Coffee Shop Monster AU

Because Canon Sucks

by K.C. Carmine

Rowan:

Moving to a tiny town for the summer because of my joyless job was not ideal for a city bigfoot like me. I’d be much more pissed if Wendigo Hills wasn’t surprisingly welcoming and the barista in the coffee shop wasn’t so damn cute.

Milo:

I was destined for chaos, not juggling work and school while wanting to visit my closest family member, Ethel, in a nursing home.

It would have been another busy but boring summer if I hadn’t followed Ethel’s advice to get some action just as a hot and hairy bigfoot moved into my hometown.

What started as a summer fling quickly turned into heated dates and feelings neither of us expected.

❤️ coffee shop meet-cute
🧡 cryptid/human
💛 size difference
💚 opposites attract
💙 A fix-it with a hairy bigfoot and a chaotic human!

Additional Tags: Milo/Rowan, Alternate Universe, bigfoot!Rowan x human!Milo, Monster AU, grumpy/sunshine, canon is just a guideline, Characters being Bad at Feelings, Consent, Feels, Food, I wrote this instead of sleeping, Mythical Beings & Creatures, Not canon compliant, Steam with plot, POV multiple, Steamy Content, Soulmates - sort of - you’ll see, hurt/comfort, referenced minor character passing, I probably forgot some tags sorry, Have a good day everyone except Andrew, Everyone hates Andrew, Ethel is awesome, Supportive besties FTW, Rowan’s Eyes are Hazel Truther, written without AI obvi, size difference iykyk, I mean Rowan is a bigfoot so yeah, Happy Ending, of all kinds for everyone except Andrew.

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

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Monsters, Monster Romance

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2026

About the author

K.C. Carmine loves writing about people falling in love with a focus on characters and their (very spicy) journey to HEA. As a member of the queer community, it is important to her that her writing reflects the diversity of voices around her. While she is a lover of romance, she also enjoys horror, paranormal and mystery stories. When she’s not writing, she likes travelling, playing the guitar, video games, and reading.

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Reviews

[GiveMeBooksOrGiveMeDeath · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this AU, Rowan is a grumpy, misplaced Bigfoot in need of some good coffee. And as he would have it, Milo happens to run the local coffee shop. So when Mr. grumpy walks into said coffee shop, Milo immediately lays on the charm to get Rowan‘s attention. These two have instant chemistry, and Rowan keeps finding reasons to see his favorite cute human. Soon enough, these two finally make a move and see just how compatible they are. (very, if you’re wondering) I was not prepared for the level of kink my eyes would be behold in this book. Needless to say, I was impressed. * nods to Ms. K.C. Carmine* (bravo ma’am.) and we can’t forget our favorite aunt Ethel, she was such a hoot! I just love her so much and wish that I had an aunt like her as well. There were a few hard topics discussed in the book and Rowan and Milo, as well as his aunt Ethel and Rowan’s family all were very supportive and understanding of each other and showed genuine love for one another. There is a lot of love in the story, whether it be romantic, physical, or familial and I am here for it. Overall, it was a great book and I’m so glad I got to review it.

Tropes: Bigfoot x Human, Grumpy x Sunshine, Fated Mates, Size Difference, “Special Coffee Creamer”, Fun With Feet,
“My Little Coffee Bean”

Story 5/5
Spice 4/5

[Puppets & Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read

This is a smutty MM monster romance with feet stuff. It’s also written as if it is a Fan Fiction story. Make sure you know what that means before reading.

This is also part of the Because Canon Sucks Series. It’s not necessary to have read any in the series to enjoy this one. Make sure to check the TW in this one because there are various types of kink play.

Our big no-no is shoving things in the front hole. Thankfully that only occurred once toward the end of the story. There is also seamen ingesting for pleasure. That was a new one for us. Just read the TW first.

This is a coffee shop romance and it’s so damn sweet *swoon* there is some grief in this story, but it’s not overwhelming at all. Rowan is the absolute sweetest and this poor Big Foot has just given up on love because his dick is just way too big 🤭 seriously.

Ethel is in this story and she is always a great comic relief. She’s the older woman who is sometimes related to Milo by marriage and sometimes husband elderly friend. She really helps Milo out emotionally and provides some plot development.

The pacing felt like a medium to slow medium. The story started out strong and really jumped into the smut, which we love. It was a great smutty story throughout. However, the emotional and interpersonal story portion felt long. Not dragging just long.

It is a really sweet and romantic story and of course there is also the cryptid aspect of it. Would totally read this author again and suggest this big foot story

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Milo in every story. In Coffee Shop Monster AU, I really felt like Rowan was a darling and I adored him.

K.C. Carmine writes steamier stories or “porn with plot” as she says in the blurb/warnings. She also says her story is not canon compliant. I mean she mentions Ray, but really Sophia is Milo’s bestie. But still, K.C. really made #rolo her own. Milo’s backstory felt huge and more tragic. Rowan felt softer and more vulnerable even though he is a Bigfoot. I feel like even seven books into this series, I’ve not had my fill of Milo and Rowan. Each new author opens their door just a little different and their stories are unique. I love that about this series. I love that K.C. Carmine kept to her steamy and low angst path and wrote a super smexy version of Milo and Rowan.

[ds321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Rowan and Milo were an amazing pair. Their outer selves/more visible aspects of their personalities were completely different, as with the other AUs… and yet they were sooooooo well matched. Not an opposites attract thing. Rather, their interior selves were perfectly aligned… past challenges, inner sadness, inner strength… *sigh*

A lot of fun with sex, which fit their personalities perfectly. Love that the size difference wasn’t solved through plot magic (e.g., “too big” turns into “oh look, it fits” after a single round of prep). Also appreciate the recognition that penetrative sex isn’t the only “real” sex.

Re: fanfic style author notes… why can’t it be real? Would love to have seen the fandom artist’s “Milo wearing chain body jewelry” rendering.

[Ashley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful ARC read for the canon series.

This one had me rolling the banter and the cheeky talk was hilarious. Some stuff DEFINITELY surprised me but i loved it all the same. Another Rowan and Milo to love and laugh with.
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️ cause it got creative 🤣👁️👁️ if you read it youll know what i mean 🤭

Definitely give this one and the others in the series a look! They are all wonderful

[Deanna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

#roloforever

I’m not usually a monster romance reader, but this was such a fun take on Milo & Rowan! I also loved the small town aspect of it all, getting them in a place where everyone knows everything about every body was a hoot! I’m excited to jump into the next AU in this series.

[Perle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute and cozyyyy
I loved it

I had never read a Bigfoot story before, it was nice

Very kinky too haha

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have another Rowan and Milo story, everyone!! This time, Rowan is essentially a big foot, who loves city life but has to relocate to a small town in order to keep his job. He never thought small town life could be for him, but after meeting Milo and drinking his coffee... he realizes that living in a small town might not be so bad after all.

Milo is a human, well mostly, who owns a coffee shop he inherited from his Aunts, that he's trying desperately to keep going. He doesn't have time for fun or for men, but when Rowan shows up in his Coffee Shop and keeps showing up, he eventually succumbs to the tall, kind hearted man.

This story was really fun and very cute, and also spicy too. I liked reading about these characters, I've loved seeing how each author really made Milo and Rowan their own and KC did just that here.
These two men are complete opposites but I think that's why they work so well together. They compliment each other but also contrast each other as well, I loved reading about their relationship and seeing them slowly realize that what they had wasn't just a summer fling.

For me, I wish there were fewer steamy scenes/moments, I think the story itself was so great and would've loved to see more moments where they were going on a date or even hanging out with Ethel, rather than there being spicy scenes. However, I know I'm in the minority with that opinion and that's completely okay! I still really enjoyed this story regardless and I liked the concept of the world this book took place in.

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Thank you for the copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Rowan, a Bigfoot monster in town for work temporarily and Milo, an owner of a coffee shop Rowan now frequents


Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Open Door
-Size Difference
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Opposites Attract
-Feet Love
-HEA


Likes:
-Sneaky meet-cute
-Caretaking
-Coffee shop logo
-Picnic scene
-The wedding
-Tights
-Milo's playful side
-Rowan's calming nature


Neutrals/Criticisms
-I didn't connect with Milo/Rowan
-Some of the sentences read weird to me
-The storyline didn't hold my attention for the second half of the book


Quotes:
-"My great aunts raised a disaster, but a well-informed one"
-"He tasted of apples and promises I couldn't keep"
-"Had Rowan possessed me like a sex demon?"
-"No moment in your presence is wasted. I loved every second of it"
-"Don't underestimate a twink with ADHD"


This is book seven in the Because Canon Sucks series and it was cute, but I struggled with it. The first half was great and a nice setup, but the second half really struggled to hold my attention. Both characters are very sweet and its a great story for those who love fluff and monster romances. I enjoyed the spicy scenes and the cute little dates. If you are looking for a sweet monster romance between two workaholics, a friends with benny situation, delicious coffee, thoughtful dates, creative spice scenes and finding the one, then you may like this book.

[Twilight · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Because Canon Sucks: Coffee Shop Monster AU

𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: size difference, monsterxhuman, fated mates, opposites attract

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3.5/5 ⭐️ | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 4/5 🌶️

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📲 — ARC Read

𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔:
“I’d leave, and we’d both continue our lives chatting online and maybe meeting every few weeks. I’d be fine. Expect for the feeling in my chest that told me I was lying to myself.”

“But with Milo, nothing was “just”. Every caress, kiss, and bite was special. Fuck. I had to be careful, or this adorable twink would ruin me.”

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.
I thought this book was a cute heartwarming yet also very smutty read. I am not the biggest fan of anything to do with feet, so some of the smut was a bit harder for me to get to, but there was triggering warnings for this (which I did appreciate actually haha) so it was easily skimmable.
I thought that Milo and Rowan’s relationship was a cute, though I felt a bit of whiplash throughout, it felt like everything was moving so slow yet so fast at the same time.
This wasn’t one of my favorites in the series but it was definitely a heart-warming and very quick enjoyable read.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so many aspects of this story! It's so rare to get a bigfoot romance, but especially one who is able to live openly.
Rowan is in the small town of Wendigo Hills for the summer for work, not something he is particularly happy about but he didn't really have a choice. The bright spot of it turns out to be Milo, the local coffee shop owner. Milo loves his coffee shop, inherited from his beloved Aunt but he has many stresses about it. His other bright spot is Aunt Ethel, and I freaking love this edition of her!
The attraction is immediate between the two, and it's not long before they act on it. With Rowan only in town for the summer, and Milo dealing with so much, they agree on a fling. That doesn't stop the intense chemistry they share, fun times happening, and growing closer very quickly.
This was a lot of fun to read, and the small town vibes/community really enhance that. What brings the heart to the story is the grief that Milo is still living with, and the mental health rep throughout. Rowan is so very supportive, alongside Milo's loved ones.
This is one of my favourites of the series so far, and I'm still looking forward to what is to come.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have been better with another edit

I wanted to rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, but I just couldn't. There were so many spelling errors, missing words, and even a couple of instances where Milo's last name was wrong. Also, it was weird to me that Rowan's parents' first names were changed. Regardless of what the end of the Canon short story said, these AUs were obviously not all written at the same time as there are things introduced in one AU (such as Anabelle) that carry on to other AUs... like Rowan's family's names. That said, there didn't seem to be any real issues of plot errors. The carry over details that are in each book from the original short story were consistent.

I would have given 4 stars (rather than 5) because there were some bits that needed a little more detail, in my opinion - such as the weird reappearance of Milo's ex. It would have been enough if he'd just been mentioned in conversation rather than showing up oddly. Also, Milo and Rowan briefly consider whether they're fated mates... but there's no definitive moment that actually confirms it.

Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it promises to be. It's sweet, hilarious, ridiculously spicy, and packed with so much heart that I couldn't stop smiling.
The coffee shop meet-cute was adorable. Rowan being his grumpy self while Milo practically radiates sunshine never gets old, and watching what was supposed to be a carefree summer fling slowly turn into something so much bigger was everything I wanted.

I also loved that beneath all the fun, humor, and absolutely filthy moments, the story never loses sight of what the Cryptid Alliance world represents. The parallels to our own world, the fight to simply exist and love openly, and the reminder that everyone deserves happiness added so much depth to an already wonderful romance.

And yes...the spice absolutely delivered!! Let's just say this book awakened a few things I wasn't expecting 🤣

But more than anything, I loved watching Rowan slowly realize that leaving was no longer an option. And seeing Milo finally surrounded by people who love him after everything he's been through. Their happy ending felt so earned.

#RoLoForever 🖤

[Fiona Tewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story of Rowan and Milo. Milo is a barista (he actually owns half the coffee shop with Ethel) and Rowan is a seven foot big foot. Rowan and Troy both work for the same company in Chicago as accountants; but their company asks them to move to Wendigo Hills for the summer whilst their Chicago office is refurbished. Milo makes the best coffee (according to Rowan, that is).

They meet in the coffee shop, when Milo falls, but is caught just in time by Rowan. Their relationship isn't smooth, they only want a fling to start with, as Milo is still coming to terms with his ex (Andrew) and doesn't want anything serious.

Rowan's sister, Raini is marrying Troy and has said Rowan can bring a friend. Of course, that friend is Milo!

This story has more angst than the ones which have gone before, but it's still a great tale (all be it spicy!!).

Do read, it's not that cosy (though it does have lots of cosy elements) and do check the warnings first.

Thanks to the author for trusting me with her book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READER**
This was a cute coffee shop story for sure. Rowan having to come to this small town and meeting the cute coffee shop owner who can make him his perfect cup of coffee and feel things he’s never felt before.

Milo owns a coffee shop his aunts to raised him previously owned, balancing college classes, his one aunts additional care payments and a loan that keeps piling up month after month. Totally normal things that aren’t completely overwhelming right?

Rowan works a finance job he basically hates, had to move to a small town he wasn’t prepared to be in as a monster. The little spark he has is his perfect cup of coffee and the cute twinkle who makes it to spend his spare time. It’s just a summer fling… that totally is it… nothing else I’m sure.

This story is cute, spicy and touches on some big mental health topics of grief. Bonus points for the spice if you really like Sasquatch’s and feet stuff. This is absolutely the book for you.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book represents two firsts for me! My first bigfoot romance AND my first book by this author. I'll definitely be checking out the author's other works, because I really enjoyed this one.

I already loved Rowan and Milo, of course, having followed this series since the start, and I really liked this interpretation of their HEA. This is such a great group of character in every universe, honestly.

I would have liked it if there'd been a bit less spice, because it took away a bit from the story and lovely characters, but at the same time, the spice was great, so there's that.

If you've been following this series, definitely give this one a chance as well! And if you haven't, please check it out. It's such a fun concept and multi-author series are always a fun way of discovering new authors.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I signed up for this series. I've read some really good AU's, but this is definitely one of my absolute favourites.

This time around, Rowan is a city Bigfoot financier forced to relocate to a small town for the summer. Milo is the chaotic coffee shop owner trying his best to keep his business afloat.

The story was sweet and I really enjoyed the pace of Milo and Rowan's relationship. I'm not usually one for kink, but these guys were seriously hot together - I loved it! All the little bits were there: Apples, Pretzels, Milo's chaos, Rowan's stoicism, Ethel, Troy and Raina, even obnoxious Andrew, but sadly, no Ray this time.

I've not read any of KC Carmine's work before, but I definitely will be.

[labibliofille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coffee Ship Monster AU was a really fun read! I ate this one up! I seriously cannot get enough of this AU series, it's such a fun concept, and Rolo has become a comfort for me. I love these characters and it's so nice to be able to revisit them, especially in these fun, new alternate universes!

This one is 4-stars for me because, while I had a great time, it felt like I realized rather early on that they were mates, but it took the characters what felt like literal eons. This took away from their story a bit as it felt like they were being willingly heads-in-the-clouds, but I love them and I forgive them haha. I love how they grew to care for and support each other throughout this one! Rolo is truly #goals, even across alternate universes!

[Chasary Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg! Because canon sucks!
Coffee Shop Monster was so sweet and spicy. I love Rowan and Milo in this one. Rowan is a cryptid Big foot he’s the sweetest ever. He meets Milo at the coffee shop and right away thought Milo was handsome.
Milo is is always the energetic happy person but he’s also dealing with grief a bad break up. But he’s attracted to Rowan.
The way Rowan and Milo gel in this book is absolutely sweet. And of course we can’t have a book without food!!
I am truly loving these books and every version of Rowan and Milo!!
If you like a cute meet cute spicy and a cute love story totally check this out.

[Kristen Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review (and thank you so much for the ARC!)
This series still continues to be so sweet and lovely to read. The meet cites just keep getting cuter, the worlds, the voices and character choices are just perfect.
In this one Milo is human (maybe?) and Rowan is a Bigfoot, and they meet at Milo’s coffee shop by him “accidentally” bumping into him and dropping his apples. What follows is two idiots pretending they aren’t in love and that it’s just for the summer, and Milo making him a very special coffee. Also some healing again for our sweet Milo, which I love to see. Oh and also we still hate Andrew!! I’m still team Milo and please Roloforever! Seeing what each author does with these two is so much fun! Can’t wait for the next!

[Winnie Quick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww this was cute! I just love a monster universe, especially with big ol’ softies. And when there are interspecies relationships. Rowan is adorable as a bigfoot and Troy as a werewolf just seems like a perfect fit. I love Ethel’s shenanigans! She can make me pancakes any time lol. Milo is the sweetest and I really wanted to hug him. His backstory gets so sad in some of these books and he didn’t even have much of Ray this time. Logically, of course, a summer fling should be just that. Not for our guys, though! I received this book directly from the author, K. C. Carmine, and this is my honest review. 4.25-4.5 stars.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town goodness…check. Sweet romance…check. Gorgeous bigfoot…double check!

Love Bigfoot as a character. Rowan is a great guy, despite being grumpy and not overly enthusiastic about living in the small town for the summer. He’s also not thrilled with his job, which lends to his grumpiness.

His grumpiness is no match for Milo’s warmth and brightness. He runs himself ragged, but always manages to find cheer. Which is why some fun between these two for the summer seems like a perfect plan.

But best laid plans and all.

It’s a warm story, and has some wonderful side characters to round it out.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo & Rowan are dropped in the cryptid world this go around! Milo a feisty struggling twink barista human and Rowan a overworked big foot sent to a small town to work for the summer. Milo & Rowan have an instant attraction and with time begin summer fling, but when feelings come to play they show their true selves! Loved this alt universe that KC has put together for their Cryptid Alliance world to show us their way of putting kink into a paranormal universe. These two were a fun ride to see how they find a way to get that right balance in and out of their work lives. Mix in an epic aunt who must be cherished forever and meddling family of big foots and you are in for a feel good steamy ride.

[bookygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome Milo and Rowan AU!

Coffee Shop Monster AU is set in a world where Crytids and humans live alongside each other. Rowan, a big foot, has his work temporarily relocated to a quaint small town where he meets the coffee shop owning chaotic sunshine that is Milo.

Absolutely loved the instant chemistry between these two, and seeing a summer fling develop into something deeper. As with every AU so far, the story is funny, sweet, and super spicy, and the side characters were wonderful. Always have to love Ethel haha.

Another 5⭐️ addition to the series!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this world Monsters are a part of human society and some people accept them and some people tolerate them (sounds familiar). Rowan is a bigfoot and Milo is a human they meet at Milo’s Coffee Shop. Rowan is only in town for the summer but he and Milo start a fling anyway. Of course, they start having feelings for each other but don’t tell each other. It is a journey to a happy ending but no horrible third act breakup.
Story 4, Spice 4
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara]

I don’t think this series is for me. I haven’t read fanfic in a really long time and the appeal for me was having that preexisting connection to the characters and just wanting MORE. lol. For this series, I have no idea who these characters are so I have no connection. I’m not sure if that would make a difference in my enjoyment or not.

But then for this book in particular, I don’t know what the plot is besides the characters themselves. Like 25% in and not much is going on so it doesn’t hold my attention.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew running a coffee shop was so fun? Not me and I used to be a Barista. Maybe I would have liked it more if Milo was my boss.

This was definitely a case of idiots pretending that they were having a summer fling and that neither of them were catching feelings.

Definitely discovered some interesting ingredients that can be added to coffee to add more saltiness to the flavour.....sea salt chocolate sounds amazing.

I had a lot of fun reading this #roloforever

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee Shop Monster 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 a bigfoot and Milo is a human. I loved this version of these two. This was a fun cute read with lots of spice and some kink. The story kept me wanting more. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. I will definitely be reading whatever K.C. Carmine writes next. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
received a free review copy

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This version of the Milo/Rowan Canon has Milo being a sunshiny, bubbly human and Rowan a seven foot tall, ginger Bigfoot . Milo owns the coffee shop and serves coffee and personality to the Bigfoot businessman in Wendigo Falls for the summer with a slice of temporary hook ups. It's a cozy romance with bittersweet moments, memories of loss and new special ones, tons of passion and playful times. It's a summer fling that never ends. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting seeing Rowan and Milo in a world I enjoyed, and the bigfoot and human pairing was so sweet and endearing.
I liked the humour and banter, as well as all the shenanigans, that were coupled with emotion, uncertainty, and past hurts.
I liked seeing them connect, and especially when the importance of their feelings downed on them.
I adored their moments together, and how supportive their family and friends were.