Thrill of the Chase

Base City Romance #2

by Ellie Roth

A superhero and a supervillain walk into a coffee shop...

Broke and unemployed since the fall of French Industries, William Akbar’s life derails even further when the Coyotes, a gang that used to terrorize Base City, reunite to steal the superpowered DP-11 suits and fill the power vacuum that French left behind. Now, Will has to gear up in the laser-shooting Infrared DP-11 and work together with his old enemies to stop the Coyotes… and hide all of this from Angel, the cutie at his new favorite coffee shop.

Angel Rosario Mendez thought that his job as speedster hero Greaser was almost finished after Marcus French was arrested. But with the Coyotes—his old gang—back in action, he and his team are forced into an uneasy alliance with two of French’s former minions. Now, Angel has to take down his old crew while hiding his past from his new crew… and never breathe a word of this to his new coffee shop friend, Will.

Will rapidly falls for Angel over conversations about coffee, planets, and absolutely nothing about Will’s double life as Infrared. And even though Greaser and Infrared were actively antagonistic under French’s reign, Angel slowly starts developing feelings for Infrared—and whoever he is underneath the mask. With the fate of their city on the line, will Angel’s and Will’s secrets tear them apart or bring them closer than they ever imagined?

This 100k-word two-person love triangle romance features the same familiar world and characters from Book One, enemies to lovers, coffee shop flirting, tragic backstories, a surprising number of chess games, meddling best friends, some mild-to-moderate steaminess, major angst, and a guaranteed happily ever after. (Note: MM romance with a transgender main character.)

*Content warnings available on website.

444 pages, ebook

Published November 16, 2022

About the author

Ellie Roth is a contemporary LGBTQ+ romantic fantasy author who writes about love interests earning their happy endings and found families building a more hopeful world for themselves. She can mostly be found in a New York town that no one can pronounce unless they grew up nearby, slouching over her laptop and probably giving herself back problems. Her hobbies include writing, working out, and scrolling through Tumblr to indulge her latest fandom obsessions.

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Reviews

[Fen'Harel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this second glimpse into the world created by Ellie Roth. The characters are wonderful as always, and I loved uncovering new things about them.
Angel is easily a stand out character and I'm glad he got his own book, as Greaser was so memorable from book one.
The whole villain/hero story was interesting, but I loved that it wasn't black and white. Neither person was good or evil. They both had pasts, regardless of how recent it might be, and that made them who they are and they had to overcome their own guilt.
I loved their coffee shop banter and the way they got to know each other in two completely different ways. One over coffee and chess, and the other anonymously through their work.
I also think the glimpse into Angel having a job as a science writer was awesome. It wasn't romanticised like some creators might make it out to be - his pay isn't high but he's passionate.
I love that one of the protagonists is trans. It's always wonderful to see more visibility and it being treated correctly by the author.
The one thing that lets the author down is, just like in the first book, we have very adult characters and situations, but when push comes to shove the romance climax feels very young adult. The author doesn't have to record the full rodeo, but an adult romance should have a little bit more to it (I won't call it a YA romance as the characters are far too old for that and the main audience are adults).
However, even without the author willing to take that plunge, these books are easily a stand out in the romance field.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

50 billion/5 stars! I am so obsessed with this series it isn't even funny. The first book was stunning and this book somehow was even more wonderful. Greaser was a fan-favorite of mine from book one, so getting to see more of him as the sweet Angel here was amazing. I just want to sit next to these too on a Saturday night and listen to their gentle, perfect flirtations. I cannot wait for what is next in this series.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrill of the Chase is the second book in Ellie Roth’s Base City Romance series, and it is a book I was eager to dive into after adoring the first. Time on Our Side was a story I could not get enough of, guaranteeing I finished it in no time, and I went in with the hopes that the second book would hit the same. Although I did not enjoy this second book quite as much as I enjoyed the first, it was another story that I could not put down.

Thrill of the Chase builds upon the story that took place in Time on Our Side, meaning you need to read the first book to get the full experience of this second. With so many elements introduced in the first, it leaves you eager to see where everything will go next. Fortunately, this second book brings the elements together well. While there were plenty of elements where answers are still needed – clearly coming in the next books – this second book starts to fill in the gaps. More is provided about the world and the characters, sucking the reader deeper into the complexities of what is happening. I positively adored this, and I cannot wait to see how everything continues to play out – in fact, I have many theories already. As much as I adored watching this world continue to develop, the reason I did not enjoy this quite as much as the first book is because I was not as invested in the romance between the characters. I loved the sweetness between them and the way in which the story put a twist on the classic love triangle. However, I did not enjoy their romance as much as I enjoyed the first, which is why the first book remains my favourite of the two. That is not to say I disliked this – far from it – but book one currently holds the position of my favourite thus far for this series.

All in all, Thrill of the Chase was a fabulous second book in the series. It developed the world so well, and I am super excited to see how the new elements are handled in the rest of the series. I have high hopes of what is to come next, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

[Clari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
This was a cute pseudo- love square book with superhero/villain shenanigans. I loved seeing all the characters again (Harris and Jay 🥹🥹 - but I miss Neon!) and the plot was pretty fun.

I kept comparing this to book 1, which, I know I shouldn’t but book 1 was just so bingable!! I didn’t feel the chemistry between Angel and Will as much as I did with Harris and Jay in book 1 😭😭 but I don’t think anything could compare to the hilarity of the fake dating in that one. I think because of that, it took me longer to get hooked but by about 30% I’m fully invested.

Read this if you are looking for:
* superhero astronomer geek x (retired) supervillain coffee knight
* Seeing the lively cast again
* (Fake) love square 🤣 (these idiots)
* “I fell for you twice”
* Slow burn
* Intriguing side plot
* HEA for the couple but loose strings plot wise
* closed door spice

I do wish the plot was more resolved in the end though. Book one had this big intense battle event that the tension was building up to but this one sorta ended in the middle of it??? I wish there was more resolution but I know the author has more books planned for the over arching plot

BUT the relationship is a HEA though

I’m kind of nervous for the next book, seems like it’ll be pretty angsty with Jo and Taylor, and a triad??? 🫢🫢

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

After the collapse of French Industries, a new power is rising in Base City, the criminal gang The Coyotes. Will, an unemployed baddie also known as Infrared doesn’t like where things are going so joins the good guys and starts getting close to the hero known as Greaser. Meanwhile in their real identities Will and Angel (aka Greaser) also meet and start to build a bond.

What I liked: I like the relationship and characters (these are so fully developed). I also like where the series is heading but…

What I didn’t like: The pace was too slow and as much as I enjoyed getting to know Will and Angel barely anything happened plot wise. It took a while to read as nothing hooked me to the next chapter, except once and even that was mild.

Final Thoughts: A sweet filler in a superhero series that is relationship heavy and plot light. Still worth reading though.

Who would enjoy reading this: Those who have read the first book of the series.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 This was a lot of fun! I really liked both Angel and Will, and I really enjoyed getting to know them compared to book one, and them getting to know one another—both in the masks and without them. (I also appreciated that the DP-11s have cloaking technology to help explain why no one ever recognises one another.) I loved Will’s chess expertise and the coffee banter, the (at first reluctant) caring between Greaser and Infrared, the long stake-out chats, and the chance they have to bare their souls to one another. Love triangles are probably my least favourite romance trope, but this is effectively a case of mistaken identity instead, and the reader knows the score even when Will and Angel are hopelessly confused.

It was such a wonderful moment when everything finally gets sorted out, and I’m really glad that the gang is on the same page by the end. I really appreciated the strength of the relationship that Will and Angel have built (even if there were some missing pieces at the time).

I can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will loves Angel, Greaser loves Red…what a tangled web Ellie has woven. And yes, the reader knows the truth long before Angel and Will figure it out, but despite one small detail that I found completely unrealistic, she has done a great job at continuing the identity confusion, as well as with the eventual reveal.

Once more there is exploration of how two decent humans can have landed so firmly on opposite sides for so long, but even more – how someone can love two sides of the same person. How Angel can love Will’s gentleness and ability to see the real Angel, while Will loves Greaser’s passion and truth. It causes some heartache along the way, but it’s a really interesting character study. There is enough superhero action and skullduggery to keep the plot moving forward and plenty exciting. Alas, while Angel and Will achieve their HEA, Base City is going to have to wait for another couple books to get its resolution. Will the heroes win, or will the Coyotes take over? Guess I’ll go read the next installment.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book carries on the story of what happens after the fall of bad guy Mr. French in Base City. I just love what Ellie Roth has done with this very unconventional story about superheroes that breaks all the traditional superhero stereotypes. This is the real life of superheroes and not just the fights etc that we usually get and I love all the background stuff and angst like how their bills will get paid.
William and Angel may be the couple that is the focus of this book, but there is still a lot about the other heroes and villains because this is a continuing story that has to be read in order. I particularly enjoyed the way that the two guys meet both in and out of character and don’t cotton on to the other person’s other identity. This joke could have easily been just annoying if it wasn’t written so well and with such sympathy for what they are going through. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and hope that more people find it.



I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, adventure and love. The fall of French Industries affected a lot of people. Will is now unemployed. His double life as Infrared, no longer needed. Angel thought his alt life as Greaser was at an end. Then the Coyotes a gang re-unite and steal a French Industries weapon that was abandoned. Angel and Will, as themselves were starting to get to know each other in their non superhero states when they meet at the coffee shop. Angel and Infrared, team up to put down the Coyotes. Lots of adventure action while trying to manage the attraction they feel for each other. Walking the love tightrope while fighting the bad guys, absolutely amazing. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first. I do like that Angel and Will's relationship progressed a bit slower, but it got repetitive. Scout the marina as Red and Greaser, meet at the coffee shop as Will and Angel...had no clue they had spent time together all night. Rinse and repeat. I think the Seamstress and Coyote plotline kind of progressed a bit slowly too. There was a lot of filler between scouting and coffee shop that could have been left out, in my opinion. I enjoyed the beginning and the end the most. Still, I'm invested in Base City and want to see the Seamstress go down. I would really like Jay to get time back on his life.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has lots of fun world building, I enjoyed picking the story up again after book one. The heroes and villains are interesting and dimensional and the comic book vibe pulled me into the story. I like secret identity tropes in romance and using the alter egos of Will and Angel was an original take. I’d say it did feel a bit long to me, the secret going on a little too long for me. That being said, this was an entertaining read - I really enjoyed both the characters and the intricate storytelling. I also loved getting to catch up with Jay and Harris. Spending time in this world is super fun, looking forward to the next one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything you expect from a good romance book, with superheroes on top of it.

Will and Angel are sweet as civilians, and really fun as superheroes. Will is pining after Angel while Greaser is pining after Infrared, and the problem of secret identities ensues.

Meanwhile we also get deeper into the tech that powers the DP-11 super suits and the mystery of the small island that holds Base City. All that next to the story of two ex-villains trying to be better people make this book as great as one of Will's intensely sugary drinks that may contain a percentage of coffee.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I recommend reading them in order since some of the world build and characters are better explained there.
This book is much slower than the first one. It contains a kind of triangle drama since the main characters meet as superheroes and as themselves. I liked the characters, but was a bit annoyed that they were holding back so much. The storyline that builds up to the next book was what I liked most. I look forward to reading the coming books un this series.

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

[s.elle.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that this series continues to be fun and charming!!!

I loved the characters and relationships in this MM Urban City Fantasy Romance. The enemies to lovers. The slow burn. The only thing I would change is more spice! 🌶️

This was an ARC Review received from BookSirens rated 4.5 ⭐ rounded up!!

My .5 reduction for this book was just because there are a few chapters that feel a bit repetitive with the back and forth relationship situation... But I understand the reasoning behind it with the plot. Everything else about this book is amazing!!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrill of the Chase is the second book in the Base City Romance series. It's a solid read, but doesn't quite pack the punch of Time on Our Side. Not quite as snarky. Angell and Will's chemistry not as intense as Harris and Jay's. More slow burn than sizzle.

Still, it adds layers and layers to the worldbuilding. Like Time, there's a bunch of dangling plot lines. So there'll definitely be a few more stories in this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infrared and Greaser were introduced in the previous book and were natural enemies but without the disguise, they were having a meet cute at a chess theme cafe. This is a slow burn with closed door scenes. I love how a transgender character was represented. The series so far has been a great and I can't wait to see how the next one plays out.

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

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on a "love triangle" with the MCs having separate relationships with each other without being aware of it. The overall series plot had some more unexpected twists, and again, it showed a lot of instances where good and evil are very grey areas. While I didn't enjoy the romance as much as the one in book one, it was great to have one of the MCs here being a trans character without that being an issue.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great world building continues and I really enjoyed the way the author took what seemed to be the end of French Industries in the first book and showed that the danger their creations pose is far from over when the Coyotes return. That brings both Will and Angel and their allies back into the fray and it was great watching their superhero identities fall for each other while their "real" selves do the same in the coffee shop.

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was wonderfully written, lots of ups and downs along with Angel and Will, Greaser and Infrared…

Miscommunication can lead to heartbreak. The characters made it unnecessarily hard on them self by being obtuse. In the end, it worked out for them, to the utter delight and excitement of their friends and fellow Hero's…

I am off to read the next one…

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are on opposite sides but they will need to work together to save the city from the danger of a gang. They will find it hard at first as they try to overcome all the challenges they will face. While he is trying to hide it all from them. Life is going to get complicated fast so see how it will all go

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great follow on read from the first book which i thoroughly enjoyed. Plenty of Superheroes and villians in this fun storyline with such great characters and captivating plot! Looking forward to reading the next book!.

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

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great part of the series. I admittedly was screaming at Angel and Will the entire time to realize they were Greaser and Infrared, respectively, but that's just part of the fun! So looking forward to the next instalment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elijah Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an indulgent read—this book felt like eating ice cream from breakfast (or, perhaps more appropriately, getting a fancy caramel mocha with *extra* whip cream *and* the chocolate drizzle). Once again, Roth has an excellent command of character, pacing, and dialogue, which she combines with her typically sharp wit to create a wild ride that will have you alternately giggling with delight, white-knuckle gripping the page, and gushing with joy. Oh, and if you're a fan of dramatic irony as a plot device, you're going to feel so spoiled by this book.

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the unique aspect of the Base City Romance series! Superheroes and villains fighting and falling in love?! It's such a different and fun feel for a romance series; I look forward to reading books 3 and 4 soon!

[Dee Your TBR Wrecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book carries on the story from book one. It’s engaging and the characters are very interesting. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.

[Geboyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is clever, fun and just all around well written.

[Samantha Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one just as much as the first, maybe more! Loved this, the second book in the Base City romance by Ellie Roth! It was spectacular and super fun.

[Janelimay · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me. Missed the first book with its world building. Liked the characters. Will continue reading. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Revy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another really fun read,, although i gotta admit the secret identity shenanigans started to piss me off a little owbddpdk like goddamn just TALK TO EACH OTHER