Idol AU

Because Canon Sucks

by Rye Cox

Canon kept them apart. But I turned them into an idol and his bodyguard and gave them a happy ending.

My newest client is America’s darling—ex member of one of the biggest boy bands of our age, and a huge success from his first solo album. Milo isn’t the picture-perfect persona he portrays to his fans. He’s a chaos goblin, and I suspect I was hired to protect him from himself.

The problem is, his particular brand of chaos sings to my heart. I’m drawn to him, which is a huge problem if I ever knew one. There’s a professional boundary I can’t cross, but how do I resist when the man himself is set on erasing all lines?

Tags:
M/M romance, Idol Milo x Bodyguard Rowan, Milo needs a bodyguard to protect him from himself, Milo sucks at baking, Rowan eats it anyway, The Great Jump Rope Incident, it’s slow burn and quickly killing Milo, Rowan is slow on the uptake, all fluff, plot what plot?, Rowan is our domestic giant, put on some more clothes, Milo, not Rowan’s clothes!, Andrew whatshisface sucks, Rowan has big muscles and isn’t afraid to use them, especially on Andrew, HEA for all but Andrew, subtlety is dead to Ethel, Ray is the protective best friend, found family, Rowan is an Itty-bitty giant, #roloforever

An MM standalone novel in the multi-author series: Because Canon Sucks.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Celebrity, Contemporary

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2026

About the author

Be sure to follow to stay updated on latest release: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rye-cox

Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.

Reviews

[labibliofille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idol AU was such a treat!

I loved seeing this side of Milo and Rowan. A bodyguard romance? COME ON! I was simping before I even started LOL.

I love how this relationship developed; how sweet and considerate Rowan is, how Milo is so thoughtful and tries his best at everything.

My only real critiques is that I feel like Rowan gave in too quickly and that Milo should have thought about what choosing Rowan would do (i.e. out him). These aspects felt a little less developed than the rest of the story, but didn't detract too fully for me. (Not going into further details to avoid spoilers, sorry to be so vague here haha.)

I'm absolutely loving this series and I cannot wait to read more, as well as read some of the participating authors' backlists!

[Aleja · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM romance | Grumpy x Sunshine | Singer/Bodyguard | Instalust | Size difference | Found family | Protective/Possessive | Rimming & Blow jobs


Definitivamente disfruté demasiado de este AU! 🤭 Milo y Rowan solo se ponen cada vez mejor en cada universo🤭💖

Amo muchísimo que Milo siempre le tenga que dar algo de comer a Rowan y que siempre sea algo raro jaja! Esas coincidencias le dan un plus gigante a las historias😂

Sinceramente, esta historia fue muy dulce, con el toque justo de spice y con un drama tranquilo. Me gustó muchísimo! Lo recomiendo un montón🫶🏻🫶🏻

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

I definitely enjoyed this AU so much! 🤭 Milo and Rowan just keep getting better and better in every single universe🤭💖

I absolutely love how Milo always feels the need to give Rowan something to eat, and it’s always something weird haha! Those little coincidences add such a great bonus to the stories😂

Honestly, this story was so sweet, with the perfect amount of spice and just the right touch of low-angst drama. I really liked it! Highly recommend🫶🏻🫶🏻

[369Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️
Milo and Rowan are back, and this time Milo is America’s darling singing idol, and Rowan is his newly assigned bodyguard. It’s pretty much attraction and infatuation at first sight. This is a super fan fiction-y story, just as advertised!

You’re going to get:
-idol / bodyguard
-secret relationship
-Milo’s terrible baking
-supportive family
-insta love

This book was a classic interpretation of the bodyguard/charge trope (which I personally love!)
It’s short and sweet, and easy to digest. I loved some of the recurring characters and elements that I’ve come to recognize after reading Cannon and two other books in the series. I do really enjoy seeing our MCs in all of the different universes!! I liked the author’s notes in this one too. They were short but charming, and added some context to the story that I liked.

Personally, I felt the writing style was very narration-like and not really expressive or exciting for my tastes. The relationship was forbidden until suddenly it was fine. It felt like a fanfiction in the sense that you had to just accept some of the writing choices that made the story a little less cohesive.

This may be a me thing too, but in Cannon, the dynamic between Milo and Rowan really drew me in because of how chaotic Milo was, and how grumpy but secretly soft Rowan was. Those character traits were kind of missing from this story, with Rowan especially feeling “OOC”. But hey, characters can be OOC in fan fiction so 🤷

Anyways, this is a very basic story but still fun to read. ❤️

[GiveMeBooksOrGiveMeDeath · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this AU, Ronan is the big, handsome bodyguard and Milo is the beautiful pop idol he’s sworn to protect. For me the bodyguard trope never gets old, I will eat it up every time. Milo is Mr. Sunshine on the outside but secretly a sad boy on the inside. Ronan is grumpy with serious RBF but secretly a cinnamon roll on the inside. Despite trying to stay “professional” Ronan can’t help but be drawn to Milo, and Milo does not make things easy for him. The constant flirting and heated looks are wearing Ronan down fast. To be honest, he lasted longer than I thought he would. Milo is lonely and is starved for love and affection, and he’s sure Ronan is the one to give him what he needs. I know that sounds a bit desperate but I promise it doesn’t happen in that way, Ronan and Milo are both green flags and Ronan is a great guy who would never take advantage of others. He gets to know Milo and the more he does the harder he falls. Once Ronan finally gives in and admits his feelings things get real hot real fast. When Milo said “make me scream” Ronan said my pleasure. So many condoms…poor Ray has to deal with so much, he deserves a raise. Overall there is very little angst and a lot of sweet and spicy moments. I think I smiled through pretty much the whole book. I hope you do as well. I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this in advance.

Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Instant Attraction, Geriatric BFF/Wingman, Size Difference, Food = Love, “so many condoms”, Found Family, “my little croissant”

Story 5/5
Spice 3/5

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I am really enjoying the Because Canon Sucks AU series - and Idol AU is no exception! Written in Rye Cox's signature style, we get a music star and bodyguard romance that is low angst, steamy and has an instant connection but a slow burn. I enjoyed reading about how the side characters integrate into this world and I can't wait to see the next installment,

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute!! Very much enjoyed!

*grumpy/sunshine
*bodyguard + idol/singer
*size difference
*red-haired MC

[Puppets & Paperbacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC read

This is a spicy MM romance. Make sure you know what that means before reading. Also check the TW before reading as there is some talk of food and needing to workout to make up for the food ate.

This is a novella that is part of the Because Canon Sucks Series. You do not need to read the other stories in the series to enjoy this one. It is also not necessary to read Canon, the book that started it all, but we do think it’s helpful in appreciating the characters.

#roloforever 😭😭why is it so damn romantic!

This is a bodyguard X pop star story and we absolutly love it. Like shit made us teary-eyed and swoon it was so damn cute. Totally a low stakes read because Milo and Rowan are end game and when they 💍it’s so freakin romantic😍

There is no third act breakup it’s more third act fall hard and in love with each other *swoon*. There is lots of smut and it’s not only spicy, but kind of funny when Ray is there 🤭 not like that. You’ll have to read to find out.

The character of Ray, the best friend to Milo, is so funny here. I kept singing that song, “ us and your friend Steve” whenever Ray showed up with Milo and Rowan 😅

There are side characters that we’ve seen in previous stories pop up here. For example Ethel, the elderly woman e wrote moves and you will love her in this story as well. We will continue to say it, we need more elderly in our stories.

One TW to be mindful of. There isn’t an eating disorder in this story, however it could be triggering for those who struggle with one. Milo is a famous person who is constantly scrutinized for their appearance and has an image to uphold. Due to this he is mindful of what he eats and working out.

This is not necessarily portrayed negatively in the story. It’s more matter of fact given who Milo is.

This was also a new-to-us author and we will be checking out more of their stories because this one slaps.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Rowan Rangecroft is a bodyguard who has worked with lots of celebrities. His latest assignment is with Milo Tobitt, a hit singer, formerly with a highly successful boy band, who has the current #1 hit and whose fans are known as “itty bitties” (a play on his last name). Milo’s current bodyguard, Jack, is retiring, and he wants a replacement who will actually talk to him as he is very lonely. It starts off well and continues like that. Obviously, they develop feelings early. The problem is that, while they talk a lot, they don’t actually discuss the relationship thus neither thinks the other wants to continue. Plus, Milo is not out to anyone but his manager, Ray.

The plot is quite straightforward with few detours. The two main characters are both sweeties. Milo has a number of commitments but doesn’t actually perform until late in the book but that allows better opportunities for Rowan to overhear what is said by Milo and secondary characters, at least a couple of whom are rather unsavoury. It also lets Milo sit in the passenger seat to have better conversations with Rowan, not to mention inviting Rowan to stay the night (nothing happens). The steam only happens after the fans put two and two together and ship them as “roloforever” (the first two letters of Rowan and the last two of Milo, in case one can’t figure it out). From this point onward, the steam continues and seems to coincide with Ray’s visits. The number of secondary characters is relatively limited to two of Milo’s best friends, Ray and Ethel, and Rowan’s family. The latter’s niece is teed off because Rowan did not tell her, self-identified as Milo’s biggest fan, that his new client is her idol.

The book was very enjoyable, with a fair bit of humour.

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75/5 Stars

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Milo, a famous singer and Rowan, his newly hired bodyguard


Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Open Door
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Singer/Bodyguard
-Instalust
-Size Difference
-Protective/Possessive
-HEA


Likes:
-Milo's relationship with Ray
-Hidden couch surprise
-Rowan taking care of Milo
-Milo being vulnerable/opening up
-Spice
-Milo's baking attempt
-Side character scenes
-Wearing his clothes
-Descriptions of scents


Quotes:
-"Goblin! Goblin, I tell you!"
-"I desperately want to feel the juxtaposition of him"
-"I also prided myself on my self-control, but it seems that all goes out the window when it comes to Milo"
-"Don't tell me you stuck that weapon inside my best friend. Is he even alive under there"
-"The spotlight shines brightly on the glamor of this lifestyle, but that just means the shadows are deeper"
-"It's his soul calling to mine and crying with relief that we're finally home"


This is book five in the Because Canon Sucks series and I thought it was a very cute, fluffy read. Milo and Rowan are adorable in every universe. This story is more character focused with minimal rockstar plot, but it works well. I love how head over heels they fall for each other and how Rowan's resolve dissolved like cotton candy in water. Milo is sweet as sugar, although the same can't be said for his baked goods. Rowan is a caretaker at heart, a fierce protector and such a softy. I loved the teasing between these two and the softer elements of the story. If you are looking for a laid back, character driven story with tender moments, lovely side characters, goblin behavior and possessive MCs, then you will love this book.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idol AU was such a fun addition to the Because Canon Sucks series. Honestly, Rye Cox keeps proving that Rowan and Milo can be dropped into any universe and I'll happily read every single version of them.

This time, Milo is a hugely successful pop idol and former boy band member living under constant public scrutiny, while Rowan is the bodyguard hired to keep him safe—sometimes from other people and sometimes from himself. And if there's one trope I will never get tired of, it's bodyguard romance.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between these two. Milo is sunshine personified on the outside but secretly carrying a lot more weight than people realise, while Rowan is all grumpy looks and intimidating presence despite being a complete softie underneath. Their chemistry was immediate, the flirting was relentless, and watching Rowan slowly lose the battle to remain professional was incredibly entertaining.

One thing I adore about these books is how certain little character traits always remain the same no matter the universe. Milo constantly trying to feed Rowan weird food had me laughing every time, and those familiar touches make these alternate worlds feel even more special.

The romance was sweet, the emotional moments hit just right, and the balance between humour, heart, and low-angst drama worked perfectly. Rowan and Milo are both such lovable characters, and it was impossible not to smile while watching them fall for each other.

✨ Singer x Bodyguard
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Found Family
✨ Protective MMC
✨ Low Angst
✨ Celebrity Romance
✨ Possessive Energy
✨ Alternate Universe

A sweet, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable romance that reminded me exactly why I love Rowan and Milo so much. Another fantastic entry in the series.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is part of the shared, multi author, Because Canon Sucks series; it’s 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.

These guys are adorable! I’ve only read a few of the fan fic stories but I love the concept the authors have come up with in relation to the same characters. Although the storylines are wildly different, in a weird way, it seems like all of the ones I’ve read so far are just similar enough that it feels like I’m simply seeing different aspects of Rowan and Milo’s personality instead of it being just a bunch of individual stories… it feels like I know them personally enough now that they’re family instead of just one dimensional characters in a book. I’d love it if more books were written this way!

I can’t think of a single book by this author that I haven’t loved and this one was no different; her Rowan and Milo captured my heart and guaranteed I’ll never forget them. If you haven’t read any of the other AU books, I urge you to grab this one… start here and then grab whichever one catches your fancy next since they can all be read in any order. I hope this kind of thing will catch on with other authors and spread to all different tropes and genres so we’ll have a whole new way of getting to know our favorite MCs. Check ‘em out, see what you think! 4.5 stars

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

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

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Disclosure: I received an eARC for Idol AU by Rye Cox and am leaving my honest review.

Idol AU by Rye Cox is an absolute delight. Part of the Because Canon Sucks multi-author series, this story is a beautifully written MM romance that delivers on every front.

The story follows Milo, America’s darling and a famous pop idol who hides a "chaos goblin" personality behind his perfect persona. Rowan, his newly hired bodyguard, is tasked with keeping Milo safe—even from himself. As they navigate their professional boundaries, they find themselves drawn into a slow-burn romance that is as heartwarming as it is addictive.

While I was skeptical about the claim of "no angst," Rye Cox delivered a story that perfectly balances emotional depth with the requested fluff. It features all the best tropes: opposites attract, forced proximity, and incredible yearning. The chemistry between the domestic, giant-hearted Rowan and the chaotic, charming Milo is undeniable. With a fantastic supporting cast, a satisfying HEA, and just the right amount of emotional stakes, this book is easily one of my new favorites in the series.
​
If you love found family, slow-burn tension, and deeply lovable leads, Idol AU is a must-read. It’s a wonderful addition to the series that I couldn't put down.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, hear me out. Idol AUs aren't usually my thing. HOWEVER, Rowan and Milo are still Rowan and Milo, and that works.

Rowan is peak Rowan here. Quietly observant, perpetually convinced he's just doing his job, and completely oblivious to the fact that every tiny act of caretaking is making him fall in love. Buying Milo snacks because he noticed he hadn't eaten, worrying that he's cold, making sure everyone around him is okay before himself... it's impossible not to adore him.

Meanwhile, Milo is an absolute menace. He eats apple cores, bites people, declares Rowan his best friend within hours of meeting him, and generally seems determined to give his poor bodyguard a new existential crisis every five minutes. Beneath the polished pop-star image is just a weird little guy looking for someone to share a meal with, and I loved him for it.

Like the rest of Because Canon Sucks, Idol AU feels unapologetically online in the best way. The humour, the fandom energy, the author's voice, and the little moments that feel ripped straight out of an AO3 comment section all make it feel like a love letter to fanfiction.

That this romance isn't built on grand declarations. It's built on shared meals, remembering the little things, quietly looking after each other, and two people slowly becoming each other's safe place without even realizing it's happening.

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

Rye Cox was a new-to-me author, but after Idol AU, I can safely say I'll be back for more. The Because Canon Sucks AU series just keeps delivering.

Milo's entire personality screams "✨good vibes only✨," yet he's secretly a sad little bean. Ronan's face says "don't talk to me," but his heart says "have you eaten today?"

Milo treats Rowan's carefully maintained professionalism like a personal challenge—and he's determined to win. Half the fun is watching Rowan's carefully constructed walls crumble under Milo's relentless charm, turning every interaction into slow-burn gold. When Rowan finally accepts defeat (read: admits he's hopelessly gone for Milo), the slow burn delivers exactly what it promised: maximum feelings and maximum heat.

The supporting cast is just as delightful, with Ray perpetually one inconvenience away from losing it, Ethel shipping these idiots with her whole chest, and a found-family dynamic that wraps the entire story in a warm hug.

This is pure serotonin in book form. Packed with hilarious banter, swoony romance, sizzling chemistry, and just enough spice, Idol AU is an effortlessly charming read. If grumpy/sunshine, bodyguard romances, and found-family shenanigans are your thing, add this to your TBR immediately.

I love that Milo was once again a chaotic mischievous goblin!

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idol AU is a wonderfully sweet bodyguard romance that perfectly balances humour, heart, and heat. Rowan may look like the intimidating professional bodyguard, but beneath the gruff exterior is a gentle, caring giant who quickly finds himself unable to resist the whirlwind that is Milo. Behind Milo's cheerful pop-star persona is a lonely man desperate to be loved for who he is rather than his fame, making it impossible not to root for him.

The chemistry between these two is fantastic. Milo's relentless flirting and chaotic energy slowly chip away at Rowan's determination to remain professional, creating a delicious slow burn filled with longing, banter, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Once Rowan finally gives in to his feelings, the romance becomes both incredibly sweet and seriously steamy.

The supporting cast adds even more charm, with Ray's exasperation, Ethel's enthusiastic matchmaking, and the strong found-family atmosphere making the story feel warm and comforting throughout. Low on angst but high on romance, humour, and chemistry, Idol AU is a delightful feel-good read that left me smiling from beginning to end. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine dynamics, bodyguard romances, found family, and plenty of spice, this one is an easy recommendation.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book in the multi-author Because Canon Sucks series. Each book is a standalone read and features a different couple. This is the story of Milo Tobitt and Rowan Rangecroft. Milo is a pop star who used to be in a group but is now a solo artist. He needs a bodyguard as his current one is retiring. To ensure that he gets one with whom he can spend lots of time with ease, each contract is a short, trial period. While Milo has fame and fortune, he is lonely and would like to have someone else who he trusts in his corner. Rowan is a bodyguard who has a large and loving family. He is assigned to Milo and he hopes it works out. He would like to stay home in the city while doing his job for a change. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a slow burn, low angst romance. I liked how Milo and Rowan contrasted each other in size and temperament. The two of them balanced each other one out perfectly. I enjoyed how food became a love language in this book. I also enjoyed Milo's Manger Ray. It was nice to see someone supporting Milo. I really enjoyed this book.

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idol Milo x Bodyguard Rowan??
Say. Fucking. Less.

Rowan falling for Milo at first sight, while being so oblivious he doesn't even realize what's happening, was hilarious and painfully adorable. Meanwhile, Milo looked at every professional boundary in existence and decided they were simply...✨️suggestions✨️

Milo is the most lovable little chaos goblin, and I wouldn't change a single thing about him. He's lonely, chaotic, endlessly charming, and completely impossible not to love.
And Rowan? He's this giant sweetheart who just wants to take care of Milo, even before he's willing to admit why.

The baking. Oh my gods, the baking 🤣
I love that no matter the universe, Milo still can't bake to save his life, and poor Rowan lovingly eats every terrible bite with a smile anyway. If that isn't love, I don't know what is!

Also...thank you to the Great Jump Rope Incident for your service. Truly the MVP 🙌🏻

Oh, and for the record...
#FuckAndrewForever.
Jamie & Lance can catch these hands too 😤

I honestly didn't want this book to end. I needed another 200 pages of these two just existing together, being adorable, domestic, and disgustingly in love.

#RoLoForever 🖤

[Twilight · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Because Canon Sucks: Idol AU

𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: bodyguard x idol, grumpy x sunshine

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5 ⭐ | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3/5 🌶️

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📲 — Arc Read

𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: “Milo is quickly becoming my kryptonite, and instead of retreating into my fortress, I’m running straight towards him”

“I want to take care of him. Not in the way it’s required for my job, but in a way I take care of people who are mine. Mine to keep safe and happy.”

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Firstly I want to thank to author for allowing me to arc read this book. With that being said, all opinions are my own.
I think how fast I devoured this book (in one day) goes to show how great I thought the read was. It is by far my favorite in the Because Canon Suck series that I have read so far along with the Football AU.
I enjoyed how sweetly the story unfolds it was a short but comfy sweet read.
I am officially an itty-bitty as well.
This definitely made me excited to jump right back into Milo & Rowan’s different stories since it had been a minutes since I read the last ones.

[Leandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another successful Milo and Rowan AU with the happy ending they truly deserve!

Rowan is the perfect bodyguard, while Milo fits the pop star/idol role incredibly well. Their personalities translate seamlessly into these new roles, making this AU feel both fresh and familiar.

I especially loved the slow development of their feelings for each other. The conflict between being a client and a bodyguard added a nice layer of tension to their relationship and made their romance feel more meaningful.

The only thing I missed was that, as with many bodyguard romances, the actual bodyguard aspect gradually faded into the background. I always enjoy seeing more of that dynamic, so I was a little disappointed that it wasn't explored further here.

Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read and another wonderful Milo and Rowan adaptation that I had a great time with.
---------------------------------
Dual POV
Bodyguard & Popstar/Idol
Grumpy sunshine
---------------------------------
Thank you to the author for the ARC

[Chasary Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because Cannon Sucks
IDOL AU BY RYE COX

Advance copy book review given to me by the Author

Gosh I’m so loving this fan friction and ever different versions of Rowan and Milo!!

Rowan works for an entertainment corporation. Hey it’s my way of describing it lol. He’s assigned to Milo. He has no clue at first who Milo is. But his sisters are fans. But recognition hits Rowan as he secretly is literally a fan of Milo’s music.

Milo is a musician in this one. Milo is dealing with a lot in his life. Keeping a secret from his fans and band mates. Milo and Rowan always have chemistry it may not happen immediately but it’s there.

Rowan’s and Milo are super sweet and supportive looking out for their best interest. I love how Milo is a bad cook in each book but this one had me laughing. The way to love Rowan is Milo’s cooking.

I’m so loving because cannon sucks I can’t wait to see what else Rowan and Milo get into!!

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I know I can find in Rye's story is a really cute romance story, and this was exactly that. I've loved being able to see everyone's versions of Milo and Rowan so far, and I'm so happy someone did a bodyguard/popstar version!

Milo and Rowan are both absolute sweethearts, I love how kind they are to one another and how they just bonded right away. Even when they only just met they were looking out for each other and I loved seeing that happen and their bond form from then on.

They did have some hurdles to overcome, a bit of 'will they, won't they' going on, and also the whole "Oops, we kissed but we can't do this again", but they eventually figured things out! All in all, I really enjoyed reading yet another version of Milo and Rowan, and I adored the side characters. Ray just added such a comedic undertone to the story that I loved reading and Rowan's family members are HILARIOUS!

All in all, a great story!

[Siân PJsAndBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Canon by @amrose_author Milo & Rowan miss out on their HEA. The multi authored Because Canon Sucks series strives to give them a HEA in every universe.

Idol AU by @ryecoxauthor is an ode to fanfiction & even starts each chapter with notes. Milo is a lonely but super successful Pop Idol - think Harry Styles after 1D & Rowan is his new bodyguard. I enjoyed this book & now want to read the source material (Canon by AM Rose). I also wholeheartedly support Rye in exploring the other MYTHS member's stories. Idol AU has you rooting for Milo & Rowan's HEA right from the airport until the epilogue. #roloforever

Not only did we get an epilogue for Milo & Rowan, Rye gave nods to where other characters were at in the wider Idol AU universe.

🎤 Ode to Fanfic
🎤 MM Romance
🎤 Pop Idol
🎤 Bodyguard
🎤 Slow Burn
🎤 Dual POV
🎤 Epilogue

[ds321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rye Cox leans into Milo’s chaos goblin nature in a truly wonderful way, with Rowan as a beautiful counterpart. Meanwhile, Rowan’s belief that romantic love isn’t for him feels very authentic. Not an “I’m not worthy” or belief that he’s inherently unlovable… but rather a perception that his nature isn’t consistent with the possibility. And together? Adorable. 🥰

The story works very well. Despite their differences, they’re remarkably willing to be open and honest with each other. A miscommunication trope approach might have been easy, and likely tempting to a lesser author. It also would have been supremely annoying. The actual plot Rye Cox created is much, much better.

If my count is correct, this is my fifth read in the Canon Sucks series, and I am more eager than ever to keep going. DC Emerson’s shifter omegaverse AU, here I come!

[Fiona Tewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved, loved, loved this rendition of Rowan and Milo. Milo is a pop idol and Rowan is hired as his bodyguard. Milo may have the world at his feet, but he's lonely. He doesn't have many friends, just Ray his manager and Ethel his aunt's best friend. When Rowan comes along, Milo insists that they are BFF's.

Milo is eternal sunshine, glowing when under the spotlight, Rowan is always hidden in the shadows, but he watches Milo constantly and is always looking out for Milo.

It's a low angst, high spice story, but it's too short!! It has a great happy ending though.

I've not read any Rye Cox before, but I'm going to look out for more as her style of writing is cheerful and she builds her characters well.

I received an ARC of this book from the author, thank you for trusting me with it!

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredibly easy, feel-good read. Milo and Rowan are adorable in every universe. The story is very character-driven, with relatively little focus on the rockstar aspect, and I think that's exactly why it worked so well for me, since I'm generally not a fan of rockstar romances.

I loved watching them fall in love, I adored both of their personalities, the teasing between them, and most of all, the tender, intimate moments and the lovable supporting characters.

The story strikes the perfect balance between emotional depth and a lighthearted atmosphere. The chemistry between Rowan and Milo is undeniable, and if you enjoy opposites attract, forced proximity, yearning, slow-burn romance, found family, and lovable main and supporting characters, then this book is definitely for you.

Thank you for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im going to start with this is a shared world and each authors fan fiction take on another authors couple in a book called the Canon. I have no idea what this means, have not read the original so im not familiar with the couple and I dont read fan fiction.

So here goes my review. This one is a sweet, sliw burn romance with a happy ever after. In this one Rowan is a body guard and Milo a music idol.
Rowan is hired on a trial basis as a body guard since Milo's longtime body guard is retiring.
However Milo wants more than a bodyguard he wants a companion.
Can stoic Rowan drop his guard and be a friend as well as protector.

Things I loved...
The slow burn.
The characters.
And Milo and Ethel . Gotta love chaos gremlins.
Would I read more of tgese even though same characters but different genres and scenarios? Yes. Definitely.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a bodyguard falls for his charge tale and this one is a delight. In this story Rowan is the serious and grumpy looking bodyguard, and Milo the delightful celebrity singer that he’s there to protect. Milo is looking for a friend as much as a new bodyguard but there is also an instant attraction between them - although Rowan tries to resist and keep things professional. However, underneath both men are lonely, so the attraction finally gets the better of them, despite miscommunications and sometimes chaos. The secondary characters of Milo’s best friend, Ray, and Rowan’s family add further entertainment to this sweet and funny story, and I loved the ending epilogue. I adored both men from the start, especially Milo who captured my heart, so I highly recommend their story as a wonderful read.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so stinking cute snd sweet. I love this version of Milo and Rowan so very much. I’m a sucker for a bodyguard/pop star situation and this one did not leave me disappointed. The chemistry and connection I have come to expect from these two was definitely present here. It’s intense and cute and insane. The banter they share had me rolling with laughter. But it was the protective nature and unconditional love they have for each other that truly sold me on this version. One thing that seems to be a common thread that I love is that one of these two will be a chaos gremlin. And this go round it’s Milo. He’s such a little goblin and I love him even more for it. Rowan is guarded but a softie at heart. Once the walls start coming down it had me swooning so hard I almost hit the floor. And that ending was utter perfection for them.

[Moth_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me ARC read your book!!

I couldn’t put this down 🥹 strangely i’ve never read a bodyguard romance before (I know.. please don’t shout at me😂) I don’t know why I haven’t because the dynamic is perfect!! These two together is everything!!

My heart honestly burst at Rowans instant attraction and pull to milo. Unlike in Canon when rowan notices Milo’s chaotic energy first, in this he notices how beautiful milo is from the moment he lays eyes on him and he can’t look away. Yes milo is still a chaotic gremlin but that why we love him and wouldn’t change him for the world!!

The pull these two felt but tried to fight was so perfect and I can’t wait for everyone to read this book!! 🥰

if I haven’t convinced you to read it just yet I have one last reason for you to.. Because Canon Sucks!!

[Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

I really enjoyed this AU version, it was light and easy to read, comfortable.

Milo is a quirky Musician, with some demons, Rowan will be his new bodyguard. There is instantly an attraction between these two, but at least Rowan wants to keep a professional distance. Of course there is no hope for those two, they can't keep their hands of each other. And there is of course a HEA, which was so wholesome I swooned.

I can't really say much more, it was a cozy read, with a little bit of drama for the progrssion of the story. But no big angsty parts, no injuries, no mean reporters, just cozy.

So if you are looking for a lovely read with a chaos gremlin, a smitten bodyguard, some swoony romance with just good vibes that get you in your feels, then this is the book for you!