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Because Canon Sucks

Warrior and Mage AU

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Captain Rowan Rangecroft’s first impression of Mage Milo Tobitt? Yeet.

There’s no way the chatterbox twink could be the powerful mage Rowan’s duchy needs to protect his people from the fearsome monsters that plague his family’s northern territory. But something about the little mage teases Rowan’s heart, making him wonder: could Milo heal the broken parts he thought unlovable?

Milo’s first impression of Rowan? Keep.

Milo has his reasons for fleeing to the brutal conditions of the northern duchy, but who is he to pass up on a gruff captain of the guard with muscles Milo could spend all day fantasizing about. Milo knows he’s a lot to most people, so why is it the stone-faced Rowan simply takes him as he is? Milo was never one to let a good thing slip away.

To keep or to yeet, it’s a tale as old as time.


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

Tags:
High Fantasy AU, found family, Milo/Rowan, “Because Canon Sucks” AU, multi-author series, Magically Powerful Milo x Captain of the Guard Rowan, Top!Rowan, Bottom!Milo, Milo is an agent of chaos, Noble Rowan, Milo doesn’t believe in slow burn, the inherent romance of being understood, grumpy/sunshine, Rowan’s RBF is real, Canon is good but I write AU anyway, Milo is beloved by the duchy, Rowan needs Milo’s help, in more ways than one, Milo is MORE THAN HAPPY to provide, both need a hug, boys using their words, soft moments, choosing each other, supportive husband Rowan, hype-squad husband Milo, in this fic we love and cherish all canon characters, except Andrewwhatshisface, we hate him so much we keep forgetting his last name, feed him to the Drachifel, Drachifel are carnivorous amphibians who attack Gravegarde, Rowan wants them dead, Milo is there to help

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2026

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About the author

A.J. Sherwood

85 books2,130 followers
AJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.

She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.

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5 stars
259 (69%)
4 stars
84 (22%)
3 stars
27 (7%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for angie_bookrecs.
327 reviews62 followers
July 30, 2026
I don't think I'll ever get tired of Milo and Rowan in any universe, and this high fantasy AU was an absolute delight from beginning to end.

Warrior Rowan x Mage Milo were everything I wanted them to be. Rowan is this massive, intimidating man with a legendary RBF that has everyone running for the hills...except Milo, of course. Instead of being terrified, Milo decides this giant warrior is clearly a teddy bear, and watching Rowan completely short-circuit because someone is genuinely happy to see him was hilarious and ridiculously sweet.

Their relationship is built on something so simple, yet so powerful: acceptance.
Rowan never tries to change Milo. He listens to all his rambles, embraces every ounce of chaos, and loves Milo exactly as he is. In return, Milo sees straight through Rowan's intimidating exterior and gives him the warmth, affection, and understanding he's been missing for years. Watching them become each other's safe place completely melted my heart.

And can we all collectively say FUCK ANDREW?? Every version of that man somehow manages to be absolutely insufferable. Seeing Rowan and the entire Rangecroft family rally around Milo and protect him was everything.

This story gave me action, magic, found family, forced proximity, banter, and so much tenderness. By the time these two lovable idiots were planning their wedding and competing over who could love the other more, I was completely gone for them.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,467 reviews533 followers
July 29, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars


Warrior and Mage AU is a fan fiction-style novel that is part of the Because Canon Sucks! multi-author series. The series premise is that author A.M. Rose wrote a short fiction piece called Canon. In this origin story, Milo and Rowan have an unsatisfying resolution to their airport meet-cute. The books in the series are all then fan fiction takes on the short story, re-worked into 11 different genres, giving the characters their happy ending. This review is the Warrior and Mage Alternate Universe version, and it was everything I could have hoped for. While you do not have to read Canon first to enjoy this book, it is available for free as a companion to the series.

I really enjoyed the playful vibe of this story, with Milo being capable and flirty, and riling Rowan up with both his physical appeal and his mage powers. The banter is fun and has a good mix of purpose and passion.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for Zoe.
367 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2026
Auto Buy Book!

To no one’s surprise I am completely in love with this book and immediately purchased myself a shelf trophy to add to my AJ Sherwood collection as soon as I finished reading. AJ Sherwood really was a perfect choice for this series because she writes chaos so well and I just knew she would do Milo justice and she did! Beyond that though, this magical universe was so much fun and I really hope that there is potential to revisit it. The magic system and the found family with all of Rowan’s family was delightful and I wish the book was another thousand pages because I can not get enough. Rowan and Milo as always are a fantastic pairing with them fitting into each other’s lives perfectly. And if you’re unfamiliar with AJ Sherwood’s work then be prepared for the most competent MCs who are great at communicating and going for what they want. Rowan and Milo are sure of themselves but also of how much they want one another and I just adore seeing them surprise each other with how wonderful they both are. I love seeing Milo surprise Rowan with his competence and willingness to do whatever is needed of him but also with his fighting abilities because Milo is just that awesome. And I love seeing Rowan surprise Milo with being super accepting of his chaos and outside thoughts (aka a being decent human being) as well as giving Milo gifts in the form of snacks and warmth! These two touch starved cuties are so perfect for one another and reading about them finding their way to each other and protecting each other is wonderful. This has to be one of my favourite versions of Milo and Rowan so far, especially because the bad guy got what was coming for him and Milo and Rowan got a very happily ever after!

Also as an AJ Sherwood fan and a fan of the Because Canon Sucks series this book was just everything I wanted. It felt like a mashup of all my favourite AJ Sherwood stories while featuring Milo and Rowan who are two of the most delightful fictional characters I’ve had the chance to know and I’m so happy that I get to read more about them every week!
231 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 18, 2026
The far Northern Dutchy of Grave……. has had no luck the last seven years keeping even low talent mages dues to the severe winter weather and the spring attacks of carnivorous creatures that come up from the seas. Most of them have gone running back to the capitol with jobs left unfinished.. Captain of the Guard Rowan Rangecroft is taking the spring taxes down to the capitol and bringing back yet another mage he has no hope for. Mage Milo Tobitt is fleeing to the North to ditch an ex that won’t take no for an answer. A little slip of a thing he is awed by Rowan’s height and build, thinking he’d like to climb him like a tree. Rowan is surprising not put off by Milo’s nonstop chatterbox which most of Milo’s previous boyfriends have found to be too much. Rowan is stunned to find out that Milo is a Second Circle mage as they have only had 5th and 4th circle in the past mucking things up. Milo is determined to not only fix the wards as he was hired to do but to fix everything else that has been neglected in the fortress for years. And make a permanent home here with Rowan and his wonderful family.
This is a delightfully funny story with lots of chat and sarcasm. I even enjoyed the Fanfiction author notes between chapters, but then it is AJ so of course they are a hoot. If your picking and choosing in this series this one is a must.
I received this book as part of a multi-author series and am writing an honest review
Profile Image for LC.
830 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2026
Warrior and Mage AU
Because Canon Sucks
By AJ Sherwood

Oh, this story is great!! A little swoony and a lot hilarious. Each retelling, each version of the AU brings a twist.

In AJ’s Warrior and Mage both Rowan and Milo were vulnerable on their own and with each other. Rowan was borrowing trouble before he even met Milo. Milo was blown away by basic human kindness. Like why?! Milo is still a bit of a chaos demon. Rowan is still a caretaker at heart.

Why am I loving this entire series? That is an easy one. It may be a similar story, but remember each one has a twist. In AJ’s Ethel and Ray weren’t quite as enmeshed in the plot as the other stories. Rowan’s family played a larger role in this version and Ruben wasn’t as flighty. All that to say, in each story the author makes their own decisions and tailors their characters just a little differently. Just like each author’s note is different. Honestly, AJ’s notes gave me serious joy and laughter. I loved the banter between author and character. It reminds me of how some authors write their newsletters. This multi-author collaboration also gives readers a chance to try new authors. I don’t think I’ve ever read AJ Sherwood’s books before, but I will definitely be trying more. I’ve already looked them up on Instagram and looked at their backlist. 😉
869 reviews5 followers
July 30, 2026
I am loving these iterations of Milo and Rowan getting their HEA in these AUs!
In this AU, Milo is a mage, leaving his village (and horrid ex) to help with repairing and strengthening wards at a fortress outpost, run by Rowan and his family.
Right from the get go, Milo's sunny personality shines through, as Rowan gets to know him, he can see that Milo has been lonely since his last family member passed. Rowan was such a sweetheart - he took to Milo almost immediately, couldn't believe that not only was Milo a more than capable mage, Milo wanted to stay!
As usual, in the AU stories so far, Milo ends up being loved by Rowan, adopted by the family.
The story is fun, and I'm so glad Milo's ex got his punishment. Loved it!
136 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
This is the second book I have read in this series and it was just as great as the first! Each book is the fanfiction of a short story that fixes the fact that the two main characters didn't get together.

I am new to fanfiction and how it is done, somehow I did not realize that the side characters like family members would also be the same. So it was pleasant surprise when there were a lot of familiar names popping up in this book!

I love AJ's writing style and thought Milo and Rowan were just adorable together. Very low angst book, with fun Magic and great communication!

Looking forward to the next book in the series and will always read everything that AJ writes!
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,582 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 24, 2026
Warrior and Mage AU is part of the multi author Because Canon Sucks series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. In this AU fanfiction type story for Rowan and Milo, Rowan is the Captain of the Guard and Milo is a second circle mage. This book like all of AJ Sherwood's stories was just a fun read. I think this is my favorite version of Rowan and Milo so far. There is plenty of humor, sarcasm, and great characters. This was a perfect addition to the series. I can't wait to see what AJ Sherwood writes next. I also can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy
Profile Image for Lois.
1,340 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2026
Well that was just adorable. AJ Sherwood has brought her own brand of chaos to this fantastic series, and I'm here for it.

Milo the second circle mage although a chatterbox and easily distracted, was the most put together we've seen so far, but still quintessentially Milo. Rowan made a fabulous captain of the guard, quiet, stoic, fiercely loyal. These guys were just fabulous together. Andrew plays quite a big part in this one and I was pleased to see he finally gets what he deserves. If AJ wants to write more with these characters, I would happily read it. Especially if she keeps up the author notes where she argues with the characters - that was a blast.
Profile Image for Dyana.
128 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 31, 2026
Such a Wonderfully Fluffy HEA for Milo & Rowan!!

Ok, this book is the sweetest, fluffiest, most fun book I've read in a while! AJ has a lot of fluffy/fun novels/novellas under her belt (along with some less fluffy fantasy stuff that is also quite good), and this title fits perfectly with both.

It's light on spice (there is this one scene that's scrumptious, though,) and very low-angst, which is such a relief as a palate cleanser when one's primary book diet is intense dark romance. 😅

Also, I heart this Milo and Rowan so freakin' hard!! They are both completely there for each other, super supportive, and yet fiercely protective of each other, and it's just lovely. Ooh! And Andrew has a terrible time!!

If you're looking for something light and entertaining, then definitely check this one out!
61 reviews
August 3, 2026
AJ Sherwood makes everything better!

As soon as I realized this version of Milo & Rowan was another of AJ Sherwood's contribution to the series, I knew it would be great (she's one of my favorites). And, it was! Great story, great editing - very polished. My only disappointment was that I was so sure Andrew was about to meet his end this time! 😤 Well, that and there was not a lot of spice, surprisingly. It was mentioned, but... I need details. Vivid details. For science. 🤭

Spice level: 🌶🌶 out of 5
Profile Image for Hira Chaudhary.
2,003 reviews14 followers
August 2, 2026
This was my first in this series, and I really enjoyed Milo and Rowan in AJ Sherwood’s classic writing style. They were cute and hilarious and adorable and I had a lot of fun with them in this magical setting! I’m not sure if I’ll read all the other stories, but some of the settings sound interesting, so we’ll see. These stories are a little longer than I was expecting, and that left me feeling like this story kept going when it didn’t necessarily need to. The whole thing with the ex was a little predictable. Things moved really quickly between Milo and Rowan. Rowan’s family was great. Overall, this was a fun time!
Profile Image for Lenka.
785 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
This was a really fun, short-ish read, I love the idea of playing with different AUs of the same story fanfiction-style for this multi-author series and am looking forward to more of the titles :)
This story was mostly lighthearted and fluffy but with a nice dose of plot and worldbuilding, as well as great characters and some relationship green flags.
I got an ARC via Patreon :)
Profile Image for Adrienne McFarlane.
488 reviews37 followers
July 31, 2026
What a delightful and fun read. I would pay good money to live inside AJ Sherwood’s brain for a day. I can honestly say that I have never read something AJ has written, in any of their pen names, that I haven’t enjoyed. I love that this book is 1 in a multi author collection called Because Canon Sucks. I will definitely read some of the other books by other authors in this series.
38 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2026
fun little story

This is a story based on fanfiction and it was fun to read, the authors notes at the end of some of the chapters could have been ripped straight from AO3, all it needed was the ‘sorry this chapter was late, broke both of my arms and was writing from the hospital.’ That all fanfiction authors tend to have at some point
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,551 reviews30 followers
August 2, 2026
This one is my favorite!

There have been a couple stories in this series that I have enjoyed quite a bit, but I have to say this one is my favorite! I am a huge fan of AJ Sherwood’s stories. Rowan is a gentle giant with RBF and Milo is a little chaos gremlin of a mage. They just fit and Rowan’s family adopts the mage and will never let him go. I want more of this family!
Profile Image for Teresa.
4,107 reviews42 followers
August 3, 2026
3.5

Sweet, easy read that’s low on spice. It did have some external tension to keep it from being saccharine but there’s zero relationship drama.

I do recommend you read the original Canon story first just to get the most out of the “fan fiction” feel. It’s still very much an AJ Sherwood book.
Profile Image for Van Hardison.
245 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2026
So much fun!

Milo is a hoot and quite a lovable guy, and pairing him with scary, taciturn Rowan is just perfect. I haven’t read fanfic in years but enjoyed the boxed comments at the end of most chapters. I hope Ray finds someone in a future book. Looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Nicole.
303 reviews
August 7, 2026
Canon lucky but this doesn't

Absolutely loved this story, but then anything that comes from the brilliant mind of Sherwood is always fantastic. Now I'm off to read more of the series.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,976 reviews26 followers
August 12, 2026
Rowan and Milo in love

I loved this Because Canon Sucks book by AJ Sherwood because it was such fun to read. It’s fairly low angst and has the couple falling fast and hard. They are so sweet together and I also really like Rowan’s family and how they interact with Milo.
Profile Image for Sylvie.
273 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
This was fun and I loved it very much.
I would love to read more stories in this world.
Ray and Ruben story perhaps, pretty please !
229 reviews
July 31, 2026
Amazing

My favorite of the series so far - great use of the characters, love the setting, the romance feels earned, and I love a hyper-competent Milo. Very good fun, great romp.
28 reviews
August 1, 2026
Fabulous fantasy fun

I am always excited for a new AJ Sherwood story. This one is a lovely, light, laughing joy of a book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews