milo. He's adventurous and he knows what he wants and how to get it. He dives into things headfirst, which I love. I also really enjoyed watching him discover human things, like a washing machine and towels. I like Rowan, too. He a loner, but he's such a caretaker. He's strong and stoic, but also so sweet. I love how Milo has him wrapped around his finger.

I enjoyed the story, too. I like how Milo knew they were mates and went for it. I had a good time tracking down Miki's coat with them and figuring out how to coexist. I enjoyed the spice and Milos' heat. What fell slightly flat for me was the fact that it was so short and so much happened. And I feel like nothing was truly solved all the way, and I don't mean the set ups for the sequel, which have me so intrigued. I just think I wanted more concrete plans. I'm also a little sad they weren't fated mates, but I do love that they're chosen mates.

Overall, a great omegaverse story and I can't wait for the next!

Notes: 2/5 spice levels, omegaverse, heat, selkie/human, shifter mc, fisherman mc, mpreg

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK GAVE ME CUTENESS AGGRESSION! After Rowan finds Marlo in the midst of a brutal storm, he takes the injured young selkie back to his home to recover. Only to realise that he's brought home an absolute bratty menace who is positive that the two of them are mates! What ensues is one of the cutest romances I've ever read and I was giddy with excitement the whole time I read this book - which I devoured in a single day!

Milo is a menace. He's nicknames little hurricane and that is so appropriate because from the moment he enters Rowan's life, the patient fisherman knows no peace! As soon as he's recovered enough, Milo is stealing all the bedding to make a nest, grabbing trinkets (aka shower gel and toothpaste) to decorate his newly made nest, and trying to make disastrous meals to impress his mate.

Rowan is incredibly patent and caring though, finding Milo's brattiness a ray of sunshine cutting through the grey darkness he's been living in for too long. He tries to deny their mating bond, wondering how he could ever be enough for the sweet selkie, but he's absolutely smitten from their first meeting.

And while the romance is the heart of the story, I absolutely loved the world building and the plot surrounding the selkies, the sea goddess, and the other creatures of the deep, including the Aarlinuk. While Milo listens to the sea goddess, he also implores her to bless his mating with a human so that he can start a family. BECAUSE THIS BOOK HAS MPREG! YASSSSS!!! It turns out selkies have heats and any gender can get pregnant (much like omegaverse) and he is so ready to have Rowan's pups. BABY SELKIE ALERT! CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!!

I was feral during those scenes. Actually, I was feral devouring this whole book because the way Ronan Marlow (Arlo August) writes is truly something special and it puts me in a chokehold every time. While this is part of the AU series, it's also the beginning of the Beyond The Storm series and I need the next book! I need more selkies!

5⭐️ 3🌶️

🩵 bratty selkie x patient human
🦭 mpreg
🩵 nesting
🦭 heats
🩵 hurt/comfort
🦭 BABY SELKIE!
🩵 fated mates
🦭 he cooks food and I eat the food. perfect match

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Selkie AU" starts a bit rough. Fisherman Ronan contemplates taking his boat out into the storm and not returning. Selkie Milo gets caught in a human's net, and nearly drowns. Chased by his enemies, he ends up almost thrown unconscious into Ronan's boat. Not a meet cute by any means. And not an exactly auspicious beginning for the story.
I did consider DNF-ing. but stayed with it. The story gets lighter and sweeter. Milo is pure chaos and trouble, which is met with Ronan's quiet stoicism. A very good match. Fate thought so because she guided them to each other. This is the first Because Canon Sucks which offers Mpreg.
I enjoyed the worldbuild of this coastal town. The pace is even, the prose was rather fun. A very strong found family theme is found here. In the author's notes there's plans to give other characters a story.
This is my first time reading this author under either pen name. It'd be interesting to read beyond this story's epilogue/bonus chapter.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

⭐️ 4.25/5
🌶️ 3/5

Main characters: Rowan & Milo
Side characters: Raq, Et’el, Panak, Miki
Page count: 257

First person, dual POV.

I loved this take on omegaverse. I have always found Selkies to be such fascinating mythical creatures so I was really intrigued by the premise of this story. This was also my first time reading a book with mpreg and I found it to be incredibly sweet, which I think just mirrored the natural dynamic between Rowan and Milo in general. They had such a pure and beautiful love and each were equally as protective and care taking as the other. When we first meet Rowan he is so broken and empty and sad. Then Milo just barrels in and completely changes everything for him. His innocence and childlike curiosity were so sweet and endearing, totally throwing Rowan for a loop in the best way possible. They end up going on quite an adventure and making some wonderful friends along the way. And, yes, there is also an adorable (and adorably grumpy) baby Selkie!!

[Kristen Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review (and thank you so much for the ARC!).
This is the first one in this series that felt a bit different to me, there were no author notes and some of the side characters were missing or the takes on them were different BUT this story is just so good! Rowan is a fisherman in Greenland and he’s depressed, majorly depressed and one night he goes out into a storm only to come across a spirited selkie who he rescues and takes home to help him heal from his injuries.
Milo for his part is excited to be a human and learn more, and starts to fall for Rowan, even if Rowan doesn’t feel he deserves someone like Milo. This story is about so much, choosing your own fate and destiny, learning to be open to love, and fighting for what’s right. The ending is so sweet and perfect for these two, so Rowan and Milo still get their HEA! And the best part is that this starts an omegaverse series for this author! So this is just the beginning and some new original characters here will be the focus in the next one.

[Chrissy_reads2727 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to the mpreg omegaverse and it did not disappoint 😮‍💨

I'm usually not into fluffy romances but if Ronan writes it, I read it. I'm so glad I did and you're gonna be glad you did too!!

This was endearing and sweet and low-key hilarious. You will be kicking your feet and giggling the entire time!

A grumpy and depressed fisherman decides today is the day to enter the storm and never come back. Too bad fate was like psych bitch! Here's a fiery klepto selkie shifter instead 😂🤣 sorry no refunds!

Try as he might to reject Milo and what he's offering, he was a goner from the start the only one who didn't know that was Rowan himself 😂

This short, fast paced, and dangerously spicy read will have you consuming it in one session guaranteed. 😮‍💨

Ronan just doesn't miss 🤷‍♀️ oh, did I mention there's an adorable Selkie baby that will have you rubbing hearts out of your eyes for hours?! 😍

[Mav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this book was so stinking cute! I’ve read and loved the other books this author has released under a different name, they are more gritty but the writing quality is top notch for both.

The plot was intriguing and the world building was woven in with the flow of the story seamlessly.

Milo was so adorably sweet and silly, but also smart and fierce when needed, it was no surprise Rowan fell hard and fast for him. They were the perfect blend of grumpy sunshine.

Rowan’s internal struggles at the beginning of the book were heartbreaking, I wanted to snuggle him in my pocket and make him happy.

I loved the little details in the way that Milo reacted to human things or facial expressions he made, those subtle touches really bring a character to life.

I’m so excited that this world will be expanding with more stories!

Angst: low
Cheating: no
O/M O/W drama: no
Breakup: no
Strict roles: no (Milo going into heat brought ALL the naughty parts out and it was magnificent)

[ameliabetweenrealms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my beating heart 🥺 gosh I absolutely loved this book!!🫶🏼

Milo and Rowan were so wholesome and cute I was obsessed with them from the get go! I’m not a massive fan of insta love in standard romance books but in omegaverse it just works 😍

Like how Milo stole treasure for his nest, he stole my heart, i absolutely adored that little selkie 🦭 He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid of doing whatever it was to get it. He was so unapologetically himself that he had me grinning from ear to ear and laughing out loud on multiple occasions 🥺

Rowan was a big friendly giant, with a heart of gold. My heart broke for him but Milo truly was the light in the dark, guiding him back to himself and together they were amazing 🥺

I would happily read 10 more books about these two I loved them that much 🫶🏼 overall this book had hot AF spice, a splash of sadness but an abundance of wholesome love 🦭🤍

[Kaylee Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Read

God that was so cute!!

I went through quite the emotional ride here. Giddy, cackling, crying, happy crying, stressed and I enjoyed every second of it.

I loved Milo down. His biting, foot stomping, pouting bratty self had me cracking up the entire book. Especially since he had self appointed Rowan as his mate and he wasn't taking no as an answer. They might not have been fated mates due to Milo's duty to his colony but they are definitely soulmates.

This being a fluffier book lemme tell you I was not expecting the spicy scenes to bring the heat it had. 🌶🌶🌶.5 and hoooooooot

I was looking forward to this read as a omegaverse girl and my first selkie read and it delivered the sweetness & sexy I needed. Cannot wait for book two 🫢

[Mirra Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, had to pause because personal things came up and I couldn’t read but omg I love both Milo and Rowan, the over-bubbly Selkie who fell first and who wants Rowan's scent, food, and sex that the life for him oh and let's not forget the baby that he's been craving. And now, with Rowan, he's a grumpy man who wanted his life to end, since every day of his life was the same until he met Milo, the little hurricane who came in and wouldn't leave. Rowan tried to fight the attraction, but he couldn't, and it's been an amazing roller-coaster ride with Milo. The spicy scenes omg so dame hot 🔥. I highly recommend this book and I want to read the others in the series so i will be getting those too.

[eliko · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delight reading a fluffier book by Ronan Marlow. He keeps proving his talent and he did not disappoint this time either. It was my first introduction to mpreg and I have nothing to complain about. It felt respectful, realistic and lovely.

I was hooked right from the start! It started dark and became promising, but life doesn’t magically get better just because you find a selkie. Eventually it did go right. It was easy to feel for them, mourn setbacks and be happy with them when it went in the right direction.

What I loved most is how Milo is Rowan’s sunshine. Don’t get me wrong, the depression rep is fantastic, but seeing how the sunshine that is Milo bleed into Rowan was absolutely wonderful. Their whole relationship is emotional, funny, supportive and incredibly sweet. And spicy, we can’t forget that.
Another thing I especially love is the world building! The way Ronan describes things amazes me. It was so beautiful I wish I could have visited several places. Then the creatures we get to encounter, brilliant.

It’s a fast-paced book and yet it all made sense. The pacing never got off track, the plot never wavered and their love never lost my faith.

To put it simply, this book is beautifully written and I’m so glad I got to read it.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. I've read a bunch of non human romances but never a selkie romance and it was incredible😍. Rowan and Milo are everything🥹.
Rowan is drowning in loneliness and depression and the fact that he didn't plan on returning when he set out into the storm broke my heart.

And then came Milo. Obviously, Rowan did not stand a chance. Milo's total brat and has Rowan wrapped around his finger from day 1 and the nickname hurricane really sums him up. I loved every second of Rowan taking care of him and letting him steal his stuff and Milo's endless curiosity about the human world.

The spice scenes were off the charts🥵 and the world building is also really cool. Also the baby selkie🥰. I was gutted when I reached the last page which means I'm definitely diving into the other Rowan and Milo AU stories. One simply cannot get enough of Rowan and Milo.

Arlo August, thank you so much for the ARC🩷

[૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴠᴀᴜɢʜɴ ᴍᴏʀᴏᴢᴏᴠ ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This book was super cute! It definitely reads like a fan fiction which is what’s intended with this series, so that’s totally fine! It was honestly a bit nostalgic! It definitely reminds me a lot of those early omegaverse fan fictions I’d read when I was in middle school. Which is honestly exactly what I’m looking for sometimes!

Roman and Milo in this one are so sweet. It’s a fast insta-love, which is usually something I’m not into, but with this book it worked for me! The story made it interest enough to keep my attention without the angst. If you love an insta-love you’ll definitely love this!

**This review will be updated with quotes on release day.

Please Note: I did receive a copy of this book in advance from the author for my honest review!

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ I was hooked from the first page, this book has EVERYTHING!! Grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, golden retriever mmc, hilarious characters and banter, loads of emotions turmoil, angst and so much content!! Milo is one of the most hilarious and engaging characters I’ve ever experienced, his curious, wholesome, golden retriever energy is absolutely addicting!! Rowan makes my heart happy with his warm giving nature! What started as a man in the throes of depression and loneliness turns into a beautiful, chaotic love story!
‘Every dark sea contained a lighthouse to guide the lost back home. And there was always sunshine beyond the storm"

[Amy Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. It was such a cozy read, with just the right amount of plot that makes it an amazing page-turner. Milo is such a sweetheart and I adore him so much. I love how he just storms into Rowan’s life and upturns and changes everything Rowan has ever known. And Rowan, he is such a gentle giant. It shows in the way he takes care of Milo, even before he knew who or what he was. Showing how much of an amazing character he actually is. Tropes: Size difference, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, and mpreg

[Taylor Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this! Milo is my new favorite brat 😂 I want to be his best friend and watch him stomp his foot in real life. I’ll tell yall this, Rowan did not stand a chance against his little hurricane. Their love was inevitable 🥹 this story was so cute, and funny. This IS my cannon. They are together in every life and every story because I say so. 🙈😂 I loved the story line but I really loved the little story aspects, like Milo loving Rowans red hair, and loving a dryer and wanting to put coat in it. Just an amazing, fun read. I love it so much 🖤🖤

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selkie AU is part of the Because Canon Sucks series.

In the style of AU fanfiction, Rowan and Milo have different roles here.

Rowan is a solitary fisherman whose family is far away; he comes across a seal that isn’t actually a seal but a wounded shifter named Milo. He takes Milo in, and Milo quickly develops feelings for him. Rowan, however, is more hesitant about starting a relationship with him. There’s a central plot thread. The beginning is a bit emotionally tough, because Rowan isn’t in a good place right now, but Milo takes care of him.

I'm really enjoying this series.

[🤍 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loooved this book, Milo is my favourite character and I have loved seeing his personality across the series, the ARCs I got for this series have all been 3rd POV so far and that’s the only part of the books I haven’t liked but this book made me love Milo and Rowan even more. Milo’s personality and love of human things was so cute, his heat was cute and hot as fuck. I also can’t wait to read Kova’s book.

First POV
RowanxMilo
SelkiexHuman
GrumpyxSunshine
Slit/dick situation
Mpreg
Heat

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo! He is the most adorable chaotic little hurricane who loves human magic (the dryer).

Like the little hurricane he is, he pushes his way into Rowan’s life and heart.

Rowan is the lonely fisherman, who goes out in a storm to end it all. What he doesn’t realize is that storm will give him everything he’s been missing.

This book surprised me with how much I absolutely love it. Arlo August (aka Ronan Marlow) is a must read author.

[Bambi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book so so cute and heart warming. Definitely a cozy book to read when you need some smiles. Milo is chaos and Rowan just needs to feel needed. Milo and Rowan are absolutely perfect for each other. Their journey may have been quick but was beautiful and giggle fit inducing. Was a quick read just the right amount of story and spicy ratio. 10/10 would recommend

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful!! My first selkie book and I loved ever minute of it. Arlo captured all my favourite elements of omega verse, Milo and Rowan were so fleshed out and loveable, I cannot wait for book 2 👀