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Because Canon Sucks
Dark Romance AU
Canon kept them apart. But I turned them into a male escort and a hit man, and gave them a dark romance happy ending.
I was sent to kill him, but I saved his life instead. Now we’re both in danger and we're stuck together until I can find a way out of this mess.
Rowan was supposed to be my mark, but I don’t harm innocents. He may be grumpy and work outside the law, but my gut tells me he’s not actually a bad guy. Me and my stupid morals, though. If I want to help him I have to find out who’s behind this. And if, while I’m helping him, he offers to thank me in a very physical way? That’s just a bonus. Except this overgrown male escort manages to work his way not only under my clothes but under my skin. Once I’ve committed myself to protecting him, stopping feels wrong. And once my heart gets involved, I refuse to let him go.
Dark Romance AU is an MM standalone in the multi-author series Because Cannon Sucks! It is a morally gray MM romance with a Very Large male escort who’s met his match in a mouthy, bratty hit man who he may or may not have shot intentionally. It contains bickering during smexy times, unaliving as a love language, and a bearded dragon named Iggy the Iguana (yes we know bearded dragons aren’t the same as iguanas, but Rowan didn’t at the time and the little guy answers to it now, so what can you do?).
Tags: M/M romance, “you almost f*ckin’ killed me” becomes true love match, male escort Rowan x hit man Milo, beware of hit men wearing lacy boxer briefs, guns, trapped under a dead body, breath play, minor on-page torture, dangerous situations, sex club, pet daddy (as in he has a pet that he loves like a child, not as in—just get your minds out of the gutter, perverts. Or keep it in there if you want, I’m not your momma), male escort/assassin, unaliving, , only one bed, humiliation kink, morally gray, enemies to lovers, loyal dog, he shoots him, forced proximity, he pays with his body, he'll kill for you, protector hero, "I know what's best for you."
An MM standalone novel in the multi-author series: Because Canon Sucks.
I was sent to kill him, but I saved his life instead. Now we’re both in danger and we're stuck together until I can find a way out of this mess.
Rowan was supposed to be my mark, but I don’t harm innocents. He may be grumpy and work outside the law, but my gut tells me he’s not actually a bad guy. Me and my stupid morals, though. If I want to help him I have to find out who’s behind this. And if, while I’m helping him, he offers to thank me in a very physical way? That’s just a bonus. Except this overgrown male escort manages to work his way not only under my clothes but under my skin. Once I’ve committed myself to protecting him, stopping feels wrong. And once my heart gets involved, I refuse to let him go.
Dark Romance AU is an MM standalone in the multi-author series Because Cannon Sucks! It is a morally gray MM romance with a Very Large male escort who’s met his match in a mouthy, bratty hit man who he may or may not have shot intentionally. It contains bickering during smexy times, unaliving as a love language, and a bearded dragon named Iggy the Iguana (yes we know bearded dragons aren’t the same as iguanas, but Rowan didn’t at the time and the little guy answers to it now, so what can you do?).
Tags: M/M romance, “you almost f*ckin’ killed me” becomes true love match, male escort Rowan x hit man Milo, beware of hit men wearing lacy boxer briefs, guns, trapped under a dead body, breath play, minor on-page torture, dangerous situations, sex club, pet daddy (as in he has a pet that he loves like a child, not as in—just get your minds out of the gutter, perverts. Or keep it in there if you want, I’m not your momma), male escort/assassin, unaliving, , only one bed, humiliation kink, morally gray, enemies to lovers, loyal dog, he shoots him, forced proximity, he pays with his body, he'll kill for you, protector hero, "I know what's best for you."
An MM standalone novel in the multi-author series: Because Canon Sucks.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 19, 2026
Just like with Football AU, Dark Romance AU didn't hit the mark for me. For a Dark Romance, it didn't seem all that dark for the most part (like I didn't feel the stakes of what was happening - IDK if I'm making sense lol, I'm trying to avoid spoilers). I also saw the "twist" from a MILE away which pulled me out. Sometimes it doesn't bother me to figure out a books twist, but for some reason this one did. I also didn't feel the attraction between these two beyong lust, so the relationship wasn't as believeable to me. This was my first book by the author, though, so I plan to take a peek at their backlist to see if I'll like something else by them better.
June 29, 2026
This was an ARC read
This is part of the Because Canon Sucks series. It’s not necessary to have read Canon or to have read the other stories in the series.
Make sure to check the TW in this story as it is a dark romance and has heavy themes in it. One character was groomed and put into an unhealthy sugar baby situation. There is also murder and lots of 🍆
If you did read Canon you will love the little nods to in here. Remember the pretzels, that makes it here and a few other things as well. It just tickled us!
We’re gonna say we did not see Rowan being the escort coming. We really though that would be Milo, so applaud this author for setting Milo up as the put together hit man. Well done!
We are also babies to the Dark Romance genre and we enjoyed this book a lot. We’re gonna say it’s. Baby dark romance because of the fact we could handle everything in here. The violence didn’t seem too graphic, there was consent and a little degradation talk, but it was wanted by Rowan.
The main story is Rowan is a hidden sugar baby and also an escort? He is now single and finds himself the target for some reason. He meets Milo when Milo breaks into his hotel room and kills his date? Things snowball from there. It becomes figuring out who ordered the hit on Rowan and trying to keep him safe at the same time.
The fun part is them falling in love with each other. There is also some banter and it helps make the dark parts of the romance light. There is 🍆like immediately, I mean, we do see Rowan tied up from the start so where did we think this was gonna go?!
Not sure if it’s a twist, but learning who put the hit on Rowan was fun to learn about and seeing what comes of them was also fun to read.
If you’re new to Dark Romance like we are this would be a good first book for that experience.
This is part of the Because Canon Sucks series. It’s not necessary to have read Canon or to have read the other stories in the series.
Make sure to check the TW in this story as it is a dark romance and has heavy themes in it. One character was groomed and put into an unhealthy sugar baby situation. There is also murder and lots of 🍆
If you did read Canon you will love the little nods to in here. Remember the pretzels, that makes it here and a few other things as well. It just tickled us!
We’re gonna say we did not see Rowan being the escort coming. We really though that would be Milo, so applaud this author for setting Milo up as the put together hit man. Well done!
We are also babies to the Dark Romance genre and we enjoyed this book a lot. We’re gonna say it’s. Baby dark romance because of the fact we could handle everything in here. The violence didn’t seem too graphic, there was consent and a little degradation talk, but it was wanted by Rowan.
The main story is Rowan is a hidden sugar baby and also an escort? He is now single and finds himself the target for some reason. He meets Milo when Milo breaks into his hotel room and kills his date? Things snowball from there. It becomes figuring out who ordered the hit on Rowan and trying to keep him safe at the same time.
The fun part is them falling in love with each other. There is also some banter and it helps make the dark parts of the romance light. There is 🍆like immediately, I mean, we do see Rowan tied up from the start so where did we think this was gonna go?!
Not sure if it’s a twist, but learning who put the hit on Rowan was fun to learn about and seeing what comes of them was also fun to read.
If you’re new to Dark Romance like we are this would be a good first book for that experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2026
‼️SPOILERS‼️
All I’m going to say is if you haven’t read any of Beth’s books, I highly recommend her books. Even thought there are some dark stuff going on, she still manages to make you laugh at some of the shenanigans that happens.
Rowan is an escort and Milo is an assassin and honestly if it wasn’t for Milo’s job, Rowan would probably be ten feet under or something even worse.
I love how immediately the source of income is Rowan’s body because what else could he offer him?
From the moment these two met, the only thought that runs through my head is how stubborn these two are when it comes to their feelings. I mean, what did you think would happen when Milo kept on saving Rowan’s life.
I about laughed when Milo answered PJ about them dating. Rowan internally was like what in the world is happening right now?
When we find out who it was that was trying to kill him, it did and it didn’t surprise me who was after him.
And Iggy - his bearded dragon. I loved him so much. When Milo tried to leave Iggy and Rowan was like not without Iggy. He should have known better. I love that we also got some of the MC’s from the other books she wrote.
As usual, another amazing piece of work has been written by Beth.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
All I’m going to say is if you haven’t read any of Beth’s books, I highly recommend her books. Even thought there are some dark stuff going on, she still manages to make you laugh at some of the shenanigans that happens.
Rowan is an escort and Milo is an assassin and honestly if it wasn’t for Milo’s job, Rowan would probably be ten feet under or something even worse.
I love how immediately the source of income is Rowan’s body because what else could he offer him?
From the moment these two met, the only thought that runs through my head is how stubborn these two are when it comes to their feelings. I mean, what did you think would happen when Milo kept on saving Rowan’s life.
I about laughed when Milo answered PJ about them dating. Rowan internally was like what in the world is happening right now?
When we find out who it was that was trying to kill him, it did and it didn’t surprise me who was after him.
And Iggy - his bearded dragon. I loved him so much. When Milo tried to leave Iggy and Rowan was like not without Iggy. He should have known better. I love that we also got some of the MC’s from the other books she wrote.
As usual, another amazing piece of work has been written by Beth.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 1, 2026
Since I had no idea what the Canon short story was about that apparently spawned this whole series, and I have never read any fan-fic, I went into this cold, with no expectations. Just looking at this version of Milo and Rowan, I did enjoy the story and the connection, physical and emotional, between the two. Even though Rowan was an escort, he seemed pretty clueless in a lot of ways, but I guess being the “hidden thing” for four years from such a young age was a pretty good reason. I loved Milo’s moral code about not “un-aliving” innocents, and Rowan sure fit that description. Rowan grew up quite a bit during his association with Milo, and I think he would be more prepared to cope alone if Milo weren’t around in the future. The attachment to Iggie was understandable, considering the life Rowan lived “with” Tucker for so long (I had a great mind picture of Rowan lugging Iggie’s aquarium tank with him wherever they went). I don’t usually think of a lizard as your usual emotional support animal, but whatever works—yay Iggie!!!
I found the story dark, but entertaining, I enjoyed the education Rowan was getting from Milo, both sexual and in terms of survival, and was glad to see Rowan come into his own at the end. Loved the idea of the hard-hearted killer finding his soft melting spot for Rowan, I thought they deserved each other. If you want a slightly crazy story with a hitman falling for his target, a dragon named Iggie, cooperation among shady characters to track down who put the hit out on Rowan, and a well-deserved karma for the instigator of the whole thing, I think you might enjoy this book. I found it to be an entertaining read with two very likable characters that grow on you, along with some good supporting characters helping them out, and a satisfying ending to the whole hitman part. I received an advance copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.
I found the story dark, but entertaining, I enjoyed the education Rowan was getting from Milo, both sexual and in terms of survival, and was glad to see Rowan come into his own at the end. Loved the idea of the hard-hearted killer finding his soft melting spot for Rowan, I thought they deserved each other. If you want a slightly crazy story with a hitman falling for his target, a dragon named Iggie, cooperation among shady characters to track down who put the hit out on Rowan, and a well-deserved karma for the instigator of the whole thing, I think you might enjoy this book. I found it to be an entertaining read with two very likable characters that grow on you, along with some good supporting characters helping them out, and a satisfying ending to the whole hitman part. I received an advance copy of the book and this is my voluntary review.
July 2, 2026
Dark Romance AU was such a fun addition to the Because Canon Sucks series. Even without knowing the original short story that inspired it, I had no trouble getting invested in Milo and Rowan's story.
This time around, Rowan finds himself in serious trouble when he discovers there's a price on his head. Enter Milo...a professional hitman who has been hired to eliminate him but instead decides to protect him. What follows is a fast-paced mix of danger, forced proximity, mystery, and romance as they work together to uncover who's behind the bounty.
One of my favourite things about this book was the dynamic between Milo and Rowan. Rowan is sweet, resilient, and surprisingly clueless at times, while Milo is the grumpy, emotionally repressed hitman who absolutely refuses to acknowledge his growing feelings. Watching Milo slowly fall while insisting he wasn't falling at all was endlessly entertaining.
The action scenes were well done, the romance was sweet beneath all the chaos, and I loved seeing Rowan grow more confident and capable as the story progressed. I also have to give a special mention to Iggie, who completely stole several scenes and may be one of my favourite emotional support animals ever.
The fanfiction-inspired format continues to be one of the most charming parts of this series. The author notes before each chapter had me laughing more than once because they felt so authentic to the fanfic experience.
I only wish the book had been a little longer because I would have happily spent more time with these characters. Still, this was a dark, entertaining, and surprisingly heartfelt read filled with action, humour, found family, and a hitman who never stood a chance against his target.
🖤 Hitman x Escort
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Touch Him and Die
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Mystery & Action
A thoroughly entertaining read that made me laugh, swoon, and fall completely in love with Rowan and Milo.
This time around, Rowan finds himself in serious trouble when he discovers there's a price on his head. Enter Milo...a professional hitman who has been hired to eliminate him but instead decides to protect him. What follows is a fast-paced mix of danger, forced proximity, mystery, and romance as they work together to uncover who's behind the bounty.
One of my favourite things about this book was the dynamic between Milo and Rowan. Rowan is sweet, resilient, and surprisingly clueless at times, while Milo is the grumpy, emotionally repressed hitman who absolutely refuses to acknowledge his growing feelings. Watching Milo slowly fall while insisting he wasn't falling at all was endlessly entertaining.
The action scenes were well done, the romance was sweet beneath all the chaos, and I loved seeing Rowan grow more confident and capable as the story progressed. I also have to give a special mention to Iggie, who completely stole several scenes and may be one of my favourite emotional support animals ever.
The fanfiction-inspired format continues to be one of the most charming parts of this series. The author notes before each chapter had me laughing more than once because they felt so authentic to the fanfic experience.
I only wish the book had been a little longer because I would have happily spent more time with these characters. Still, this was a dark, entertaining, and surprisingly heartfelt read filled with action, humour, found family, and a hitman who never stood a chance against his target.
🖤 Hitman x Escort
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Touch Him and Die
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Mystery & Action
A thoroughly entertaining read that made me laugh, swoon, and fall completely in love with Rowan and Milo.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MM romance | Dark romance | Hitman x Male Escort | Touch Him and Die | Forced proximity | Mild Degradation | Grumpy/Sunshine | Hurt/Comfort | Size difference | First time kinks | Vers MMCs
Definitivamente este libro fue una sorpresa para bien! En los últimos tomos de esta serie veníamos viendo a Rowan como el grumpy de la relación, ¡pero esta vez lo fue Milo y me encantó! Ese giro de tuerca fue justo lo que necesitaba, y saber que su relación es versátil me gustó aún más.
Creo que lo único que me desagradó un poco fue el hecho de que fuera tan corto 😂; tal vez un poquito más de desarrollo en la relación amorosa entre ambos hubiera sido genial.
En pocas palabras, me gustó muchísimo este libro. Las escenas de "acción" estuvieron bien llevadas, los momentos spicy también y me gustó mucho cómo su relación fue creciendo. Rowan se ganó completamente mi corazón y Milo, sin entender nada de lo que sentía y hacía, también 🤭.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
This book was definitely a pleasant surprise! In the recent installments of this series, we’ve been seeing Rowan as the grumpy one in the relationship, but this time it was Milo, and I absolutely loved it! That switch was exactly what I needed, and knowing that their relationship is versatile made me love it even more.
I think the only thing that bothered me a little was the fact that it was so short 😂; maybe a bit more development in their romantic relationship would have been great.
In short, I really liked this book. The "action" scenes were well executed, the spicy moments were great too, and I loved watching their relationship grow. Rowan completely won my heart, and Milo—clueless about everything he was feeling and doing—did too 🤭.
Definitivamente este libro fue una sorpresa para bien! En los últimos tomos de esta serie veníamos viendo a Rowan como el grumpy de la relación, ¡pero esta vez lo fue Milo y me encantó! Ese giro de tuerca fue justo lo que necesitaba, y saber que su relación es versátil me gustó aún más.
Creo que lo único que me desagradó un poco fue el hecho de que fuera tan corto 😂; tal vez un poquito más de desarrollo en la relación amorosa entre ambos hubiera sido genial.
En pocas palabras, me gustó muchísimo este libro. Las escenas de "acción" estuvieron bien llevadas, los momentos spicy también y me gustó mucho cómo su relación fue creciendo. Rowan se ganó completamente mi corazón y Milo, sin entender nada de lo que sentía y hacía, también 🤭.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
This book was definitely a pleasant surprise! In the recent installments of this series, we’ve been seeing Rowan as the grumpy one in the relationship, but this time it was Milo, and I absolutely loved it! That switch was exactly what I needed, and knowing that their relationship is versatile made me love it even more.
I think the only thing that bothered me a little was the fact that it was so short 😂; maybe a bit more development in their romantic relationship would have been great.
In short, I really liked this book. The "action" scenes were well executed, the spicy moments were great too, and I loved watching their relationship grow. Rowan completely won my heart, and Milo—clueless about everything he was feeling and doing—did too 🤭.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC.
I liked the idea of this book, the story arc was questionable.
Milo is sent to kill Rowan, but when the moment comes he won't do it, because he is in a vulnerable position and chained to a bed by a Jon. Ok, I get that Milo can assess situation really fast, otherwise he would not be a good assassin. But would a real assassin not just seize the day and let Rowan be killed and be on his merry way?
I also did not like their dynamic as a dark romance coupling. I read a lot of dark romance, biiiig fan, but this book gave me more of an ick feeling than that of a true dark romance.
Also, I think I knew almost from the beginning that Rowans ex had arranged the assassination, who else should it have been? I mean, yes Rowan has a pimp, but there was no hint, that he serviced any mob or gangsters or corrupt politicians as a sex worker. So as a reader I did not even have anything to wonder about.
Also Rowans history is too unrealistic for me. As a 17 year ild he just becomes the biytoy of a welathy man, his parents do nothing really to get him back and after he leaves his sugar daddy gis only way to survive is to become a hooker? No trying to work in a diner or living on the street,, straight way to life as a sex worker? How? He lived isolated since he was 17 and knows nothing.... just...yeah. Not really something I could imagine or follow.
One thing I liked was, that the more secure and dominant character was Milo, this was different from the other AU versions I read.
I liked the idea of this book, the story arc was questionable.
Milo is sent to kill Rowan, but when the moment comes he won't do it, because he is in a vulnerable position and chained to a bed by a Jon. Ok, I get that Milo can assess situation really fast, otherwise he would not be a good assassin. But would a real assassin not just seize the day and let Rowan be killed and be on his merry way?
I also did not like their dynamic as a dark romance coupling. I read a lot of dark romance, biiiig fan, but this book gave me more of an ick feeling than that of a true dark romance.
Also, I think I knew almost from the beginning that Rowans ex had arranged the assassination, who else should it have been? I mean, yes Rowan has a pimp, but there was no hint, that he serviced any mob or gangsters or corrupt politicians as a sex worker. So as a reader I did not even have anything to wonder about.
Also Rowans history is too unrealistic for me. As a 17 year ild he just becomes the biytoy of a welathy man, his parents do nothing really to get him back and after he leaves his sugar daddy gis only way to survive is to become a hooker? No trying to work in a diner or living on the street,, straight way to life as a sex worker? How? He lived isolated since he was 17 and knows nothing.... just...yeah. Not really something I could imagine or follow.
One thing I liked was, that the more secure and dominant character was Milo, this was different from the other AU versions I read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review* Thank you for the copy!
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Milo, a hired killer and Rowan, who finds himself in Milo's sights as his target
Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Open Door
-Hitman/Target
-Lace Underwear
-Forced Proximity
-Slight Degradation
-Grumpy/Slightly Less Grumpy
-Hurt/Comfort
-HEA
Likes:
-Meet-disaster
-Unconventional roles
-Rowan's pet
-Spicy scenes
-Side Characters
-Banter/humor
-Internal monologue
Quotes:
-"should I be relieved or terrified that the man sent to kill me runs on vibes?"
-"Don't forget I killed a man for you. Those few hours are like, a decade in murder years"
-"I don't bottom often, but if I'm going to cave on my morals, I'm sure as hell riding that rocket into the sunset"
-"This place is a very pretty viper den"
-"I think a little murder would do you good"
I am loving all the different versions of Rowan and Milo's story and I especially love this one because I am a fan of dark romance. I love Rowan's vulnerability and how there is a good plot to the story in addition to the spice. Both of them seem to be grumps, but they are so endearing and are trying their best in a bad situation. I love Beth's take on these two and I am excited to read more of her work as I haven't read any of Beth's books before. If you love books with a morally grey hitman who has little self control pertaining to a shy, inexperienced man discovering new things about himself while out running death, then you will love this book!
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Milo, a hired killer and Rowan, who finds himself in Milo's sights as his target
Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Open Door
-Hitman/Target
-Lace Underwear
-Forced Proximity
-Slight Degradation
-Grumpy/Slightly Less Grumpy
-Hurt/Comfort
-HEA
Likes:
-Meet-disaster
-Unconventional roles
-Rowan's pet
-Spicy scenes
-Side Characters
-Banter/humor
-Internal monologue
Quotes:
-"should I be relieved or terrified that the man sent to kill me runs on vibes?"
-"Don't forget I killed a man for you. Those few hours are like, a decade in murder years"
-"I don't bottom often, but if I'm going to cave on my morals, I'm sure as hell riding that rocket into the sunset"
-"This place is a very pretty viper den"
-"I think a little murder would do you good"
I am loving all the different versions of Rowan and Milo's story and I especially love this one because I am a fan of dark romance. I love Rowan's vulnerability and how there is a good plot to the story in addition to the spice. Both of them seem to be grumps, but they are so endearing and are trying their best in a bad situation. I love Beth's take on these two and I am excited to read more of her work as I haven't read any of Beth's books before. If you love books with a morally grey hitman who has little self control pertaining to a shy, inexperienced man discovering new things about himself while out running death, then you will love this book!
July 1, 2026
5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of Dark Romance AU by Beth Christopher in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Romance AU is a standout in the Because Canon Sucks! series, and honestly, it might just be my new favorite. It’s a hilarious, high-stakes MM romance that perfectly balances dark, morally gray themes with an incredibly adorable heart.
The story follows Milo, a hitman with a surprisingly strong moral compass, and Rowan, a grumpy male escort who operates outside the law. When Milo is hired to take Rowan out, he makes a split-second decision that changes everything—he saves him instead. Now, they are forced into close proximity, navigating danger, assassins, and a connection that goes from "you almost killed me" to "I would kill for you" in the most intense way possible.
The chemistry between these two is absolutely off the charts. Watching Milo—the protective, mouthy hitman—clash with the large, grumpy Rowan is pure gold. Their banter during spicy moments is both funny and incredibly hot. Beyond the action and the humor, there is a genuine, tender protectiveness here that I found beautiful. Also, a special shout-out to Iggy (a bearded dragon who thinks he’s an iguana), who was an absolute delight.
If you love morally gray MM romances that feature hitmen, forced proximity, and enough spice to leave you breathless, this is the book for you. It’s funny, dark, and utterly addictive.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of Dark Romance AU by Beth Christopher in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Romance AU is a standout in the Because Canon Sucks! series, and honestly, it might just be my new favorite. It’s a hilarious, high-stakes MM romance that perfectly balances dark, morally gray themes with an incredibly adorable heart.
The story follows Milo, a hitman with a surprisingly strong moral compass, and Rowan, a grumpy male escort who operates outside the law. When Milo is hired to take Rowan out, he makes a split-second decision that changes everything—he saves him instead. Now, they are forced into close proximity, navigating danger, assassins, and a connection that goes from "you almost killed me" to "I would kill for you" in the most intense way possible.
The chemistry between these two is absolutely off the charts. Watching Milo—the protective, mouthy hitman—clash with the large, grumpy Rowan is pure gold. Their banter during spicy moments is both funny and incredibly hot. Beyond the action and the humor, there is a genuine, tender protectiveness here that I found beautiful. Also, a special shout-out to Iggy (a bearded dragon who thinks he’s an iguana), who was an absolute delight.
If you love morally gray MM romances that feature hitmen, forced proximity, and enough spice to leave you breathless, this is the book for you. It’s funny, dark, and utterly addictive.
July 3, 2026
Author’s chapter notes are weirdly hilarious, pretty different from the first three I read. I’m continuing to really, really enjoy how each AU author tackles the cast of characters - an interesting balance between canon and not.
However, the story isn’t quite as good. Something that seemed really obvious to me wound up being a surprise to a supposedly savvy MC. Is that considered flawed logic or a poorly contrived plot twist?
Plus… in between vomiting and kissing… even if there’s no toothbrush available, it’s good manners to at least rinse your mouth? (Ick)
Nevertheless, I enjoyed getting to know this latest manifestation of Milo and Rowan. One thing (of several) that the author did well: a number of side characters clearly had some history, but it didn’t feel like I was missing anything important. I’m not familiar with this author, but after finishing saw that those characters are from another series. All too often, reading a book related to an existing series is super annoying - either the author feels compelled to provide a bunch of details to fill in the backstory (which tends to be annoyingly repetitive if I’m already familiar and boring if I’m not), or I feel like I’m missing some inside running joke that everybody else gets. Neither of those happened here!
Final note, FYI for those seeking a truly dark story… unless the potential triggers are problematic for you, I’d call this dark-ish than dark. Not as over the top as, say, Jennifer Cody’s Foxilys, but more lighthearted than Onley James’s Mulvaneys.
However, the story isn’t quite as good. Something that seemed really obvious to me wound up being a surprise to a supposedly savvy MC. Is that considered flawed logic or a poorly contrived plot twist?
Plus… in between vomiting and kissing… even if there’s no toothbrush available, it’s good manners to at least rinse your mouth? (Ick)
Nevertheless, I enjoyed getting to know this latest manifestation of Milo and Rowan. One thing (of several) that the author did well: a number of side characters clearly had some history, but it didn’t feel like I was missing anything important. I’m not familiar with this author, but after finishing saw that those characters are from another series. All too often, reading a book related to an existing series is super annoying - either the author feels compelled to provide a bunch of details to fill in the backstory (which tends to be annoyingly repetitive if I’m already familiar and boring if I’m not), or I feel like I’m missing some inside running joke that everybody else gets. Neither of those happened here!
Final note, FYI for those seeking a truly dark story… unless the potential triggers are problematic for you, I’d call this dark-ish than dark. Not as over the top as, say, Jennifer Cody’s Foxilys, but more lighthearted than Onley James’s Mulvaneys.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Killing in the name of… Love?
In this AU Ronan is a young naïve sex worker who gets inadvertently saved by his would be assassin Milo. Ronan desperately just wants to be loved and wanted, but Milo pretends he isn’t interested in his supposed mark. Unfortunately, for him he just can’t resist the big horny puppy that is Ronan and against his better judgment, seems to keep having a lot of feelings toward him no matter how hard he tries not to. Between all the running and hiding and killing of bad guys they both end up falling pretty hard for each other, but Milo is definitely the most reluctant to admit this. However, having copious amounts of hot sex does not seem to make these feelings go away it only confirms what’s happening between them is a lot more than just heat at the moment. Until Ronan met Milo, it was just him and his lizard against the world, but now his assassin turned protector is hopefully here to stay. If you like danger, hot sex, and emotional support lizards than this one is for you. As a sidenote, I really enjoyed the funny Florida references being that I am a Florida native was quite funny.
I’d like to thank the author for letting me read this in advance and I hope to enjoy more of their books in the future.
Tropes: Assassin x Sex Worker, Size Difference, First Time Kinks, Touch Him and Die, Hold My Lizard,
“what a good whore” in a loving way
Story 4.5
Spice 4
In this AU Ronan is a young naïve sex worker who gets inadvertently saved by his would be assassin Milo. Ronan desperately just wants to be loved and wanted, but Milo pretends he isn’t interested in his supposed mark. Unfortunately, for him he just can’t resist the big horny puppy that is Ronan and against his better judgment, seems to keep having a lot of feelings toward him no matter how hard he tries not to. Between all the running and hiding and killing of bad guys they both end up falling pretty hard for each other, but Milo is definitely the most reluctant to admit this. However, having copious amounts of hot sex does not seem to make these feelings go away it only confirms what’s happening between them is a lot more than just heat at the moment. Until Ronan met Milo, it was just him and his lizard against the world, but now his assassin turned protector is hopefully here to stay. If you like danger, hot sex, and emotional support lizards than this one is for you. As a sidenote, I really enjoyed the funny Florida references being that I am a Florida native was quite funny.
I’d like to thank the author for letting me read this in advance and I hope to enjoy more of their books in the future.
Tropes: Assassin x Sex Worker, Size Difference, First Time Kinks, Touch Him and Die, Hold My Lizard,
“what a good whore” in a loving way
Story 4.5
Spice 4
July 7, 2026
For me, this book is definitely a 4.5 stars
Firstly, let me say I got a ARC from the author and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’ve got to say I thoroughly liked this book and my guilty pleasure is Milo. I just really like his personality. Don’t get me wrong he’s an assassin but he won’t assassin innocent people doesn’t happen. He sent on a job to take out Rowan but he knows instantly he is watching an innocent.
Rowan was definitely second-guessing himself about letting a customer tie him to the bed. This guy was a psychopath and he was going to kill him, but thankfully a guy came in and shot him. And then said he was there to kill him. So Milo decides to get to the bottom of who hired him to kill Rowan. Milo takes his job very seriously and therefore when he’s protecting Rowan, he wasn’t getting away from him and we can’t forget Iggy cause Rowan wasn’t going anywhere without him
Rowan has a history and in my eyes he was totally taken advantage of in this day and age we call it grooming. But thankfully he got away from that man.
I really enjoyed the banter between Rowan and Milo. And let’s not get started on the passion cause that was just off the charts wow but one of the biggest things for me in this book was when Milo talked to Rowan‘s boss. If you’ve read the other books in this series, you’ll know who he is. Most people are scared of him but not Milo. And it was great to see the guys in the haunted house come future guest house. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Firstly, let me say I got a ARC from the author and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’ve got to say I thoroughly liked this book and my guilty pleasure is Milo. I just really like his personality. Don’t get me wrong he’s an assassin but he won’t assassin innocent people doesn’t happen. He sent on a job to take out Rowan but he knows instantly he is watching an innocent.
Rowan was definitely second-guessing himself about letting a customer tie him to the bed. This guy was a psychopath and he was going to kill him, but thankfully a guy came in and shot him. And then said he was there to kill him. So Milo decides to get to the bottom of who hired him to kill Rowan. Milo takes his job very seriously and therefore when he’s protecting Rowan, he wasn’t getting away from him and we can’t forget Iggy cause Rowan wasn’t going anywhere without him
Rowan has a history and in my eyes he was totally taken advantage of in this day and age we call it grooming. But thankfully he got away from that man.
I really enjoyed the banter between Rowan and Milo. And let’s not get started on the passion cause that was just off the charts wow but one of the biggest things for me in this book was when Milo talked to Rowan‘s boss. If you’ve read the other books in this series, you’ll know who he is. Most people are scared of him but not Milo. And it was great to see the guys in the haunted house come future guest house. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark Romance AU somehow manages to be exactly what it promises and absolutely nothing like I expected.
A hitman is sent to kill his target. Instead, he realizes his mark is innocent, kills the guy trying to murder him instead, and promptly appoints himself Rowan's aggressively overprotective bodyguard. Naturally, this leads to stolen cars, shower hookups, and an alarming amount of bickering.
Despite throwing these characters into one of the darkest settings in the series (so far), they never stop feeling like Rowan and Milo. Rowan is still the anxious, sarcastic disaster who talks when he's nervous, while Milo is still equal parts menace, chaos gremlin, and inexplicably soft whenever Rowan needs him most.
Strip away the hit jobs and morally grey decisions, and what you're left with is two deeply damaged people learning, often very messily, that being protected isn't the same thing as being controlled, and that being loved doesn't have to come with conditions.
Also, I never expected "I love you, wh*re." and “Look, scientists disproved all those stories about redheads a long time
ago, man. I don't even know any magic spells.” to coexist so perfectly in the same book, but somehow they do.
A hitman is sent to kill his target. Instead, he realizes his mark is innocent, kills the guy trying to murder him instead, and promptly appoints himself Rowan's aggressively overprotective bodyguard. Naturally, this leads to stolen cars, shower hookups, and an alarming amount of bickering.
Despite throwing these characters into one of the darkest settings in the series (so far), they never stop feeling like Rowan and Milo. Rowan is still the anxious, sarcastic disaster who talks when he's nervous, while Milo is still equal parts menace, chaos gremlin, and inexplicably soft whenever Rowan needs him most.
Strip away the hit jobs and morally grey decisions, and what you're left with is two deeply damaged people learning, often very messily, that being protected isn't the same thing as being controlled, and that being loved doesn't have to come with conditions.
Also, I never expected "I love you, wh*re." and “Look, scientists disproved all those stories about redheads a long time
ago, man. I don't even know any magic spells.” to coexist so perfectly in the same book, but somehow they do.
July 12, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Dark Romance AU is part of the Because Canon Sucks! multi-author series, and I will say I find the set up for these books a lot of fun. The series has a fan-fiction style premise where author A.M. Rose3wrote a super cute, but bittersweet, short story called Canon about two men named Milo and Rowan who meet in an airport. Then, each of authors in the series have basically written “fan fiction” about these characters, giving them the happy ending they deserve in various alternative universes (dragons, robots, shifters, etc). (To be clear, Canon was written specifically for this series so that the authors could write their AU versions, so this is not really fan fiction in the traditional sense.)
I think if you are looking for a book with some darker themes, but a less intense vibe, this one is an appealing choice. The theme of the series is particularly fun and I would recommend checking out Canon first to add a little something extra to your reading experience.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Dark Romance AU is part of the Because Canon Sucks! multi-author series, and I will say I find the set up for these books a lot of fun. The series has a fan-fiction style premise where author A.M. Rose3wrote a super cute, but bittersweet, short story called Canon about two men named Milo and Rowan who meet in an airport. Then, each of authors in the series have basically written “fan fiction” about these characters, giving them the happy ending they deserve in various alternative universes (dragons, robots, shifters, etc). (To be clear, Canon was written specifically for this series so that the authors could write their AU versions, so this is not really fan fiction in the traditional sense.)
I think if you are looking for a book with some darker themes, but a less intense vibe, this one is an appealing choice. The theme of the series is particularly fun and I would recommend checking out Canon first to add a little something extra to your reading experience.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Escort Rowan x Hitman Milo?
Immediate yes!!
This book opens with one of the funniest author notes, and then proceeds to give us murder attempts, possessive dirty talk, accidental feelings, emotional damage, and somehow one of the sweetest love stories hidden inside complete chaos.
Rowan and Milo were SO much fun together.
Milo spends the first half acting like he absolutely isn't emotionally attached while repeatedly saving Rowan's life and acting possessive every chance he gets.
Sir.
Please be serious 😩
Meanwhile Rowan just rolls with increasingly absurd situations like: "Oh, my assassin didn't kill me and now we're sleeping together? Makes complete sense."
Their chemistry was ridiculously good. The banter worked. The emotional moments worked. The spice was spicing. The degradation alone had me sweating 🥵
And then suddenly they're catching feelings and saying things they definitely weren't supposed to say and I'm over here losing my mind.
Also shoutout to Iggy because apparently every great romance needs a tiny scaly side character.
Was this as dark as I expected? No.
Was it fun, addictive, funny, possessive, and weirdly sweet? Absolutely.
Immediate yes!!
This book opens with one of the funniest author notes, and then proceeds to give us murder attempts, possessive dirty talk, accidental feelings, emotional damage, and somehow one of the sweetest love stories hidden inside complete chaos.
Rowan and Milo were SO much fun together.
Milo spends the first half acting like he absolutely isn't emotionally attached while repeatedly saving Rowan's life and acting possessive every chance he gets.
Sir.
Please be serious 😩
Meanwhile Rowan just rolls with increasingly absurd situations like: "Oh, my assassin didn't kill me and now we're sleeping together? Makes complete sense."
Their chemistry was ridiculously good. The banter worked. The emotional moments worked. The spice was spicing. The degradation alone had me sweating 🥵
And then suddenly they're catching feelings and saying things they definitely weren't supposed to say and I'm over here losing my mind.
Also shoutout to Iggy because apparently every great romance needs a tiny scaly side character.
Was this as dark as I expected? No.
Was it fun, addictive, funny, possessive, and weirdly sweet? Absolutely.
June 16, 2026
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3/5 ⭐️ 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 4/5 🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📱 —> ARC Read
𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: “It’s warmth and worry. I don’t need to protect Rowan because we made a deal. I want to. That’s a dangerous fucking feeling.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me to ARC Read, with that being said all my opinion are my own.
I have to say this was the first book in the series I was somewhat disappointed with. Now, don’t get me wrong I don’t think this book is terrible or anything, it’s fine. But I also feel like the actual book itself just seemed a little rushed. It really just felt like such a basic dark romance story, I feel like it all the potential to be a really really good read, however I just found it a bit lackluckster and very predictable.
I think if someone is very very new into the dark romance world they would actually enjoy this story because it’s very light.
I just think it was hard for me to take the book a bit seriously because of the way some of the characters acted throughout the story.
I am still quite excited to read the rest of the stories with Milo and Rowan though.
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3/5 ⭐️ 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 4/5 🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📱 —> ARC Read
𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔: “It’s warmth and worry. I don’t need to protect Rowan because we made a deal. I want to. That’s a dangerous fucking feeling.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me to ARC Read, with that being said all my opinion are my own.
I have to say this was the first book in the series I was somewhat disappointed with. Now, don’t get me wrong I don’t think this book is terrible or anything, it’s fine. But I also feel like the actual book itself just seemed a little rushed. It really just felt like such a basic dark romance story, I feel like it all the potential to be a really really good read, however I just found it a bit lackluckster and very predictable.
I think if someone is very very new into the dark romance world they would actually enjoy this story because it’s very light.
I just think it was hard for me to take the book a bit seriously because of the way some of the characters acted throughout the story.
I am still quite excited to read the rest of the stories with Milo and Rowan though.
July 3, 2026
Rowan is an escort, Milo is an assassin, and honestly, if it weren’t for Milo’s job, Rowan would probably be ten feet under—or suffering something even worse. I love how Rowan’s body immediately becomes his source of income because, really, what else could he offer Milo at that point? From the moment these two meet, it’s obvious how stubborn they both are when it comes to their feelings. What did they think was going to happen when Milo kept saving Rowan’s life? The tension, the denial, the slow unraveling—it all worked so well. I absolutely laughed when PJ asked Milo if they were dating, and Milo just… answered. Meanwhile, Rowan was internally losing his mind. Their dynamic is chaotic in the best way. The reveal of who was trying to kill Rowan both surprised me and didn’t. It made sense, but it still hit hard. And Iggy—Rowan’s bearded dragon—completely stole my heart. The moment Milo tried to leave Iggy behind, Rowan shut that down immediately. Perfect. Milo should’ve known better. Plus, getting cameos from MCs in Beth’s other books was such a fun bonus. This story had me laughing, stressing, swooning, and fully invested from start to finish. Beth continues to deliver dark humor, heart, and chaos in a way that keeps you hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm a sucker for dark romance, especially of the morally grey variety, so of course I started with this AU right after finishing Canon. I ate this one right up, especially after meeting Edgy!Milo and discovering that the reversed power dynamic makes Rowan infinitely more adorable. AND THERE'S A BEARDED DRAGON. I didn't realize that was the magic Canon was missing but now I wonder what more I could possibly want.
I had fun with how this AU plays on specific moments of the Canon. It feels like finding little Easter eggs sprinkled through and really fits the fanfic format. This AU solidified the sandwich sharing scene as a favorite Canon reference. The author's notes are ridiculous in the best way - brief and silly bursts of levity that I looked forward to every chapter. As a certified Florida Man, I approve of Florida AUthor's shenanigans.
Thanks so much for the chance to check out this ARC! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I had fun with how this AU plays on specific moments of the Canon. It feels like finding little Easter eggs sprinkled through and really fits the fanfic format. This AU solidified the sandwich sharing scene as a favorite Canon reference. The author's notes are ridiculous in the best way - brief and silly bursts of levity that I looked forward to every chapter. As a certified Florida Man, I approve of Florida AUthor's shenanigans.
Thanks so much for the chance to check out this ARC! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark Romance Au is part of the Because Canon Sucks series.
Since it's structured like fanfiction, there are author's notes before each chapter. I laughed so hard, because it's a common theme in these stories: whenever the author takes a long time to post a chapter, something always comes up.
This time, Rowan is an escort; he hasn’t been on the job long, but there’s already a price on his head. He discovers this when he’s with a client , who tries to kill him, and Milo, a professional hitman, shows up and saves him, even though he’s been hired to kill him.
This marks the beginning of a long quest to protect Rowan, to find out who has put a price on his head, and to make Milo(who always denies having any feelings for him)realize the truth.
Characters from the author’s other books make an appearance, but I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting them yet, so I’m making a note.
I’m really enjoying this series.
Since it's structured like fanfiction, there are author's notes before each chapter. I laughed so hard, because it's a common theme in these stories: whenever the author takes a long time to post a chapter, something always comes up.
This time, Rowan is an escort; he hasn’t been on the job long, but there’s already a price on his head. He discovers this when he’s with a client , who tries to kill him, and Milo, a professional hitman, shows up and saves him, even though he’s been hired to kill him.
This marks the beginning of a long quest to protect Rowan, to find out who has put a price on his head, and to make Milo(who always denies having any feelings for him)realize the truth.
Characters from the author’s other books make an appearance, but I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting them yet, so I’m making a note.
I’m really enjoying this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this so much!! I love how Beth includes animal friends and Iggy is my favorite of those I think. I loved how attached Rowan was to him and how Milo had a soft spot for him as well. This book had me laughing out loud at multiple points which is hard to get me to do when reading at all ..let alone multiple times. I just found the way Milo talked hilarious. I loved how we got to see Rowan come to the realization about his past relationship as it was happening. We got to see him process what that relationship actually was and how harmful it was to him. I had no idea I would be seeing any characters from The B.A.E. series either and was so excited about that. If you're looking for a MM romance with banter, morally grey characters,amazing spice, mystery, and some suspense I would definitely recommend this one!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC READER**
Ughhhhh this one was so hotttt, I feel like I always say I’m not usually a dark romance girlie but man I liked this one haha. This does have fair topics and while is goofy and funny, there are sad and heavy topics.
Rowan and Milo are back again with the abomination disgrace of what was done to the soft pretzel and a hit on poor baby Rowan.
Beth followed the fanfic writer note prerequisite to a T and wrote and absolute banger of an AU.
There’s fighting, there’s stressful situations and there are some very hot scenes. The switchy boys strike again on top of the sweet found family vibes. I’ve liked all the AUs so far but I think this one’s been my favorite so far.
You don’t need to read the other AUs but you absolutely should if you have the time. 😉 no recipe this time but author notes are amazing every chapter.
Ughhhhh this one was so hotttt, I feel like I always say I’m not usually a dark romance girlie but man I liked this one haha. This does have fair topics and while is goofy and funny, there are sad and heavy topics.
Rowan and Milo are back again with the abomination disgrace of what was done to the soft pretzel and a hit on poor baby Rowan.
Beth followed the fanfic writer note prerequisite to a T and wrote and absolute banger of an AU.
There’s fighting, there’s stressful situations and there are some very hot scenes. The switchy boys strike again on top of the sweet found family vibes. I’ve liked all the AUs so far but I think this one’s been my favorite so far.
You don’t need to read the other AUs but you absolutely should if you have the time. 😉 no recipe this time but author notes are amazing every chapter.
July 1, 2026
I normally don’t read a lot of dark romance anymore, mainly because our world is such a dumpster fire that I need lighter books. This author was new to me, but I was reading all of this multi author series and thought I would take a chance on it. It was ok, but not something that I was able to fully enjoy. Rowan is an escort who trusted the wrong person and Milo is the hitman who was sent to kill him. Good thing Milo does have some morals because he doesn’t hurt innocent people. It has its funny moments because, honestly, parts of this story are a bit ridiculous. It’s cute, just not really my cup of tea anymore. I just couldn’t get into it. Also head the trigger warnings and be aware of yourself. I didn’t realize I had this particular trigger until I hit it in the book. That isn’t the author’s fault.
July 1, 2026
It was a true delight to read this! It's only the second one I've read in the Canon Sucks series and only the first I've read by Beth but it was such a quirky, surprisingly sassy and funny read and I'm definitely intrigued by the side characters enough to want to read the other books she has out 😈.
I loved the switch up with Milo being the main baddy in this book, where the big buff Rowan is the shy, naive escort with a heart of gold 🥹. I loved the banter between the two and how ultimately Milo just wanted to protect Rowan and his bearded dragon Iggy, no matter the cost.. even if it's his own heart 👀.
I truly am loving this series so far, and watching Rowan and Milo go through so many fun adventures is so different! It's also nice to have throw backs to fan-fiction with the little author's notes and stuff 🥰.
I loved the switch up with Milo being the main baddy in this book, where the big buff Rowan is the shy, naive escort with a heart of gold 🥹. I loved the banter between the two and how ultimately Milo just wanted to protect Rowan and his bearded dragon Iggy, no matter the cost.. even if it's his own heart 👀.
I truly am loving this series so far, and watching Rowan and Milo go through so many fun adventures is so different! It's also nice to have throw backs to fan-fiction with the little author's notes and stuff 🥰.
July 1, 2026
So Much Dark Fun!!
I absolutely loved this book!! Smaller top and bigger bottom books always make my heart happy, but when you add in the fact that Milo is also a feral, platinum blonde psycho unaliver with possessive tendencies toward Rowan (who is a sweet giant cinnamon roll) it gets even better.
The spice is spicin' in this one, y'all, and it's hawt! Also, I loved the cameos from other characters in Beth's escort series. Beth grounds Milo and Rowan so perfectly within the foundation and framework of her existing world that it feels seamless.
In short, I absolutely recommend this book (and if you haven't yet, check out the rest of the books in both Beth's escort series and the Because Canon Sucks multi-author series. It's so fun seeing how each author interprets Milo and Rowan.
10/10 No notes!
I absolutely loved this book!! Smaller top and bigger bottom books always make my heart happy, but when you add in the fact that Milo is also a feral, platinum blonde psycho unaliver with possessive tendencies toward Rowan (who is a sweet giant cinnamon roll) it gets even better.
The spice is spicin' in this one, y'all, and it's hawt! Also, I loved the cameos from other characters in Beth's escort series. Beth grounds Milo and Rowan so perfectly within the foundation and framework of her existing world that it feels seamless.
In short, I absolutely recommend this book (and if you haven't yet, check out the rest of the books in both Beth's escort series and the Because Canon Sucks multi-author series. It's so fun seeing how each author interprets Milo and Rowan.
10/10 No notes!
July 5, 2026
Another great addition to the Because Canon Sucks series!
In this edition, Milo is a hitman, and a very good one for recognising that his mark, Rowan, who is an escort, does not actually deserve to die. Normally he's an in and out professional, but there's something that stops him leaving Rowan, and someone sent him to kill an innocent which he cannot let lie.
Rowan has reached this point after having to escape a controlling/abusive relationship. However, even he never saw an assassination attempt coming. Milo is unexpected in every way and while he's happy to do anything to keep the hired killer protecting him, he also finds himself drawn to him, the little things he does that show an ever so slightly softer side.
This book definitely contains some murder, has a good amount of snark, and a high intensity heat level between the two men that all combine to make this very easy to enjoy.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
In this edition, Milo is a hitman, and a very good one for recognising that his mark, Rowan, who is an escort, does not actually deserve to die. Normally he's an in and out professional, but there's something that stops him leaving Rowan, and someone sent him to kill an innocent which he cannot let lie.
Rowan has reached this point after having to escape a controlling/abusive relationship. However, even he never saw an assassination attempt coming. Milo is unexpected in every way and while he's happy to do anything to keep the hired killer protecting him, he also finds himself drawn to him, the little things he does that show an ever so slightly softer side.
This book definitely contains some murder, has a good amount of snark, and a high intensity heat level between the two men that all combine to make this very easy to enjoy.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 7, 2026
This was adorable, did I just say that about a book titles "Dark Romance", yes, yes I did!
This is the kind of dark romance that you should read if it is your very first. Dark themes; but nothing super triggering (in my opinion).
My favorite thing about this fan fic compared to the others in the Because Canon Sucks world, is the power dynamic switch. In this book Milo is the strong protector and Rowan is the softer sweet character. Milo is still a whirlwind of chaos, as a hitman, perfection!! Then Rowan the quite young man, fresh out of a very manipulative relationship, making a living as a sex worker. I ate up the found family in this book!! Was it easy to figure out the "who's doing it" in this, yup. BUT.....that never takes away from the story and fun ride you go on with these characters.
This is the kind of dark romance that you should read if it is your very first. Dark themes; but nothing super triggering (in my opinion).
My favorite thing about this fan fic compared to the others in the Because Canon Sucks world, is the power dynamic switch. In this book Milo is the strong protector and Rowan is the softer sweet character. Milo is still a whirlwind of chaos, as a hitman, perfection!! Then Rowan the quite young man, fresh out of a very manipulative relationship, making a living as a sex worker. I ate up the found family in this book!! Was it easy to figure out the "who's doing it" in this, yup. BUT.....that never takes away from the story and fun ride you go on with these characters.
July 18, 2026
"Dark Romance AU" is Beth Christopher's contribution to the Because Canon Sucks multiauthor series.It's supposed to be all dark and dramatic, the story of a hitman who falls for his mark. There are dark aspects, deaths, violence. and this is not (definitely not) lite and floofy. But, honestly, Milo, the grizzled assassin, falling for Roman, an almost innocent male escort, was.... sweet.
The search for who put out the hit on Roman, plunges the pair into a 'web of danger and intrigue'. They go on the run as fake boyfriends and of course fall for each other. Milo is a cinnamon roll Roman is adorable. And lets not forget, Iggy the lizard.
I don't think I've ever had so much fun with a hitman story. Yeah, it's a tad violent (maybe not a tad...). Quick read, I really enjoyed this version of Roman and Milo.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
The search for who put out the hit on Roman, plunges the pair into a 'web of danger and intrigue'. They go on the run as fake boyfriends and of course fall for each other. Milo is a cinnamon roll Roman is adorable. And lets not forget, Iggy the lizard.
I don't think I've ever had so much fun with a hitman story. Yeah, it's a tad violent (maybe not a tad...). Quick read, I really enjoyed this version of Roman and Milo.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed the book. This is the story of Rowan and Milo. Rowan is a hitman and Milo is an Escort. The first time they meet, Milo is tied to a hotel bed and is about to be murdered by his client. Luckily Rowan is there to kill him so he dispatches the client. Then he explains that he was hired to kill Milo. Milo immediately takes off and leaves Rowan with the body. There situation only gets more complicated from there. This is their story. I enjoyed the dialog between Rowan and Milo. I liked watching how their relationship evolved. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. The book is well written and easy to read. A fun surprise.
July 1, 2026
I love it when the smaller MC is the dangerous one! Not that Milo is actually small, but it’s all relative to our beloved giant of a man. Also, I am so entertained when dark romances are really funny. This isn’t super dark though, definitely not pitch black. It’s a good balance between fun and oh right yeah survival is important. Opening dedication really sets the tone for the book experience. Then my mama did a dramatic reading of the first two sentences before I started reading properly and I cackled. It’s cool that we got familiar side characters along with some new ones from an existing series that I now want to check out. I enjoyed reading this book I received directly from the author and this is my honest review. 4.25 stars.
July 1, 2026
This was an entertaining dark romance that balanced danger, humour and romance surprisingly well. Rowan and Milo's relationship began in the most unconventional way, but their constant banter, stubborn personalities and growing trust made them impossible not to root for.
I especially enjoyed the mix of action and lighter moments, which kept the story from becoming too heavy. The chemistry between the leads was strong, and watching them slowly lower their defences was just as satisfying as the suspense surrounding the plot.
With memorable side characters, plenty of twists and the scene-stealing Iggy, this was a fun, fast-paced read with a well-earned happy ending. Fantastic multi author series
I especially enjoyed the mix of action and lighter moments, which kept the story from becoming too heavy. The chemistry between the leads was strong, and watching them slowly lower their defences was just as satisfying as the suspense surrounding the plot.
With memorable side characters, plenty of twists and the scene-stealing Iggy, this was a fun, fast-paced read with a well-earned happy ending. Fantastic multi author series
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