Laying Low

by Amy Lane

Anthony McCauley has always been easy to love. Kind, confident, and raised by parents who never let him doubt his worth, he's certain he can win over the shy, intriguing Reg Royal.

Instead, Reg assumes Anthony is flirting with his beloved little brother.

Reg has spent his life trying to stay invisible. Convinced that someone as bright as Anthony couldn't possibly want him, he keeps his distance—until Anthony's persistence finally begins to draw him out of his shell.

Then everything goes sideways.

Forced on the run with two teenagers hunted by ruthless criminals and a corrupt government agency, Anthony and Reg have no choice but to rely on each other. Anthony discovers the strength beneath Reg's quiet exterior, while Reg learns that Anthony's optimism is matched by unwavering loyalty. As danger closes in, friendship deepens into something impossible to ignore.

Protecting two kids may be the hardest thing they've ever done. But trusting that they deserve each other might be even harder.
Laying Low delivers slow burn, forced proximity, and a found-family road trip where two men falling in love have to out-hack a cartel, a mob boss, and their own government to keep two teenage runaways alive. Perfect for readers who take their opposites-attract pining tender and their on-the-run suspense breathless.

Genres: M M Romance

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2026

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

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, I did not rush through this one. I just read it a lot (a lot) over less than three days, is all. The couple dynamic is great, the crisis and series of solutions was interesting and tense. The commentary was right on. Ready for book 4!

[Dianepohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all transparency, I was given an Advanced Readers Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. And honestly I loved this book.

Reg Royal and Anthony MacCauley are just starting the mating dance, when it’s interrupted by an emergency people smuggling job. Reg volunteers in the art department at the local high school, and two of his favorite students are caught in the crosshairs between ICE and two rival drug kingpins. Because Reg’s family has the wherewithal to smuggle the boys into Canada to keep them safe, Reg and Anthony volunteer to make the dangerous trip.
Reg is a computer consultant and Anthony owns and runs a shooting range with his father. Reg, being second youngest in a large family has spent his life hiding in plain sight, never fully feeling like he’s being seen. For Anthony however he not only sees Reg, he is instantly smitten, and has spent months trying to subtly woo Reg, and make him feel seen. Reg has finally not only agreed to a first date, but initiated it, when trouble comes knocking at a nearby door. Reg volunteers in the art department of a local school, and two of his favorite students find out (as does the rest of the town) they’re being hunted by not only an unscrupulous pseudo government militia(ICE), but also by each other’s families, partly because they are gay and in love. It seems that Ilia and Reynaldo have both been living near Bakersfield to distance themselves from their crime cartel families.
Being on the run does not make for the most romantic of circumstances, but both pairs of men hope to make the most of their time, even under the most dangerous of conditions. Can they make it to Canada safely, legally and still in love?
This lovely midnight snack of a book had me on the edge of my seat. It was virtually unputdownable, except for pharmaceutical influence, I would have read straight through the night. I loved this book, which is no surprise, as I have yet to come across an Amy Lane book I didn’t love. Granted, I have swatches of time where reading is undesirable, so there have been some deferred readings, but once I’ve read them I love the heck out of them and would willingly as well as eagerly reread them at the drop of a hat. Amy Lane is hands down my favorite author, and I’ve threatened to camp out in her front yard waiting to rifle through the trash for any discarded snippets( why oh why is carbon paper no longer a necessity, along with written on paper, technology sucks). Sadly I fear there is likely a restraining order out on me, a trespass at the very least, and I’m not built for camping. I have allergies from March to December, so I leave the house as little as possible during my allergy seasons. And my mom raised me to believe that the outdoors is out to get you, so, really camping is not my first choice, but I’d do it. Anyway, point being I heartily recommend this book, a perfect beach read, even if you have to import the sand to your nice, air conditioned living room so the outdoors doesn’t cook you. So ten out of five stars, for damn sure.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planes, Boats, and Automobiles

Amy Lane has a distinct style that combines action, romance, humor, and righteous anger to create gripping stories that have you laughing one minute – and sitting on the edge of your chair the next.

I’ve been looking forward to the next installment of the Princeton Royals series, and immediately began reading as soon as this ARC arrived. For context, the Royal family has seven siblings, six brothers and one sister, of whom all are gay except one brother and the sister. The children all have education-themed names, in this case Registrar (Reg).

Reg is the second youngest in the family, an artist, and a computer genius. He has freelance work, and volunteers with the art program in a local school. He also works really hard to not be noticed, feeling he’s not that important. What he hasn’t ever done is get a degree beyond an Associate of Arts!

Reg and family friend Anthony are present at a student art fair as a volunteer when masked men with guns show up, claiming to be ICE (they aren’t), demanding one of the students - Reynaldo. The art teacher stalls them while Reg and Anthony spirit Reynaldo and his friend Ilia away to his family’s hiding space. Meanwhile, someone has called actual ICE – and ICE shows up at the Royals’ home. With the help of Reg’s brothers, a plan to get Ilia and Reynaldo out of danger is developed.

Over a few days, with the occasional help of kind strangers, Reg, Anthony, and the boys try to lay low all the way to Canada. Often stuck in the same bed, albeit with the two boys in another in the same room, Reg and Anthony begin falling in love. Lane brilliantly uses Julie Royal – mother of the siblings – to communicate with the boys’ families. Older women are invisible, after all. The use of a boat to shake off pursuers is also a stroke of genius. This is a fun book, and a great addition to the Royals’ adventures.

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

First impression: Yay, I get to hang out with the Royals again!
Second impression: Here we go on a wild ride again!
Third impression: Whoa, this is kind of deep.
And finally: Phew! I’m so glad it all worked out!

Okay. So. The third book in the Princeton Royals series (they do need to be read in order; they are not standalones) is like the first two in some ways.

We’ve got humor of the laugh-out-loud kind—OMG, so funny.
Adventure as always—be ready for the crazy.
Romance—Anthony continues his wooing of Reg, and this friends to lovers slow burn is just so freaking sweet and adorable you HAVE to smile. Shy, almost invisible Reg is finally SEEN. And fought for. Love it!

Side note: If you read this author you know she weaves politically charged situations into the narrative, and in this case it’s definitely reflective of current times. I love the way it’s written seamlessly into the storyline and her characters are heroes who save the day and right those wrongs as best as they can. I am so here for it. Honorable mention to Ilia and Reynaldo, the kids at the center of this plot. So sweet, so real, and yes, now so safe.

I am also here for the Royal family—they’re one of a kind, just as wacky as in the previous books, and still with so much heart, so much love. So imperfectly perfect. They bring me such joy. Equally joyous is the text thread between Anthony and the Royal family—minus Reg. That may well have been my favorite story arc.

HEA for Anthony and Reg won. HFN for the Royal family…until the next adventure…and I can’t wait. Straight to the re-read pile this goes!

ARC

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laying Low by Amy Lane is about Reg and Anthony, the third installment of the Princeton Royals series. Anthony has had a crush on the quiet, almost shy Reg for a while now and has decided to take a leap and ask him out. Reg, ever the most prepared for the worst, has a hard time believing he is worthy of Anthony and thinks he would be better off with his brother Chance. Anthony has been finding little pockets of hidden pockets of talent such as painting and computer science that just fascinates Anthony and wants to learn more. So when they find themselves in a precarious position with Reynaldo and Ilia who are his art students and family members of Bratva, a cartel kingpin and to top off with the federal government after them too, Reg and Anthony find out that all Reg’s preparedness has worked out to their advantage and also pushes Reg to limits when he needs to protect those boys with their lives. I really loved this slow burn story of Reg trying to keep everyone safe to his own detriment from a quiet trauma none of his family knew about. Anthony, by his side no matter what, wants Reg to see he is so smart and talented that he needs to show his family the real Reg and not the one who keeps parts of himself quiet or invisible for everyone's safety. Amy has a wonderful way of pulling you in immediately, doesn't let you go until the last word and keeps you wanting more even with using scary current events that gives you hope that we will find our own way to right the wrongs. I love this series and cannot wait for the next installment.

[Splash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed this royal family!!

It was a bit harder for me to get into this one just because I unfortunately didn't have the time to reread books one and two before getting into this one. Though I still noticed that this one had a slightly different feel to it. I don't know whether it was the circumstances in the book (ICE does play a role in it), the different characters (Reg is his own very special man) or if it's just the time we're in right now and the difference was completely in my mind. Who knows. No matter the differences, this book is still amazing and Amy Lane is 100 % amazing.

We already noticed in book 1 that Rory's son, Anthony, has an interest in Reg. Though Reg being Reg sends him away. Fast forward a few months, they've become friends and Anthony is very much working towards the "and more" part. And then circumstances happen, people saving is needed and they two instantly form a deeper bond.

As I said, I love the family. In this book we saw that no family is perfect, not even the Royals. But they're still doing a really good job towards it.

Now I can't decide on whose book I wanna read next. I guess it might be Chance's because it feels like Sal still needs a bit of time, but Amy might surprise us here. No matter which one comes next, I'm gonna inhale it anyways.

[Lisa1269 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 *'s “Sometimes, human connection was all you needed to keep the world from spinning so fast it threw you off”
I loved these characters, so much. I enjoy Amy Lane’s narrative voice so much and this entire series has been no exception. Laying Low turns the spotlight on sweet, shy Reg, who’s spent most of his life making himself invisible but who struggles with what that means as Anthony strips away the layers to reveal who he is beneath the self-effacement. And Anthony. He’s so steadfast, strong and unwavering, he’s the perfect, patient balance for Reg, who needed someone not only to see him, but who is also willing to wade into the chaos of this family. The sweet, the spice, the pace, all of it came together for me and kept me turning pages well after my bedtime.
As always, Amy Lane doesn’t shy away from the current political reality, and as Reg and Anthony shepherd their wards to a safer life, knowing the threats weren’t entirely pulled from the depths of her imagination added a sense of urgency that was hard to accept at times. But also, as always, Amy Lane gives us a much needed victory over the bad guys and reminds us that hope is not a futile emotion, it’s a beacon in the dark.
I’m all in for this series and look forward to the next brother stepping into the sunshine.

[Jennifer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third installment of the Princeton Royals series features Anthony, Rory's son who we met in Riding Shotgun, and the shy Royal brother, Reg. From their first meeting, Anthony was drawn to Reg, but realizes he has to court him to make Reg believe that he is wanted. What I thought would be a slow burn romance quickly turns into a fast-paced adventure as Reg and Anthony try to stay a step ahead of the people after two teens. Many of the Royal friends and family are involved in the plan to keep the boys safe and it is always great to catch up with the extended family. The sibling group texts are hilarious as always. I adored Reg, who tries to stay invisible in his huge family, and how Anthony helps him see his worth and is not afraid to stand up for Reg with the Royal clan. When Reg explains why he acts the way he does, that was a gut-punch I wasn't expecting, but like many Amy Lane books, this story seamlessly blends humor, heart, and adventure. Shout out to Muffin, whose scenes I quite enjoyed. I look forward to the next book in this series, so we can see the remaining Royal brothers find their happily ever after.

[Jambrea Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Princeton Royals, and it has Reg, one of the youngest brothers. The one who worries. He has caught the eye of Anthony. Anthony wants to woo Reg, but Reg feels he should be with the youngest brother because Reg needs to remain invisible. This story shows how Anthony shows Reg he needs to shine, and I loved that aspect of the book.

These books have action. This one had action, but it was a little different from the first ones. The danger is there, but it is more of an on-the-run type of story. It does take present-day issues and weave them throughout the book, making it very topical for today's audience.

Amy Lane knows how to bring it all together, take you on a ride and make you happy at the end.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting for this story. This was one of them anyway. Lol there are more I'm waiting for from Amy. But this family...I want them all for my own. Especially Reg. Reg captured my heart from the very first moment I laid eyes on him. He's the most beautiful soul. I can't describe him well enough. I can't think of the right words to fully give him to show how beautiful I think he is. And I love how Anthony loves him. This was another tear jerker for me. Highly recommend tissues when reading this family. They go through it, but I'm glad Reg finally saw how much he meant to people. This was such a great book. This series is so good. Can't wait to see what's coming next!

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Princeton Royals series. This was a wonderful addition to this series, with adventure, humor, slow burn romance, and family secrets revealed. I love this family; they have such interesting adventures to go along with their education themed names. This book does a great job of bringing some todays issues into the story and dealing with them. The characters were well developed and the pace made it hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I judge a book by how much I want to cry this would be much more than 5 stars; I read most of this book with tears in my eyes. The characters were sympathetic, the plot tense and sad but also hopeful. All I can say is I’m so glad I don’t live in the USA. The Royals are a unique family and one the world needs more of. However, I read for escape and this was a little too real and depressing at times.

I find the covers of this series so deceiving though. Bright colours and smiles, while the content is so much more stressful!

I do look forward to the other brothers finding their person.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read!

Any Amy Lane book is always on my must buy list, and again I loved every word of it. Good read, I highly recommend it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I just talked to you and fell. I guess I figured waiting for you to join me in the fall was worth it.”

So timely, so poignant, so tender! I raged, I laughed, I effing loved it!