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Because Canon Sucks
Robot AU
Not yet published
Expected 17 Jun 26Canon kept them apart. But I turned one of them into a robot and gave them a happy ending.
Rowan’s M.I.L.O. model – Mechanized Intelligent Lifestyle Organizer - or Milo as he calls it (Rowan isn’t that creative, he knows) handles everything from household chores, to remembering to pay the bills, to stress relief in the bedroom. Sometimes Rowan wishes Milo was more than just a machine, but he doesn’t fool himself into thinking that what is between them is anything more than programming.
Until one night when Milo’s charging station has been struck by lightning.
Rowan fears the bot has been fried, but the prototype surge protector he outfitted Milo with kept its circuits intact, and the flood of power has unexpected consequences. Now, Milo not only thinks and reasons…
But can feel.
Tags: rowan/milo, rolo, human/robot, fish out of water, um… toaster out of water?, readers NEVER put a toaster in water!, singularity, grumpy/sunshine, unless sunshine gets PISSED then prepare to get SCORCHED, insta-lust, slow burn love, literally started this in 2019 but the world nearly ended like five times since then, none of which were my fault!, I think, HEA because toasters need love too, but don’t like test that theory, sensual apple pie encounters, no not like THAT u pervs, written ABOUT an AI not with it posers, now sit back relax and remember robot boyfriends only happen in fiction, for now
An MM standalone novel in the multi-author series: Because Canon Sucks.
Rowan’s M.I.L.O. model – Mechanized Intelligent Lifestyle Organizer - or Milo as he calls it (Rowan isn’t that creative, he knows) handles everything from household chores, to remembering to pay the bills, to stress relief in the bedroom. Sometimes Rowan wishes Milo was more than just a machine, but he doesn’t fool himself into thinking that what is between them is anything more than programming.
Until one night when Milo’s charging station has been struck by lightning.
Rowan fears the bot has been fried, but the prototype surge protector he outfitted Milo with kept its circuits intact, and the flood of power has unexpected consequences. Now, Milo not only thinks and reasons…
But can feel.
Tags: rowan/milo, rolo, human/robot, fish out of water, um… toaster out of water?, readers NEVER put a toaster in water!, singularity, grumpy/sunshine, unless sunshine gets PISSED then prepare to get SCORCHED, insta-lust, slow burn love, literally started this in 2019 but the world nearly ended like five times since then, none of which were my fault!, I think, HEA because toasters need love too, but don’t like test that theory, sensual apple pie encounters, no not like THAT u pervs, written ABOUT an AI not with it posers, now sit back relax and remember robot boyfriends only happen in fiction, for now
An MM standalone novel in the multi-author series: Because Canon Sucks.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 17, 2026
About the author
Amanda Meuwissen
60 books683 followersAmanda Meuwissen is a queer author with a primary focus on M/M fiction and romance. As the author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy #1 Best Seller, Coming Up for Air, LGBTQ+ Horror #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, A Delicious Descent, and several other titles through various publishers, Amanda regularly attends local comic conventions for fun and to meet with fans, where she will often be seen in costume as one of her favorite fictional characters. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, John, and their cat, Helga.
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June 9, 2026Full review to come, but I'm OBSESSED with this AU for Milo and Rowan!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I’m very new to Amanda Meuwissen’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. Even though I struggled getting into this book a bit since science fiction isn’t really my thing but I’m glad I gave it a real chance as I actually really enjoyed it. I thought that it was a 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. The authors notes during this book just make it a much more enjoyable read.
Rowan’s M.I.L.O. model – Mechanized Intelligent Lifestyle Organizer - or Milo as he calls it turns sentient after a lightening strike. I really enjoyed seeing all the added wonder and/or distress that Milo felt with all the new feelings he encounters. I liked how Milo & Rowan’s relationship progressed. The colourful cast of secondary characters of Rowan’s siblings, Raina, Riley & Reuben, Troy and we of course can’t forget Ethel added so much to Milo & Rowan’s story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series, as well as more books by Amanda Meuwissen 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******
I’m very new to Amanda Meuwissen’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. Even though I struggled getting into this book a bit since science fiction isn’t really my thing but I’m glad I gave it a real chance as I actually really enjoyed it. I thought that it was a 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. The authors notes during this book just make it a much more enjoyable read.
Rowan’s M.I.L.O. model – Mechanized Intelligent Lifestyle Organizer - or Milo as he calls it turns sentient after a lightening strike. I really enjoyed seeing all the added wonder and/or distress that Milo felt with all the new feelings he encounters. I liked how Milo & Rowan’s relationship progressed. The colourful cast of secondary characters of Rowan’s siblings, Raina, Riley & Reuben, Troy and we of course can’t forget Ethel added so much to Milo & Rowan’s story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series, as well as more books by Amanda Meuwissen 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******
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Engineer Rowan and Robot Milo? Say lessss.
Going into this, I definitely expected Rowan to be the one taking charge. Instead, Amanda Meuwissen (shit, sorry...I meant Crimson1) gave us a huge ginger teddy bear who just wants cuddles, affection, and someone who won't leave him, and honestly? I loved him for it.
What starts out as a fun and very fanfiction inspired story quickly turns into something so much deeper. Watching Milo gain emotions after the lightning strike was fascinating, heartbreaking, adorable, and occasionally hilarious. This poor man went from robot companion to experiencing fear, anxiety, love, jealousy, and existential dread at record speed.
One of my favorite parts of the book was watching Rowan navigate Milo's new humanity. Instead of immediately jumping into what he wants, Rowan stops and questions everything. Can Milo actually consent? Does he truly want this? Is Rowan taking advantage of him? Meanwhile...Milo is desperately trying to convince Rowan that his feelings are real and that he knows exactly what he wants!!
I looooved the fanfic vibes. The author notes were hilarious, the Superhero AU discussions were amazing, and the whole book felt like a love letter to fandom culture.
Also, Andrew can fucking choke 😇
This book was funny, sweet, emotional, spicy, hopeful, and full of heart. I loved every second of it.
Going into this, I definitely expected Rowan to be the one taking charge. Instead, Amanda Meuwissen (shit, sorry...I meant Crimson1) gave us a huge ginger teddy bear who just wants cuddles, affection, and someone who won't leave him, and honestly? I loved him for it.
What starts out as a fun and very fanfiction inspired story quickly turns into something so much deeper. Watching Milo gain emotions after the lightning strike was fascinating, heartbreaking, adorable, and occasionally hilarious. This poor man went from robot companion to experiencing fear, anxiety, love, jealousy, and existential dread at record speed.
One of my favorite parts of the book was watching Rowan navigate Milo's new humanity. Instead of immediately jumping into what he wants, Rowan stops and questions everything. Can Milo actually consent? Does he truly want this? Is Rowan taking advantage of him? Meanwhile...Milo is desperately trying to convince Rowan that his feelings are real and that he knows exactly what he wants!!
I looooved the fanfic vibes. The author notes were hilarious, the Superhero AU discussions were amazing, and the whole book felt like a love letter to fandom culture.
Also, Andrew can fucking choke 😇
This book was funny, sweet, emotional, spicy, hopeful, and full of heart. I loved every second of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
#2 in the series, and another entertaining read. I usually make running notes when reading ARCs - and for this book, one was “Already loving this! (As of 14%)”
The author notes are extra fun. I kept wanting to add my responses when reader input was invited - then would have to stop and remind myself that (a), this was fanfic *style*, not actual fanfic, and (b) even if it had been a fanfic serial, the story was complete so any of my contributions would be waaaay after the fact. And yes, I did have that conversation with myself multiple times. 🤦🏻♀️
(In case it’s not clear, this pattern absolutely indicates how engaged I was with the story.)
Also enjoyed the author’s take on a plot that yes, required some suspension of disbelief, but the logic worked for me. There were some very creative concepts (the whole thing with the museum, for one).
I’m also realizing that Dragon AU is an even better setup for the series than I realized. Discovering how side characters (including Ethel, plus others not included in Canon) get woven into both books - some similarities (implied canon) and plenty of differences too. Including… nope, just realized there would be spoiler risk if I name names.
Looking forward to the next AU!!
The author notes are extra fun. I kept wanting to add my responses when reader input was invited - then would have to stop and remind myself that (a), this was fanfic *style*, not actual fanfic, and (b) even if it had been a fanfic serial, the story was complete so any of my contributions would be waaaay after the fact. And yes, I did have that conversation with myself multiple times. 🤦🏻♀️
(In case it’s not clear, this pattern absolutely indicates how engaged I was with the story.)
Also enjoyed the author’s take on a plot that yes, required some suspension of disbelief, but the logic worked for me. There were some very creative concepts (the whole thing with the museum, for one).
I’m also realizing that Dragon AU is an even better setup for the series than I realized. Discovering how side characters (including Ethel, plus others not included in Canon) get woven into both books - some similarities (implied canon) and plenty of differences too. Including… nope, just realized there would be spoiler risk if I name names.
Looking forward to the next AU!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3.5/5 ⭐ (Rounded up for 4 here since Goodreads doesn’t have a .5 rating) | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3/5 🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📱— > ARC Read
𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: “If I could have crafted a man to be everything I wanted, it would still be you”
“But it is not madness, even if it sometimes madenning. It's humanity. And even when it is awful or frustrating or painful, I promise you, the beautiful things about being alive makes it worthwhile”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me an ARC read copy of this book. However, with that being said all opinions are still my own.
I want to say this book is honestly a fine book--It was sweet simple read; however I just expecting more, more drama perhaps. I didn't mind the plot, I just feel like there was so much more depth I wanted to get into.
I enjoyed the takes of AI throughout the book which is always refreshing.
It had sweet moments which I enjoyed just over all found the book to be a little lackluster, but not so much that I wouldn't recommend. I think the concept of seeing Rowan and Milo in different universe is fun! And I am excited to see where all the author take these two
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Robot AU” is the second book in the “Because Canon Sucks” series.
Rowan and Milo are still the main characters, but in this book, Rowan is a robotics engineer who works for a large company and has a robot to keep him company, M.I.L.O.
One night, after a massive storm and a power surge that affected all the robots, Milo began to change and seemed to have reached the singularity.
One night, after a massive storm and a power surge that affected all the robots, Milo begins to change and appears to have reached the singularity.
It’s much deeper than it seems, tackling topics like what makes us human, consent, and other issues like the billionaire tycoons who control us. All told in a lighthearted and entertaining tone.
I really liked the comments at the beginning of each chapter, like when fanfic writers post their chapters. Even one apologizing for the delay in posting. That was funny.
I can't wait to see what else the series has in store.
Rowan and Milo are still the main characters, but in this book, Rowan is a robotics engineer who works for a large company and has a robot to keep him company, M.I.L.O.
One night, after a massive storm and a power surge that affected all the robots, Milo began to change and seemed to have reached the singularity.
One night, after a massive storm and a power surge that affected all the robots, Milo begins to change and appears to have reached the singularity.
It’s much deeper than it seems, tackling topics like what makes us human, consent, and other issues like the billionaire tycoons who control us. All told in a lighthearted and entertaining tone.
I really liked the comments at the beginning of each chapter, like when fanfic writers post their chapters. Even one apologizing for the delay in posting. That was funny.
I can't wait to see what else the series has in store.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While I enjoyed this, I only did so on a surface level. I like the premise and the idea as a whole, and there were sweet moments and some fun spicy scenes, it didn't feel like it had the depth I would've liked to see. It also made reading it a bit slow and I found myself skimming at times and not as invested.
Aside from that, the author notes are not... lackluster? They distract and take away from the story. Where they elevated everything in Dragon AU, in this one... well, they don't. Plus most of them are about a different AU, which... why? And they occasionally talk about comments left on previous chapters, and obviously there are none, so it just... yeah. They're distracting, and take away from the novel instead of adding to it, which was unfortunate.
So yeah, while this one had some good moments, for me personally it was a bit lacking. Still, check it out if it sounds like it might be up your alley.
Aside from that, the author notes are not... lackluster? They distract and take away from the story. Where they elevated everything in Dragon AU, in this one... well, they don't. Plus most of them are about a different AU, which... why? And they occasionally talk about comments left on previous chapters, and obviously there are none, so it just... yeah. They're distracting, and take away from the novel instead of adding to it, which was unfortunate.
So yeah, while this one had some good moments, for me personally it was a bit lacking. Still, check it out if it sounds like it might be up your alley.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I, Robot and Short Circuit had a baby ..... I'm showing my age with Short Circuit, but Milo was so sweet and really reminded me a lot of Johnny 5. I really liked Milo's wonder at all the new 'input'.
All the usual suspects are in this story, Milo and Rowan obviously. Raina, Riley and Troy who are introduced in Dragon AU as well as Ethel, who is just as naughty, Ray who's a little lost and Andrew played his role perfectly as the despicable villain. I enjoyed the storyline about a robot who becomes sentient and has to learn to think and feel for himself. He was not quite as chaotic in this story, but I did enjoy revisiting both the apples and Pretzels.
I have never actually read any fan fiction, but if it's half as good as this, then I probably should. I really enjoyed the Notes at the beginning and end of each chapter even (or especially) when they had little to do with the story. 4.75*
All the usual suspects are in this story, Milo and Rowan obviously. Raina, Riley and Troy who are introduced in Dragon AU as well as Ethel, who is just as naughty, Ray who's a little lost and Andrew played his role perfectly as the despicable villain. I enjoyed the storyline about a robot who becomes sentient and has to learn to think and feel for himself. He was not quite as chaotic in this story, but I did enjoy revisiting both the apples and Pretzels.
I have never actually read any fan fiction, but if it's half as good as this, then I probably should. I really enjoyed the Notes at the beginning and end of each chapter even (or especially) when they had little to do with the story. 4.75*
June 9, 2026
Arc Review given to me by the author
Omg! This was such a fun read
Rowan and Milo are back!!
Rowan is passionate about building robots he works for a tech company that allows him to build and create them. So what does Rowan do create a human robot name Milo!!
The first chapter I was hooked like what! How! And where can I find one lol.
Milo is Rowan’s creation to help with all his needs!! Until Milo gets struck by lightning and things change drastically.
Milo starts feeling more human than a robot. Stops calling Rowan master and asking for things he wants.
Rowan and Milo have this sweet love story I can’t wait to see what else Rowan and Milo come up with!
This book had its funny moment but also sweet and tender moments as well. I totally enjoyed this book
Omg! This was such a fun read
Rowan and Milo are back!!
Rowan is passionate about building robots he works for a tech company that allows him to build and create them. So what does Rowan do create a human robot name Milo!!
The first chapter I was hooked like what! How! And where can I find one lol.
Milo is Rowan’s creation to help with all his needs!! Until Milo gets struck by lightning and things change drastically.
Milo starts feeling more human than a robot. Stops calling Rowan master and asking for things he wants.
Rowan and Milo have this sweet love story I can’t wait to see what else Rowan and Milo come up with!
This book had its funny moment but also sweet and tender moments as well. I totally enjoyed this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some much fun and so effing sexy! The emotional nuance was especially on point. I loved the character development and evolution throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed the evolution of Milo the robot from unfeeling machine to complex person. It didn't happen overnight and was done in a unique way from what I've seen in other fiction.
Overall, this book had all the heart, plot, and complexity it needed, without taking itself too seriously. The fanfic comments at the beginning and end of each chapter were a nice light addition.
And did I mention the spice!?! So good!
Overall, this book had all the heart, plot, and complexity it needed, without taking itself too seriously. The fanfic comments at the beginning and end of each chapter were a nice light addition.
And did I mention the spice!?! So good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rowan and Milo story had an interesting concept coupled with shenanigans and teasing galore, a danger that was thwarted at the last possible moment, and sweetness aplenty.
It was an interesting transition from robot to feeling alive and all the implications it had including and enemy that is bent on creating distress for personal gain.
It had quirky characters, and the notes were quite intriguing.
I liked that more characters find happiness, and I have a feeling that a to be continued is in the making.
It was an interesting transition from robot to feeling alive and all the implications it had including and enemy that is bent on creating distress for personal gain.
It had quirky characters, and the notes were quite intriguing.
I liked that more characters find happiness, and I have a feeling that a to be continued is in the making.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun read with a really important plot undertone. I enjoyed the AI, and ethical technology use subplot that ran through it.
Milo really made me smile with his beautiful innocence and exploration of what it means to be human. His joy of discovery made me think about how much we take for granted in this world.
I loved the fanfic style notes and the Superhero AU extras. They made me smile all the way through.
I'm also never looking at apple pie the same again
Milo really made me smile with his beautiful innocence and exploration of what it means to be human. His joy of discovery made me think about how much we take for granted in this world.
I loved the fanfic style notes and the Superhero AU extras. They made me smile all the way through.
I'm also never looking at apple pie the same again
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay I am so loving this series! Just like the first book, Robot AU is fun, spicy and has a surprisingly compelling story. Absolutely adored Milo again (something tells me he’s going to be my favorite in every AU haha 😉) and loved the complexity of his robotic evolution. Can’t wait for book 3!
May 31, 2026
Such a fun book, and way better ending than Canon 🤣🤣. I enjoyed these two very much. The pacing of the story and their chemistry were both very good. Definitely recommend!
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