Chasing Danger

Ruthless Empire

by Evie Riley

A surprising connection.
A risky lifestyle.
A true history revealed.

In a cozy coffee shop, flamboyant barista Oliver Grant uses his bubbly demeanor and flamboyant clothing to distract from the scars on his face and his belief that he is unlovable. What starts as casual conversations with a mysterious man over coffee becomes more as shared passions for classic cinema and art spark a deep connection.

Drawn by the perfect cup of coffee, D’Angelo Bianchi is unexpectedly captivated by a younger man’s vibrant personality and exceptional latte art. When an attack linked to his mafia ties threatens Oliver’s safety, the broody man’s protective instincts kick in, revealing a hidden heart of gold. As their relationship deepens, their bond is tested by additional threats and escalating violence.

Can their desire survive the ruthless dangers of D’Angelo’s world?

An intoxicating blend of passion, danger, and heartfelt romance, Chasing Danger is book two in a fierce world of gay male mafia romance. While interconnected, the books in this series can be enjoyed standalone.

Genres: M M Romance

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2025

About the author

Evie Riley believes too much time spent at the beach is barely enough. She enjoys spending time puttering in the garden, cooking yummy things for her family, and has a quirky personality, described by her partner as ranging from cute to deadly, depending on her blood-chocolate levels.

Evie crafts steamy gay male romance filled with all the edgy angst, or dark and gritty romantic suspense where her men must overcome difficult obstacles and may find love along the way while dishing out their own brand of justice.

Evie spends her nights writing bad boys in love, and her days wrangling the sweet boys she loves.

Reviews

[OnePieceOfReading · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just so bad in so many ways. Like why is a Mafia boss fidgeting that fucking much? He doesn't act like a real mafia boss.

In short: Writing TERRIBLE, MC's have no emotional chemistry, the dialogue is super CRINGE, the disabilities are handled weirdly and made me somewhat un-comfy (like, for their first date, Oliver brings his brother along but doesn't actually asks if he wants to come first before agreeing. IDK, like excuse me but his brother has agency.)

Re: MC's have no emotional chemistry in particular

The two MC's don't even seem to be on the same page on about what they want from a relationship. D'Angelo seems to still want just a hook up for the longest time and I'm not sure Oliver fully understands that? Like it seems like he wants to date? And then D'Angelo just goes with it bc thats what it takes to fuck Oliver(?). like half way through the book D'Angelo says the below, which just felt like a super douchebag thing to say.

D'Angelo: "Originally, I just wanted a distraction to keep me entertained while I was in town. But then I realized that you wouldn't just fall into bed. Winning you would require effort. I probably should have walked away at that point, but I liked the effort. It was refreshing."

These two MC's just have NO emotional chemistry and by the end I don't really believe that they actually are into each other and are really on the same page?? Like they stick together (AND THE ENDING IS SUPER ABRUPT), but like why?? D'Angelo seemed not very committed throughout this entire thing and Oliver just seems like he's trauma bonding without really knowing him.

IDK overall, I'm exhausted after rage reading this and I'm just tired and I have no idea how people can stand this type of writing and lack of MC building/ emotional chemistry.

Also, is this contemporary? Bc why is there pot dealing when it's been legal in Baltimore for years?

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from page 1 and took me on this wild ride into the world of the Italian and the Russian Mafias. We meet D’Angelo Bianchi, head of an upper level branch of the Italian mafia, right after he has dispatched his most recent lover for trying to kill him. With no time to waste, he is summoned to Baltimore by Alex Mariano, young head of the Italian mafia (and the MC of book 1, Courting Danger) to help with a problem with the Russian mafia, who will only deal with D’Angelo. Desperately in need of caffeine before his meeting, D’Angelo stops at a Coffee shop and is captivated by Oliver, the young barista and hopefully D’Angelo’s next conquest. Between wooing Oliver (who is young and relatively inexperienced due to scarring from his youth), and trying to work out the solution to the problem for Alex, both D’Angelo and Oliver are confronted with several dangerous situations and threats to their lives, a fifteen year old mystery is finally solved, and several buried secrets are unearthed that have a connection to the solution to Alex’s problem. There is serious emotional and physical wooing of Oliver, confrontational mafia encounters, gunfire and knife play, poisonings, kidnappings, danger on the high seas, family betrayal and a mystery solved, all leading up to Oliver’s choice to go with D’Angelo or remain with his family — want to guess his choice?

Engaging, compelling characters, lots of action, detailed and convoluted world building of the two mafia factions, violence and a bit of gore, what one does for love of family, and a slowly developing love that seems to be meant to be made for an intriguing story I was unable to put down. Humor, care and sensitivity, and a bit of “sitting on the edge of your seat” tension kept it from being too dark overall. Looking forward now for book 3, and maybe the deadliest mafia boss of them all. A really satisfying read.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The young man presented a charming portrait of contradictions. He was not only an olive branch of peace, but also a creature of wicked temptation.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. It was easy to get completely hooked to the story. D'Angelo beginning his chapter having killed a lover who suddenly tried to kill him definitely started the book with a kick. I also loved his bodyguards Eva and Gavriil from those first pages, and just how he was with them and in the situation.

I didn't think Oliver's opening chapter could top that, but it really reached my heart the way his family is struggling- slowly drowning- from their hardships: his younger brother's painful and costly battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy disease, the large burn on Oliver's face and the loss of their house that had burned down in a fire, his mother working to exhaustion, and his grandmother's disapproval of him. He was trying so hard but I could feel the hurt in him.

I loved the immediate chemistry between D'Angelo and Oliver, even when Oliver thought the handsome and clearly rich man couldn't possibly really be interested in him. I liked the pacing of their developing relationship. I was impressed by his care and thought for Rowan and thought it so sweet.

The story of course had danger and action and I was just as interested in the mafia aspect. A fantastic read. This is my first book by this author and I'm excited for more- though I have a feeling this one will always be my favorite. 5 stars.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists what a fantastic read
Oliver is a wonderful son, he works two jobs to help support his family and the nurse they need for his younger brother Rowan. His father walked away from them, not long after his brother was born, and then a fire left Oliver, with burns scars on his left side of his face arm and chest. so when a good looking hunk of a man comes into the café, he is about to close Oliver 1, tries to hide the left side of his face with his hair and 2, become shy. Oliver didn’t feel like he had much going for him, so when this man started to flirt, he ate it up.
D’Angelo is the head of the mafia, and just recently his string of lovers, all seem to think it was okay to try to kill him. So when he gets called to Baltimore to speak to another mafia boss to talk about an issue his first stop is a cafe for a cup of extra strong coffee. And this is where he meets Oliver. And within seconds, he knows he’s going to come back for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed that. Oliver didn’t back down with D’Angelo. Oliver had so much to learn about his past about his future, and thankfully he had D’Angelo there to help him with that. These two have such a strong connection and passion, and I just got totally lost in their story. What a brilliant read and I didn’t see the twist coming.

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

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this story had me hooked from page one! D'Angelo, the ruthless leader of the Bianca family, and Oliver, a hardworking barista devoted to his family, are an unlikely yet captivating pair.

D'Angelo is a character you don’t want to like, but you can’t help being drawn to his dangerous charm. The emotional struggles of Oliver's had me in tears at times.

The story is packed with nail biting action and twists that made me gaspung. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, something happened that left me stunned. It’s the kind of book where you find yourself saying “just one more chapter” until you realize you’ve read the whole thing in one day.

Although this is book 2 in the Ruthless Empire Series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend starting with book 1 to fully appreciate the backstories. Fans of romantic suspense with complex characters will absolutely love this one. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series!

I received this story from Booksprout to review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Chasing Danger: An MM Mafia Romance. D’Angelo isn’t a good man but he’s generous to those he cares about. Meeting Oliver was unexpected, he’s scared tries to hide himself but D’Angelo sees him. Oliver works hard to care for his family, it’s not enough but he does what he can within reason, still being a good boy. He knows meeting D’Angelo is life changing but not why, why would someone like him want someone like Oliver? When he finds out the truth he may not want D’Angelo any longer but he will protect him no matter what. I loved the story and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open to possibilities. Oliver, has facial scars. He uses his sassy over the top personality and his classy flamboyant dress as shields to distract and hide behind. He is self conscious and suffers from esteem issues. He is an artistic genius as a barista though. D'Angelo, loves his coffee! he is entranced by Oliver's Latte art as well as his personality. He likes getting his daily fix of caffein amd Ollie. When there is danger, his protective mode kicks in and he protects Ollie. Oliver adn D'Angelo get to know each other better and learn there are depts to the man. Great flow, likeable characters. The author creates a world that is not black and white. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliantly entertaining book from Evie.

Oliver's world is turned upside down when D'Angelo walks into the coffee shop where he works. Little do either of them know the secrets that will come to light following their encounter, long forgotten family secrets and things that don't add up.

D'Angelo hasn't been lucky in love lately with a string of previous lovers attempting to assassinate him but something about Oliver's scars and vulnerability has got under his skin.

Action, vulnerability and the desire to protect lead to an enthralling story of unravelling secrets.

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

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver was a barista with many layers, he is badly scarred from his childhood home burning down with him and his baby brother inside. He is an artist. D'Angelo is the head of the Bianchi family, an Italian mafia family. D'Angelo is called to Baltimore by the head of the top Italian mafia family. On his way to meet Alex, D'Angelo stops for coffee and is enchanted by Oliver. They quickly get tangled up in lots of complications they overcome and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened. This book has twists and turns and I couldn't put it down till I finished reading it.

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

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly better than book one. Characters are a lot more likable; I honestly just wanted to cuddle Oliver. He deserves everything and more. I wish we could have gotten time with them as a couple. I feel like everything kind of ended right when their relationship was getting good. Was also bummed there wasn't an epilogue.

Worth checking out if you're interested, if you are debating on the series as a whole - this book is the most worth read in my opinion

Final Rating: 3/5

Notable Tropes
- Age Gap
- Mafia Leader x Shy Barista
- First Times
- Hurt/Comfort
- Family Drama
- Rich / Poor

⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️

CWs/TWs: Kidnapping, Murder, Drugs

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver is a barista in Baltimore who has not had a charmed childhood. He escaped a house fire with his baby brother Rowan when he was seven. This left him with scars on his face and body. D’Angelo is a mafia boss with both Russian and Italian heritage. He is in Baltimore to assist another mafia family. When he stops for coffee he is intrigued by Oliver, but doesn’t realize the danger their meeting will bring. This storyline keeps you at the edge of your seat, with heart pounding action and steam.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

D’Angelo enters the random coffee shop and is enchanted by the Barista.
D’Angelo had reacted automatically to the attack and now saw that it was his most recent lover who is laying there dead. He leaves the city to attend a meeting with fellow Mafia head Alex Mariano. Waking as they near their destination he asks his guards to stop so he can get a coffee. Entering the shop he sees the Barista an innocent looking young man who he feels attracted too.

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

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Ruthless Empire series and it is another great addition, each book can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading them in order for background information. This story grabbed by attention from the beginning and kept it right until the end. I enjoyed alll the action, drama and twists and turns from this mafia story and I really liked Oliver and even D’Angelo is likeable eventually. Looking forward to reading book three of this series next.

[Shannon Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chasing Danger" is the second book in Evie Riley's Ruthless Empire. I really enjoyed this book. It drew me in right from the start. The characters are very well written and the story is engaging. This is a mafia book so there are dark elements and violence but they do not overpower the story. I cannot wait for what comes next.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A do not put down read incase you miss something! Honestly what an action packed journey the author takes us on. Hooks us in to the fantastic plot and characters and keeps us completely enthralled throughout! Absolutely loved it!.

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

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it was less bloody with less violence, and the romance was definitely better than the first book, but I don't know, I just felt something missing, so I couldn't rate it with a higher rating.

The following book will be about Nathan Sterling. He was definitely the scariest between Alex and D'Angelo and the most emotionally untouchable.

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to this new series! True love conquers all it seems. D'Angelo finds a cute and sassy barista that has more ties to him than they both know. After a few obstacles that are thrown in their way, the two find being apart is not an option.

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

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Danger is the second book in the Ruthless Empire series , these can be read as standalones but I think they're better in order. This is an action and drama filled read about Oliver and D'Angelo. Love the characters and the wonderful storyline.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver and D'Angelo story was a good follow-up to book one. There's a lot of action in this one just like book one. It made for an interesting story.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

D’Angelo is a flawed man who, despite his shortcomings, is generous to those he cares about. When he meets Oliver, he’s initially scared and tries to hide, but D’Angelo sees through him. Oliver is dedicated to supporting his family, doing what he can, though it never feels enough. Meeting D’Angelo changes his life, but he doesn’t understand why someone like D’Angelo would want someone like him. When Oliver learns the truth, he may reconsider his feelings for D’Angelo, but he will protect him at all costs. The story and characters are deeply engaging and memorable.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book It kept me turning the pages. It was well written and I enjoyed the characters. I can't wait to read more from this author.

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

[LittleLitLover · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
wouldnt read again not at all invested in any of the characters
there was so much potential rip

interesting mafia plot but the romance felt extremely flat. No character development.
there was a good plot twist but that was it

Insta Lust
MC with burn scars
Mafia
Artist MC
Fast Paced

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Italian/Russian Mafia romance with a twist

This was a surprisingly interesting read, twists I hadn’t expected made it more exciting. It’s a slow burn and I enjoyed the build up between Oliver and D’Angelo. I only wish it was a bit longer gah!

[Neats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fact each book focused on a different head of the mob. It took a different approach. Altho some times so frustrating and unrealistic. Was still an overall good read