Running Scared

Princeton Royals #2

by Amy Lane

Bailey Dodge is an overworked ER doctor with a needy cat and no life until FBI Agent Dean Royal seduces him in the hospital where he works and then leaves him, sure the whole interlude was a one-time thing.

Dean has other plans, showing up at Bailey's door again, and again, and again…. Dean is ready to keep seducing Bailey into accepting his presence, at least until Bailey forces a small reckoning, and surprise! Baring his soul as well as his body to Bailey is as easy as breathing. Who knew?

Then Bailey witnesses a murder in the hospital, and suddenly Dean is forced to do more than tell Bailey about his job and family. He's forced to let Bailey see the reality of an agent's life and hope their bond is strong enough for Bailey to trust that Dean will come back—every time. But Bailey has lost a lover to the greater good before, and he no longer trusts in fate to take care of his heart. Still, the Royal family is a force stronger than fate, and when Dean goes missing tracking down the hit men on Bailey's tail, Bailey turns to them to help bring the middle Royal home.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

​

​“I think you fell in love with me the same way I fell in love with you​.”​

It didn't quite have the same spark, but for the way in which Dr. Dodge and Junior G-Man's relationship kicked off into high gear with an immediate if not instantaneous explosive combustion of desires; followed by meeting up occasionally without really talking about their lives or their feelings - or as Bailey feared, just a booty call - then maybe it fits their mold. 😕 But, I don't know, I know how important family was to Bailey - to find that place where he wouldn't feel so alone - and the Royals gave him the royal treatment (pun intended) for their beloved brother who deserved all the happiness. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

I would have loved to have seen more of them - together, where I got to see just how exactly Dean Royal had deftly become a part of Bailey’s soul. I mean, I was still reeling from the whiplash in which Dean staked his claim to suddenly time's passed and they've already imprinted upon one another. But, maybe it's an example of where absence makes the heart grow fonder, and distance allows them both to realize what they're both missing in their lives was someone they wanted to come home to. 🌼🌼 But, with barely a glaze of them connecting before things worsened, they were all sky-diving (literally!) apart, just to keep them both safe.

“I’ve gotcha,” Dean said softly in his ear. “I’ve gotcha. We gotta hurry in a minute, but just remember that. I’ve gotcha.”



And yeah, I get how they were both Running Scared from admitting how either of them had wormed their way into each other's hearts. I see how Bailey saw how considerate and thoughtful Dean was about him; I get how Dean went through hell and high ground (again, literally !) for him. ☠️ I get how he resolutely knew that Bailey would only truly feel safe with his ride or die - his family. I just wish most of the good qualities of Dean could have been witnessed by Bailey, rather than having his siblings regale him with stories of who may be this family’s biggest pain in the ass, but you are also our pride and joy and who he would do anything to keep safe. 😌

Maybe that was the missing key Bailey needed that Dean understood so perfectly, that he implicitly trusted his family to take care of. 🫂 And they were nothing if not welcoming and loving and trusting and caring and kind and insightful and just as determined if not invested in Bailey's own keen desperation to find Dean. I teared up at one the memories the brothers shared of their childhood; it was so sweet and pure and just so precious that made me wish I had brothers like them. 🥲

“I’d do a lot to come home to a man like you.”

Admittedly, I did lose interest during Dean and Marcus' escapades. Hey, I wanted the romance, don't judge me if I wasn't in it for the action, too! 😭 But, the two of them share a loving and heartfelt and trusting camaraderie, along with a side helping of a very amusing, if not loyal pilot, Birdie, and a few other promotional cameos, that kinda kept the danger afloat and alive. 💣

But, if you're in the mood for some fast-loving, chaotic goodness with a great helping of found family making you feel all warm and fuzzy - especially for a thirty-four-year-old ER doctor, who has seen more than his fair share of heartache and heartbreak - then this might just tickle your pickle for how easily he embraced this mess of love and kindness and fun and entanglements and life. 🥹 I mean, the brothers were a doll and a droll. Each of them charmed Bailey with their spirit and kindness and proved to him why Dean was the perfect guy for him.

As for the future couples. Knowing my slight disgruntlement with age gaps, I'm not sure how I still feel about chance and Marcus, but considering much of the groundwork has been approved already, it's only a matter of time - their words, not mine - before someone will actually light the fuse. Anthony and Reg were what I was looking forward to, but with how oblivious Reg is atm with Tony's obvious interest, I'm curious to see how it'll persist. 🧐 I'm actually now curious to see who will win sal's affections; there's hurt and pain, I believe shrouding his heart from letting anyone in - almost as if he's punishing himself for inadvertently being the cause of his sister's grief - which will probably take a big-hearted soul to pull him out of his self-imposed isolation and loneliness. 🥺

Well, that's my take anyway. I look forward to being proven wrong. 🥰

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only started reading this full length novel yesterday, more evidence that Amy Lane has my number as a reader. This one has more danger than the first book, but I enjoyed the emotional evolution even more. I was glad I'd reread #1, it helped me keep track of who's who in Dead's large family.

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

15% is 1st chapter of next book; MCs not "together" in any meaningful sense for more than 10% of the book.

[Jambrea Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the Princeton Royals series, but I have to say, Running Scared was even better. I think it was the action and the edge-of-your-seat parts that I enjoyed. The whole family is awesome, and it is great to see them and wonder who might be next in the series. There are a couple of possibilities. The family is its own character in the story, and I love that dynamic.

Dean is a different kind of hero and it was great to dig into his character and find out what makes him tick and Bailey is just what Dean needs.

I think this is a must read and I'm ready for book 3.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Royals are back, and better than ever! This is Dean Royal’s book, the FBI agent with fierce loyalty, and an intellect that is “triple-folded-carbonite-steele kind of sharp” as he is described by his FBI partner Marcus.

Marcus meets doctor Bailey Dodge at the end of the first Royal book, “Riding Shotgun”. You don’t need to have read that book prior to this one, but it does help, because the characters in this story are all mentioned, and played a part in Val Royal’s book. Doctor Bailey Dodge is a heartbroken emergency room physician that throws himself into work, after the death of his previous boyfriend to covid. Bailey catches the eye of Dean Royal, and sparks immediately fly, ending in a tryst in the doctor's sleep quarters. Even though Dean is a busy agent, he always finds himself back in the arms of the sweet ER doctor, allowing him rest and rejuvenation.

As with all Amy Lane books, this is a story about a found family. The Royal family is large, rowdy, and in each other’s business. However, they all love each other deeply, and have a sense of protectiveness, and fierce loyalty. Bailey describes them as this: “They weren’t rich or educated-but by God the Royal family was fine. And noble. And all of the things a family was supposed to be.”

This story is funny, snarky, action packed, and a book you will want to read straight through. There are plenty of future possibilities for books about the other Royal siblings. I for one am looking forward to reading this fun, exciting adventure.

[Sadhbh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impatient to read this second book in the Princeton Royals series, given how much I had loved Riding Shotgun
This was Dean’s story – he’s the FBI brother, and I was thrilled that it’s just as full of laugh out loud humour, friendship, loyalty and love as Riding Shotgun was.
We learn a little more about the siblings and their names, but a lot more about the family dynamic and what it means to be a Princeton Royal.
What can I say? I REALLY LOVED this book, and now am even more impatient for the rest of the series. I fell more in love with the family loyalty and camaraderie, I loved the adventure which given the FBI and the cartels and the Russian mob was even crazier than in the first book. One of my favourite parts was Dean and Bailey learning to communicate without getting upset, and Bailey’s acceptance of Marcus as Dean’s work husband. I also loved the Easter eggs. But now we have to wait for the other brothers’ books.
Of course we think we know what two of the other books will be about, but while Sal’s book will be intriguing, I think I’m most impatient for Reg’s, given all we learned about him in this book. That’s not to rule out Chance, who may turn out to be as (if not more) unexpected and intriguing as Reg.
But for me the best part of the rest of the series will be the continuing glimpses of the entire family as it gets bigger, and discovering what each brother really means by being someone’s “ride or die”

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Royals are back! In a callback to the first book (Riding Shotgun), FBI agent Dean Royal meets ER Doctor Bailey Dodge after older brother Val Royal ‘pulls nearly every muscle in his body’ while driving a semi-truck and avoiding being hijacked. Dean likes what he sees enough to track Bailey down and ‘help him sleep’ in the on call lounge. Bailey, who hadn’t been intimate with anyone since the death of his partner four years earlier, was overwhelmed – and realistically never expected to see Dean again. But Dean keeps showing up.

Fortunately, Dean’s in town when Bailey finds a body and witnesses the killers returning to retrieve something they left behind. Dean immediately calls in reinforcements and hatches a plan to keep Bailey, and his family, safe – while also tracking the bad guys. Once again, Amy Lane delivers a story filled with action, love, and humor. Lots of things go boom, we glimpse a few future couples, and get to visit with characters from a previous series.

Seriously, I would love to see this as a filmed mini-series someday. If you haven’t yet read Riding Shotgun, it would help to go back and read it first, but it’s not strictly necessary. And, after Running Scared? Go read the Search and Rescue series while you’re waiting for the next Royals book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes you on a wild adventure. I started it later at night and thought I would just read half and save the rest for the next night, but be warned, once you start you won't want to put it down. I ended up finishing it in one sitting at 2am. We met Dean and the rest of the Royals in the first book of the series, and this book starts when Dean meets Val's doctor, Bailey, after the events of the last book. You don't need to have read the prior book to follow along in this one, but it would increase your enjoyment to be familiar with the cast of characters. Dean and Bailey hook up, and Bailey thinks it was a one-time thing, but Dean keeps showing up when he is in town. Then Bailey is in danger and Dean needs to protect him. I will say that this book is a little more about friendship, family, and adventure than the romance, as some of their early interactions happen off page and then they are apart for big chunks of the book while Dean goes after the bad guys. But, I loved seeing the friendship between Dean and Marcus and watching Bailey interact with his dad and all of the Royals. The whole thing was very charming. I enjoyed the adventure and couldn't wait to see what happened next. We even get a cameo from our favorite search and rescue pilots. This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for more of the Royals.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one writes found family like Amy Lane. No one.

I absolutely adored Dean and Bailey's story. What really made it special for me was that beautiful, chaotic, heartfelt family time. Seeing so many familiar faces again felt like coming home, and this book is packed with them.

Dean and Bailey first met during a hospital visit after the whole fiasco from book one. What started out as an undefined friends-with-benefits situation quickly shifted into something deeper, especially once Bailey got accidentally tangled up in one of Dean’s cases and suddenly had to get the hell out of town.

And that’s when both of them fell in love… just not exactly in each other's presence. For Dean, falling in love meant doing whatever it took to protect Bailey. For Bailey, falling in love meant falling for Dean’s family.

It was perfect.

I’m already counting down the days until the next one - Reg and Anthony? Chance and Marcus? Sal and… someone, please?! And we can't forget that Laure needs to find someone.

[Misc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tempted to give this a 1 star rating rn because honestly wtf is this book?? What even was the writer thinking, condensing such a crucial part of a budding romantic relationship into a few paragraphs smack dab in the 2nd chapter, giving it the “off page” treatment when it’s not the plot but the characters’ actual interactions during such emotionally precarious and potentially swoon-worthy scenes that make or break the story? The author is aware that this is a romance book right??

This series felt off from the very first chapter of the first book, and now is the point where I bide it adieu for good despite genuinely liking all the characters and being interested in getting to know them more. I just can’t with this writing style and how the story unfolded anymore. It seems more engaged in setting up hints for upcoming books most of the time instead of really focusing on the couple each book is supposed to revolve around, and some narrating choices are truly bizarre when it comes to developing the romance. I’m out.

[Ilana Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second outing with the Royal Family? Don't have to ask me twice!

Following another member of the Royals was quite fun, as was the indication that the theme of roping in additional family members as collateral d'aweage as the romantic leads' bond sets may be an ongoing one. I appreciate Amy's hand for weaving in the relationships of the supporting cast members to each other and the leads.

As with the previous installment of the Princeton Royals the level of action is very much befitting of the characters leading the story.

This installment has simply cemented my fondness for the Royal family and their determination to make family a blessing.

I look forward to seeing were the journeys of this family take me and the rest of the readers who are lucky enough to come along for the ride!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

With everything going on in my life and around the world, I had honestly forgotten, somewhat, about this crew. Not forgotten, per se, but it lapsed. And jumping back into this was absolutely something I needed. It had slipped my mind how much I love this family, these characters, and totally wished I had a family like them. And now, with Bailey & Connor added to the mix, it's made this eclectic bunch that much better. I always laugh so hard with the hijinks & the quips, and cry with the heartache. And having Reg be a focus, like he so needs to be, made my heart...burn. I absolutely love Bailey for that. Like with everything Amy writes, this book will take you on the emotional rollercoaster ride. But it's worth every laugh, every tear. I hope to see more from the Royal's very soon. Because Sal needs to come home. Don't miss out on this series!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Scared is the second book in the Princeton Royals series, and it focuses on another couple it's easy to care about. I love how quickly the hospital hookup between Dean and Bailey turns into so much more. When Bailey is in danger, Dean and his FBI partner Marcus spring into action to keep him safe and send Bailey to stay with the Royal family.
A big part of the book takes place with Dean and Bailey in separate locations, but this gives each man time to reflect on their feelings and hopes for a future together. When they are together, they truly click.
I like this couple so much, and I love their story. The Royals and those close to them are a wonderful group. I'm excited to see more from this fun and loving group.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Scared by Amy Lane is the 2nd installment of the Princeton Royals Series. The story picks up after Val was in the hospital from book one. Dean, an FBI agent, checking on his Val meets Bailey. Bailey, an ER doctor who was tired and felt like a walking zombie until Dean entered his life. But Bailey never knew how long he would have Dean because of his job and made it clear he needed more from Dean. When Bailey finds a coworker murdered he calls Dean for help. Thus chaos ensues with the whole Royal family in search of Dean and keeping Bailey safe. I really loved Dean & Bailey with their unusual love story and crazy plans to keep each other safe.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Princeton Royals series and it picks up where the first book left off, this time focusing on Dean after he met Bailey in the ER. I loved the development of the relationship between Dean and Bailey, especially as Dean was so clueless on how frustrated Bailey was when he thought he was just a booty call to Dean. Bailey finds out differently when he is a witness to a murder and Dean has to ride to the rescue. We get to see a little more of the Royal family and a little teaser of some of the relationships that might be the focus of future books (Anthony & Reg, I’m looking at you!). I hope we don’t have to wait long for the next book.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the worlds of Amy Lane. And is often the case we have a little meet up with friends from the Search and Rescue series. Bailey is an ER doctor that is trying to get through each day after COVID. Suddenly one of the Royal’s shows up in the ER and it really stirs up his life. Dean has a knack for trying to keep his family safe and getting himself and his partner Marcus into and out of situations. And when all of these worlds collide it takes a family the size of a village to unravel the whole thing. I really love this 2nd book in the series. I can’t wait to find out whose next on the matchmaker’s list. #CMCon26

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are alot of characters in this book especially Dean's family. I didn't read book 1 and on second thoughts I probably should have.
However, it was a little slow to start with but then once Bailey witnessed the assassins at the hospital and Dean whisked him away to hiding out with his family the pace picked up.
Dean and his FBI partner Marcus were on the trail of a Mexican cartel and the action then jumped to Mexico.
Dean's family were great with Reg finding Marcus and Dean and instigating a recovery.
I think I should go back and read book 1.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Princeton Royals series. This is a wonderful book full of adventure, family and humor. The characters are fabulous and the pace makes it hard to stop reading, even when you have to go to work. I love how this book has a large boisterous family that is so accepting. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series. I feel this book can be read as a stand-alone, but it is so much better read in the series.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!! Do not start this unless you have time as you will want to read it all in one go. This grabs you from the beginning. I love Bailey and Dean but also love seeing all the Royals and how loyal they are with each other. You get hints of the couples we will see in further books within this series. We also get the typical Amy easter egg's with characters from another series. Must read for any Amy Lane fan.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give 5 stars freely, but I love the Royal family. Big, loud, in your business and oozing love. FBI agent Dean sets his eyes on Bailey and doesn't forget. Bailey, working in the hospital where is lover died from covid, doesn't know what he has with Dean who just shows up. When Bailey witnesses a dead man, all bets are off and it's all about staying alive. Also, a new favorite is Bird the pilot. What a hoot. As always, the next story is not coming fast enough.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey is the doctor who helped Val.
Dean tracks him down and they have an explosive encounter.
Bailey doesn't quite know how to process what just happened because he's still healing from the loss of his partner.
He then becomes embroiled in one of Dean's cases and is in danger.
There's lots of fast-paced action, danger, and drama.
There's also plenty of humor and found family.

[Lindsay Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing follow up to book 1. This one is chock full of action and adventure. A small town physician meets a G-man by chance and starts a whirlwind affair. They are brought closer together when an FBI case strikes a rural hospital. Dean and Bailey are forced together by danger but their mutual attraction burns hotter than the case. A daring rescue ensues and love wins the day.

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you start this book, make sure your seatbelt is fastened and your tray table is in a secured upright position, then hang on for a wild ride with Bailey and Dean. I adore the Royal family and their open, welcoming manner. They are just what Bailey and his dad need after Bailey witnesses a Bratva hit.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the Princeton Royals series, Running Scared was full of action, danger, family, with dash of humour to keep it from being dark. While not angsty, there is a fair amount of introspection and tension. I really liked the characters and their dynamics.

Although the scenarios we’re fantastical, as the authors forward said - it’s a work of fiction. There is some social commentary and the past Covid pandemic plays an unexpected role.

I look forward to more of the brothers finding their HEAs

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Likeable characters and an interesting story. I loved the crossover with the search and rescue characters. Looking forward to the next one.

[T.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean & Bailey

Bailey is a ER Doctor, Dean is an FBI agent. They meet when Dean’s Brother Val is brought into the ER, they have a moment after Val has been settled. Dean keeps turning up, and they become attached to each other. Bailey becomes a witness to the aftermath of a murder, Dean and his partner Marcus take Bailey somewhere safe while they go after the bad guys. In the end Bailey and Deans brothers with the help of the guys from Gecko Search & Rescue ride to their rescue to help in the aftermath of getting the bad guys.

I loved this book, it’s the second in the series and makes me want the others do badly!

[Diane Pohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

500/5. Would recommend. Too short.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ~ Outstanding follow-up to the first book. Dean and Bailey are wonderful plus so many phenomenal secondary characters. I can’t to see which brother’s book will be next!

[Lidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think that love parts and actions parts are well balanced but I don't care very much because I had fun, I was moved and read the book in a only breath. Do when the next Royal story?

[Dreamcatcher]

DNF @ 10%