Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Princeton Royals #1

Riding Shotgun

Rate this book
Val Royal’s tight family has always had his back, but they love to interfere in his life. That interference almost sends him over the edge when they arrange for Rory McCauley, security specialist, marksman, and hound-dog smartass, to ride shotgun as security on his latest run.

Hot, bossy, and sharp as a tack, Val ticks all Rory’s boxes, but Val’s looking for something real, and Rory’s allergic to intimacy. Besides, their gig running refrigerated bull semen from Bakersfield to Austin could make or break Val’s buddy’s ranch, so Val’s understandably pretty focused on the job. Rory still wishes Val would let him help Val, uh, ***relax. ***

As Val and Rory work to keep their payload safe from a couple of determined saboteurs and they get to know each other as smart, competent, fearless professionals, sparks fly, and Val starts to fall for Rory’s roguish charm. But can he convince Rory their romance would be worth more than a straight shot to Austin—that it would be a love worth coming home to?

196 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

41 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Amy Lane

203 books3,487 followers
Amy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
123 (46%)
4 stars
89 (33%)
3 stars
39 (14%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,055 reviews25.3k followers
February 8, 2025
Riding Shotgun is book one in the Princeton Royals series by Amy Lane. I have had several of Amy’s books on my to read list but believe it or not, this is the first one I’ve read. I fell in love with the cute cover and thought it was the perfect place to start. The first half of this book was surprisingly suspenseful but there is no angst at all which is fine with me.



Val Royal is forty years old and is the oldest in a family of seven children. He and his family are very close, always up in each other’s business with the best of intentions. Val owns his own long haul trucking business, his own truck being his pride and joy. He has taken a job for a close friend which if he succeeds could both help his own company and his friend’s ranch. But if he fails then it could break the both of them. Val’s siblings know that Val is lonely and wishes for a relationship which is how they paired him with Rory as his security on this run. And for once, this time, his siblings got it right!

Rory McCauley is forty eight years old, former FBI, current security specialist and owner of a shooting range. He had no idea what he was in for when taking the job to be Val’s security. He knew Val’s younger brother but had never met Val. Rory was divorced and was a one night stand sort of guy. The attraction was immediate between he and Val but Val quickly let it be known that he was NOT the one and done type. To say their trip was full of surprises was the understatement of the century. Val was making him feel and want all kinds of things he wasn’t prepared for. And then there were the crazy guys chasing them on their trip, trying to sabotage the load they were carrying before they reached their destination.

This was cute and full of surprises. I loved Rory’s adult son and the way he set his dad straight regarding his feelings for Val. This was a quick read and I found myself grabbing it every chance I had to see what was going to happen next. I’m imagining the rest of the books will focus on Val’s other single siblings, a couple of pairings which are hinted at in this one. This was a smexy, swoony read and there will definitely be more books by this author in my future.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Amina .
1,345 reviews52 followers
November 11, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰

“I’ll be listening to Les Mis,” he murmured. “See if I can find those daisies & rainbow sparkles.”

“Oh, it’ll hurt,” Val told him, searching Rory’s dark eyes. “The important thing is to see if the hurt is worth it.”


‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Let's forgive the fact that the cover doesn't come close in capturing the appropriate ages of forty-year-old Val Royal & forty-eight-year old Rory McCauley, the soul of professionalism in any way; unless this is the 'anime' version, which I can then be a little more forgiving. 🤠

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Let's forget the fact that when it comes to books that involve big families that like to interfere out of the goodness of their hearts, I tend to run for the hills, because I'm always wary that their involvement will overtake the narrative; which in this case, I was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming & not so intrusive they actually were. 🙋🏻‍♀️

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Let's also ignore the fact that the premise of Riding Shotgun is one that might be a source of amusement, when you might tell someone what exactly it is that you're shipping across, but as the cattle business is a multi-million-dollar industry it really is nothing to be taken lightly. 🐄 😅 Heck, I didn't even know it was as cutthroat and demanding, if not dangerous as their planned drop-off turned out to be. 😟

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Because there was plenty else that I could choose to look at and enjoy that made me glad that I did take a chance with Amy Lane's latest release, a start to a series that already seems quite promising, because of how she introduced each respective sibling of the Princeton Royals - with their distinctive personalities and unique set-ups of potential romances that has already kindled my interest. 🙂‍↕

And that is saying a lot about me. 😄

All I can tell you is that Val’s a keeper—smart, dependable, funny, kind. Just hasn’t seemed to find a guy who knows what he has.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ For Val and Rory's romance was a lighthearted one that starts off with the palpable chemistry but a mature understanding that Val was not in it for a quick hook-up and Rory's been out of the game for too long to know whether a long-lasting relationship is what he wants - what his heart craves. 🥺 But, hey! Transporting cow semen with possibly dangerous and calculating schemers plotting to prevent them from making the delivery that can damage their own lucrative business is enough time to stir the waters and clear the air of what exactly it is they both want from each other. 😏 I kept waiting for some craziness to ensue or some wild theories to be exposed that would have me huffing and puffing with indignation of having a perfectly normal - well, as normal as it could be - romance be ruined.

Thankfully - it didn't. 👍🏻

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Yes, there was action and danger, but fittingly so. It was fun and sweet and funny, too. Humor that is not over the top is a big win for me. Val and Rory were very straightforward with each other and their intentions if not attraction, which I liked. 🥰🥰 I liked the easiness in which they fell for each other, too; how even when protecting him, Rory was so very drawn to Val's own strength of character, too. Because it wasn't about knowing if they worked - it was seeing if pursuing this - whatever they felt for each other in the few days that Rory was hired by Val's siblings to assist him in his endeavors - was worth the risk of taking a chance now. For somehow through dodging bull-jizz snatchers and listening to show tunes and kissing under the night sky, the walls they had built slowly started to crumble in a heartfelt and sincere way that resonated with me, too. 🩵🤍

Rory understood now what letting someone into your heart could mean.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ They were both likeable decent guys and I enjoyed watching them fall for each other; there was a comfortable feeling to the nature of their dynamic that was believable and I like how Rory 'with his sardonic sense of humor and the devil in his smile' fit seamlessly into Val's life and heart. 🥹 And as charming as he was, he also learned the importance of being chivalrous and respectful, because Val was one deserving of kindness and gentleness and so much more for his kindhearted nature and honest decency. 💮 The camaraderie was both intense and wanting, but also softened by their years that has made them appreciative and hopeful that they could eventually have their happily ever after to war off the loneliness of their hearts - 'the wait had been worth it—so worth it.' 🫶🏻🫶🏻

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Extra points do go to the Princeton Fam. Normally it takes me a while to warm up to other members of the clan, always bothered by how they seem to take up screen time belonging to the mc. Here - their involvement was not at all an annoyance. 💞💞 And as idyllic or idealist as Val's parents' portrayal was, I guess in a world where fiction tends to portray them as less than accepting or understanding, it was a refreshing if not welcoming change of scenery to have so much love and acceptance shining from their 'well-meaning, slightly goofy, and a little out of touch parents'.

It may seem a bit off a stretch to say that for five of the seven siblings 'the gene had “thrown true”', but it made for an appealing dynamic. 😆 And despite their respective age difference, it was endearing to see how deeply they cared for their oldest brother's happiness in their own way. Rory, already familiar with some of them, also made their friendship shine even more. They've sparked the curiosity in me, and I'm looking forward to how their respective counterparts will play out. And though we did not get much of wild card Sal, I'm already calling dibs on Reg. 😌 Yes, men with glasses are my weakness - no judgment. 😤 Although, I am most interested in how Amy Lane will play out his intended romance.... 🥺

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And also top points for the origin of the ridiculous first names of the siblings - certainly fitting for living up to the hopeful expectations of their parents. 😊
446 reviews24 followers
October 25, 2024
New Amy Lane series on Kindle Unlimited.
Fun and low angst romance about regular men in their forties. I absolutely loved the Royal family (Royal as a family name, not actual royalty), and their family dynamics, especially relationships between the siblings and siblings' names :) Another highlight - the best women characters: strong, supportive, likable. A rarity in mm romance.
Niggles:
*Relationships progressed too fast
*Action subplot took too much book time, and I didn't see the point. They could find the lab or call the police much earlier.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,885 reviews58 followers
August 1, 2025
2025 re-read before book 2 comes out: Just as good a read this time, and nearly as pell-mell through the second half, again.

2024 review: As usual, I tried to read this at a measured pace but ended up binging the second half. The romance is low-angst, the excitement was entertaining, and I knew going in that this first in a series would be a lot of setup, with so many characters. It felt like the best part ended too soon, since we know how the romance will end, but I can't be too mad about that when there's more to come.
Profile Image for Lindsay Hardin.
746 reviews
October 22, 2024
This was a fun and lighthearted story with two older main characters. A long haul trucker and a former FBI agent take off on an adventure to transport a valuable commodity. What ensues is a slightly hilarious and action packed adventure. The steam factor isn’t as high in this story but didn’t detract from the plot. I enjoyed the laughter and hijinks.
Profile Image for Lisa1269.
322 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2025
4.5 *'s, this was pure escapism for me. Also, how I managed to resist a book where bull jizz is a major plot element (without being silly) for so long is beyond me. Mature characters have been my wheelhouse lately and she writes them so well. I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Sadonna.
2,706 reviews47 followers
November 3, 2024
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews

I really enjoyed this kickoff to a new series.  The premise of how Rory and Val get together is certainly unique ;) There is quite a lot of action in the first half of the book.  While on a crazy road trip to deliver the frozen bull semen Rory and Val certainly run into more than their share of trouble.  Val's commitment to his friend Vinnie is admirable.  His younger brother Dean, and FBI agent is a huge help too :)  But it's Rory and Val's relationship that builds during the trip.  The fact that in the end, both realize they've been set up by Val's family is really kinda cute :)

Rory just has lived his life a certain way and he didn't really see a happy settled life with a partner.  After his divorce and beating himself up about hurting his ex-wife when he came out and then trying to be the best dad he could be, he just had been putting himself last.  He's left the FBI after an injury, he's thinking about the future, but he's not really able to picture a future with someone special and well, permanent.

Val has built his own business, supported his family, helped his parents and his siblings and their kids and he's done this one thing for his best friend from high school.  When things end up a lot more dangerous then he thought they might be, he's more than happy to have a retired FBI guy riding shotgun.  Turns out that besides Rory's skills with driving and with a gun, there is a lot more under the covers with this guy ;)  But Val's not looking for hookups anymore.  He wants to settle down.  He's not sure at first that Rory is even remotely a candidate for that job.

The more time Rory and Val spend together, the closer they get.  Rory clearly guards his heart quite a bit.  He's more of a good time than a long time guy and Val is definitely not interested in that - even though he's very attracted.  The more Rory hears about Val's family (and he already had a lot of respect for Dean, the younger brother), the more he is intrigued by this man.  When Val is hurt, Rory is there for him to make sure he takes care of himself.  He's also up to the job for caring for Val too ;)

When the chase and drama is over and they return to California, well how will things go?  Rory doesn't want to walk way.  Val is looking for forever.  Can they make it work?  They are in their 40s.  They have lives.  They have businesses.  They have families.  Is it possible that something Rory never envisioned is what he truly wants?  You'll have to read it to find out.  Same with Val's real name :)

This is was sooo good.  Funny.  Sincere.  Sweet.  Actiony without being OTT.  I adored Val!  What a great guy and brother.  A little bit grumpy but for the right reasons - and also a bit of a cover ;)  Rory was a guy who needed to find his one.  He really didn't think it would be some oldest of 8 trucker who did it for him.  The whole Royal family was a delight!  I cannot wait for this series to continue.  This is a pretty low angst story on the Amy Lane scale ;)  There's a great dose of humor and fun as well as plenty of spice!  Rory and Val definitely had chemistry and then some.  It's lovely to see mature characters get their HEA.  Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Cobalt's Son.
123 reviews
December 1, 2024
"Val, on any given day even the best relationships could turn on a dime. Say the wrong thing, make the wrong decision, poof!” He made his fingers wiggle. “There goes all your good intentions and good deeds for twenty years, down the hole. You know why they don’t?”
Val’s eyes were huge. “No, and now I really need to!”
“Because two people who care about each other have already decided they won’t let that fucking happen. "

"if you didn’t go into something as emotional equals, how were you going to make a relationship work?"

"“If you don’t hear from me, text. This ain’t a game of who wants it more, Val, I swear.”"

Riding Shotgun takes readers on a hilariously chaotic journey with Val, the eldest Royal sibling, who’s tasked with delivering a highly unusual cargo: bull semen. Due to his friend's past issues with thefts during deliveries, Val reluctantly agrees to have a bodyguard accompany him. However, what he doesn’t expect is for his meddling siblings to turn this into a matchmaking scheme by hiring Rory as his security detail. Val and Rory couldn’t be more different, but as the road trip unfolds—with plenty of chaos, misadventures, and undeniable chemistry—the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore.
This is one of those books where the premise is so outlandish that you have no idea what to expect, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. For a romance novel, I wasn’t anticipating so much action, but it surprisingly worked. While the constant adrenaline and danger weren’t my favorite aspects (and made it harder to fully root for Val and Rory at times), it served its purpose in pushing the two together. The mix of high stakes and budding desire created a dynamic that felt believable under the circumstances.
That said, the moments when the book zeroed in on just Val and Rory—their banter, growing connection, and undeniable spark—were the highlights for me. Those quieter, more intimate scenes gave the romance room to breathe and allowed the characters’ personalities to shine. The non-stop action, while entertaining, sometimes rushed the character development and left the supporting cast underutilized. And that’s a shame because the secondary characters, especially Val’s siblings, had so much potential to add depth and humor to the story.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Riding Shotgun is an enjoyable read that balances humor, romance, and action in a uniquely memorable way. It feels like the perfect material for a Netflix-style rom-com with plenty of laughs and swoon-worthy moments. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of the Royal siblings in future books—they promise to bring just as much chaos and heart!
Profile Image for RBR.
113 reviews1 follower
Read
December 20, 2024
Give me an older main character and then have him wear a cowboy hat, be a former FBI agent, and a sharpshooter, and I’m all in. But wait! There’s another fortysomething main character, and he’s a smart cookie with a head for business and an ability to avoid random hookups with the skill of a magician. Add his huge, loving, and sometimes matchmaking family to the story mix, and put Amy Lane in charge of orchestrating all, and we get an amazing, complex, time-sensitive thriller. Wow! With all that going for it, I have a new favorite story—definitely on my list of “best of 2024,” for sure.

Val Royal’s FBI agent brother arranges for old friend Rory McCauley to ride shotgun for Val on his heavily insured refrigerated truckload of bull semen. On the surface, it sounds like a simple trip from California to Texas, but twice previously the shipments have been compromised and unable to be delivered. If Val fails to make this run successfully, not only would his business and reputation be affected, but his best friend would likely lose his own business and his home.

When Val and Rory first meet, sparks of attraction fly, but Val turns Rory down. This job is too serious, and Val is avoiding hookups while holding out for a forever love like his parents and brother have. But he’s not averse to getting to know Rory along the way on their road trip, and Rory, a committed loner, starts to see the bright side to a long-term relationship once they spend time together. As the trip progresses, it’s evident the “bad guys” are stepping up the action to keep the product from delivery. Shots are fired, trucks are damaged, family gets involved, and the two men, who have each other’s back, become closer than ever.

This is an adventure waiting to be picked up and read! The main characters are not only perfect for each other, they are in their forties and appreciate going slow to take the time to get to know each other well before any casual sexual activity. The story is meaty, intriguing, and thrilling, and there’s just the right amount of sexual tension to carry through until the danger is over and the guys have a chance to regroup and address their own needs. I just loved that. The story was uplifting, the secondary characters slotted in nicely to this story, and I can only assume we will see them in future stories of their own. I have always labeled Amy Lane an outstanding storyteller. Some of her works are my all-time favorites. This story ranks among the best. Definitely highly recommended.


DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
Profile Image for Barb ~rede-2-read~.
3,765 reviews113 followers
December 21, 2024
Give me an older MC and then have him wear a cowboy hat, be a former FBI agent, and a sharpshooter, and I’m all in. But wait! There’s another fortysomething MC, and he’s a smart cookie with a head for business and an ability to avoid random hookups with the skill of a magician. Add in his huge, loving, and sometimes matchmaking family to the story mix, and put Amy Lane in charge of orchestrating all, and we get an amazing, complex, time-sensitive thriller. Wow! With all that going for it, I have a new favorite story—definitely on my list of “best of 2024,” for sure.

Val Royal’s FBI agent brother arranges for old friend Rory McCauley to ride shotgun for Val on his heavily insured refrigerated truckload of bull semen. On the surface, it sounds like a simple trip from California to Texas, but twice previously the shipments have been compromised and unable to be delivered. If Val fails to make this run successfully, not only would his business and reputation be affected, but his best friend would likely lose his own business and his home.

When Val and Rory first meet, sparks of attraction fly, but Val turns Rory down. This job is too serious, and Val is avoiding hookups while holding out for a forever love like his parents and brother have. But he’s not averse to getting to know Rory along the way on their road trip, and Rory, a committed loner, starts to see the bright side to a long-term relationship once they spend time together. As the trip progresses, it’s evident the “bad guys” are stepping up the action to keep the product from delivery. Shots are fired, trucks are damaged, family gets involved, and the two men, who have each other’s back, become closer than ever.

This is an adventure waiting to be picked up and read! The main characters are not only perfect for each other, they are in their forties and appreciate going slow so take the time to get to know each other well before any casual sexual activity. The story is meaty, intriguing, and thrilling, and there’s just the right amount of sexual tension to carry through until the danger is over and the guys have a chance to regroup and address their own needs. I just loved that. The story was uplifting, the secondary characters slotted in nicely to this story, and I can only assume we will see them in future stories of their own. I have always labeled Amy Lane an outstanding storyteller. Some of her works are my all-time favorites. This story ranks among the best. Definitely highly recommended.
7 reviews
October 22, 2024
This is NOT a standalone, this is the first book in a new series called the Princeton Royals, which Amy has been promising to write for several years now
It’s the story of the eldest son in the family and is full of laugh out loud humour, friendship, loyalty and love.
I won’t give you the siblings’ names, but they’re listed in the afterword, if you’re really impatient and once you’ve read the first chapter “The Royal Family Meeting” you might very well be really impatient.
What can I say? I REALLY LOVED this book, and can hardly wait for the rest of the series, (which is problematic because I feel that way about ALL Amy’s series (and even want her to turn standalones into series!) and yet she can only write one book at a time). I loved the family loyalty and camaraderie, I loved the growing romance between Val and Rory, I loved how staunch Val’s friendship was for Vinnie, I wanted to be a member of the Royal family when they described weekends at their parents. I wasn’t in a bad mood when I started it, but it definitely cheered me up, made me laugh and made me impatient to discover all the other siblings (even Laure and Proc who won’t be getting their own books), but also to get ALL the glimpses of all the siblings that will be sprinkled throughout the entire series.
And in addition to all that, there’s adventure and crazy driving with extremely large vehicles, and R&R with a hot tub.
The only thing more I could ask for is the other books in the series - and they’re coming, though not right away.
Profile Image for Diane Pohn.
16 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2024
In the interest of transparency, I was offered an advanced reader copy of the book in exchange a fair review.
The book Riding Shotgun was great fun although I found myself angry with the author at the end because there was no more book. I was deeply ensconced in the characters and the plot and wanted more and more and more, but this is true of almost everything by Amy Lane. The story of Val and Rory revolves around the premise that Val has 24 hours to drive a big rig from Bakersfield California to Austin Texas while being tailed by people who want to stop him at all cost. Val is conned into hiring Rory by his family, which is really a romantic set up, hoping to find Val the man of his dreams, his forever dreams. At first Rory is merely interested in a short affair, but the more time he spendsin Val’s company the more time he wants to spend, as they book it from Bakersfield to Austin Rory and Val fall in love, but will this love survive their mundane daily lives? The characters are compelling and Show great range of growth as well as being intriguing in and of themselves. I found myself wanting to know more and more about the Royal family. I would highly recommend this book. It would be a lovely read by the fire this winter so long as the fire is in the fireplace. As I say in almost every review of an Amy Lane book, I absolutely love this author and she doesn’t write anything I don’t love, I would read her grocery list her to do list her phonebook you name it but this was fun compelling read. Five out of five stars would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer R.
93 reviews8 followers
October 22, 2024
Val Royal has a reputation for making sure sensitive deliveries get to their destination on time, so when his best friend asks him to deliver a shipment of bull semen from California to Texas, he can't say no. The prior shipments had issues in transit, so his buddy's ranch is now on the line if this shipment doesn't make it. Val confesses to one of his siblings that he is lonely, so his siblings hatch a plan to set him up with one of their former FBI co-workers as a security partner for the transport. Rory and Val have chemistry right off the bat, but Val is looking for a long-term partner, not a one night stand.

This book is fun, with both humor and a lot of action as parties that do not want this transport to make it to its destination start getting more and more forceful with their attempts to stop it. Val and Rory make a great team and start to trust each other with the job and their hearts. This is a great start to a new series. I loved both Val and Rory and their families. We get some glimpses into what some future pairings may be and I look forward to them getting their own books. Overall, a highly-recommended fun and thrilling story.
1,189 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2024
This book is an excellent example of why this author is an auto-buy for me. Loved the characters - all of them - as the secondary characters add to the fabric and feel of the story. The MCs Val and Rory are genuine, serious in their professions, supportive with family and friends, smart, and badass. Both are great as parents (in the case of Val, as the oldest with his siblings). They interact respectfully with one another and are mature enough to discuss and figure out what they might want from each other before they step into anything. Initially, they appear to want different things, but some conversation and introspection show that maybe they aren't so far apart in their dreams. The action is bizarre and intense. The plot was unique and creative in resolving the situation. I truly hope that this is the first of ongoing visits to these characters and their world.
Profile Image for Vicky.
Author 26 books69 followers
November 25, 2024
Thoughts: This was a fun, quick read. I liked Val and his entire family! I want to know that family! Rory was good too and his devotion to his son was well done. What didn’t work well for me was the instant relationship. Okay, the author did hold off the hot sex for at least a week, but that part of the story just didn’t grab me. However, the whole trucker vibe did. My brother was a cross-country driver and I got to see his cab. Those things are amazing. And them trying to stay away from the bad guys was fun and adventurous. Overall, it’s a quick, fun story with lots of action and some hot sex. And a HEA that satisfies.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Profile Image for Misc.
283 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2025
As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, it was just way too elementary as far as the romance aspect was concerned, and too exposition-heavy even for a first book in a series that’s obviously trying to set up for future couples in future entries. Was Amy Lane’s writing always this banal and unappealing? I felt nothing for the main characters whatsoever, both as individuals and as a couple. The banter didn’t hit, the instant attraction was a bore, the lengthy exposition-infused conversations were drab, and I’m sure the sex was not fabulous either - not that I’d know because I found myself skimming scenes concerning them way before that point, and only stuck around for tidbits on the rest of the Royal clan’s siblings. Even then, the way those characters were described was very ham-fisted and unnatural at times, because it was framed as (stilted) dialogues between the characters, and no one actually talks that way in any manner of conversation. What a disappointment.
Profile Image for Zane Kage.
3,385 reviews32 followers
October 24, 2024
4.5 stars

If you’re looking for the usual Amy Lane tear-your-heart-out-and-make-you-cry read, you’re not going to get it. What you will get is a story that is funny, fluffy, sweet, and one hell of a ride.

Introducing the Royals, the wacky family with so much heart and so much love, and wow, are they hilarious. Val and Rory are great together, whether they’re getting to know each other, dealing with each other, danger, or family shenanigans. And just because it isn’t angsty doesn’t mean it isn’t real. This book is full of honesty, candor, and humor, with a slow burn that is so worth the wait.

A shipment of bull jizz, you say? What could go wrong? So much. But apparently so much can go right, too. An awesome start to a new series, and I can’t wait for the next.

***ARC for review***
Profile Image for Jambrea Jones.
Author 101 books165 followers
October 8, 2024
Is it too soon to be ready for more? I enjoyed this story so much!! Not just the main characters, but all the siblings! And their names are awesome. I love the reason behind them.

The story is fun and one of Amy's light and fluffy ones with a bit of sleuthing going on and some tense action.

Rory is a great partner for Val and Rory NEEDS Val more than he realizes. This is a story that needs to be re-read a few times while waiting for more in the series. I want to get to know Val's parents more as well as the siblings.

When you have a story with a great main character and the supporting characters are JUST as good, you know you have an awesome story and this was... pretty awesome.

Must Read.
Author 3 books39 followers
December 20, 2024
I started reading this book and then had to put it down – I’d just started a pre-op diet and this book was just completely and utterly filled with delicious food. It was torturous!

Having made it through surgery, I returned to the book and I am so glad that I did. This was a fabulous adventurous ride into a whole new Amy Lane family and I am so here for it! Val and Rory were so good together – even before the sex – and the way that their relationship built was a pleasure to read. The plot-line was alternately hilarious, entertaining and informative, and meeting all of the family members and seeing them together was wonderful.

So pleased I had this as my week before Christmas read because this family – by blood, found and made – is what Christmas should be about!
Profile Image for Becca.
3,222 reviews47 followers
October 26, 2024
I knew this was going to be the absolute best book as soon as I read the family meeting texts. That set the tone for the whole book and I laughed so hard. I also have to say...without giving a spoiler....I called it with Anthony, and Reg. I called it. I knew it lol. I feel so much like Rory. I grew up with siblings but we were never close...lots of crap too. I've always wanted a family like Val's. This was such a beautiful story. And yes, Amy always makes me cry. But the cry is worth it. With the setup at the end, I have a feeling about the next 3 books of this series 🤣🤣🤣. I'm not going to lie when I say I want Reg's to be next. Thanks to Amy for another amazing book!
Profile Image for Kk.
1,893 reviews14 followers
October 26, 2024
Great book...

There is a lot of leadup to the relationship and two characters getting over themselves to say yes, I want that! While I have had family who were truck drivers, I had never considered the issues that arise from that profession. Though honestly, I would have felt sorry for anyone who tried to jack their rig.

The story revolves around truck shipping, heists, and bull semen ...lots of puns there too lol. I can see this as the beginning of new series with lots of siblings who can be the love interest of future books. I can definitely see the next book being either Chance/Marcus or Anthony/Reg.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,729 reviews8 followers
October 22, 2024
Great new series

As a fan of the author, I know without a doubt that the story I'm about to read could include sweet romance, spicy, intimate moments, fast-paced action, mystery, and found family.
This one has it and so much more.
I really enjoyed Val and Rory being mature
characters.
Val is a grumpy trucker hauling precious cargo on a hard deadline in order to save his friends business.
Rory is a former FBI agent, now a gun range owner who takes some security jobs .
These two were great together, and there's lots of hijinks as others try to take their cargo.

23 reviews
October 22, 2024
This novel does a good job of catching enough of the reality of the characters' experiences as to be getting on with. People familiar with trucking might have nitpicking soothed by one of the leads being the head of his own trucking company.

This novel well encompasses the feeling of running down the road, trying to balance speed and human needs, veering occasionally into action movie territory. Over all, very much worthy of being called romantic suspense!

I recieved a copy of this book for review purposes.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,664 reviews
October 23, 2024
This was such a fun book, a mix of action-adventure and romance featuring two sexy forty-somethings. I loved Val and Rory, and I appreciated the enthusiasm these men still had (they had more stamina than guys half their age!) There was a good bit of romantic comedy here, some overcoming self-doubt, violence and danger, and family and friends happy to push our heroes together.
I"m thrilled about this new series, and I think this was a fabulous start. I can't wait to see which of Val's fascinating brothers will be the next to find love, and I look forward to more of this great family dynamic.
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,798 reviews
October 26, 2024
I giggle snorted through most of this story. Val's family has determined that he needs someone and that opening group text set the tone for the story! Grumpy Val is introduced to commitment shy Rory who has to figure out how to make the move on Val. Rory is helping Val deliver bull semen to his bf Vinnie's ranch but is not a smooth trucking adventure. I appreciated this story of two mature men, their love of family, their adult jobs, all while figuring out how to build a relationship. Rory especially has baggage while Val has the big meddling family.
I really want Reg's story :-)
Profile Image for MariF.
858 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2024
That was very entertaining. No angst (thank you, author!), predictable and light-hearted fun all-around.
I'm trying to wrap my head how it's possible to have so many gay kids in the same family but who cares as long as they are fun, hard-working and trustworthy. I loved the intrigue of their full names :)
I liked Rory and his precautious son, who acts more mature than his dad, and no stupid misunderstandings (my biggest pet peeve). Val and Rory talk thing out as adults, though some push and meddling from the families were needed.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Rachel.
115 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2024
Val and Rory’s chemistry is instant but while Val is looking for Mr. Right, Rory has always been Mr. Right Now. He’s been fine with that but something about this Royal sticks. I love a good meddling family setup and this one provides an interesting caper element too. It’s like fast and furious but with bull…stuff. And I definitely need a friend like Vinnie to vacation with! I can’t wait to read as the other brothers fall!
Profile Image for Dionne.
Author 1 book14 followers
October 25, 2024
This is a great start to a new series. It had the perfect mix of romance and action/mystery mixed with great side characters that will likely have their own book in the future. I really liked that the main characters are a little older than the average romance characters; it made it more believable that older characters are ready to settle down since they are comfortable with who they are and their life goals. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Profile Image for Lisa Guertin.
572 reviews11 followers
October 20, 2024
What a great start to a new series! I adore Val’s grumpy self so much. Plus it’s always nice to have older main characters that I can relate to. Rory’s personal life has been on hold for years, for reasons both good and bad. It’s time for him to man up and take a chance on love. I’m looking forward to stories for the rest of the Royal family!
466 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2024
This is the first book in the Princeton Royals Series. This was a wonderful start to a new series. What I loved most about this book was the humor, the action and the loyalty to family and friends. The characters are well developed and the pace is wonderful. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.