Covert: A Reverse Harem Mafia Romance

by Christina Sterling

I only meant to hide.
I didn’t mean to fall in love.

The tattoo shop was never supposed to be more than a cover. A place to disappear.
Instead, it became a family.

Maddox—the brooding artist with fire in his veins.
Axel— the flirt who makes me laugh when I should cry.
Beckett—the brooding mountain of a man with a soft touch.
And Diesel—the MC biker who makes me shiver with every rough touch.

They shouldn’t want me. I shouldn’t want them.
But in their arms, I’m not a pawn—I’m theirs.

And when my past comes crashing back, I’ll have to decide if I’ll surrender to the cage I escaped…or fight for the men who set me free.

Covert is a heartfelt, spicy reverse harem romance about found family, forbidden love, and reclaiming your power.

Reverse Harem, Mafia, MC, Hidden Identity, Forbidden, Workplace Romance

Genres: Why Choose

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

Reviews

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In running she never allowed anyone close...until them

Nikki doesn't let anyone get close and she never stays in one place for more than 6 months. However, when she finds herself running the front desk at a tattoo shop she finds herself fascinated but the three artists and a client that came in. 

I love how each of these men disarmed her in different ways. They all made her reevaluate something about her life. Also, the way she approachs the one man who is so terrified is absolutely beautiful. 

The past always has a way of catching up and when it does Nikki is ready to fight. Her time back with her family was surprising and I absolutely loved it. 

Turtle 🐢 or dog 🐕?

[Victoria Pen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an ARC reader. I loved this book. Honestly I feel like it could have been longer, especially after they reunite! I also wish Diesel was included more in the group. The spicy scenes were spicy! I feel like there could have been more group scenes. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and the series!

[Feral_n_Rogue Alpha Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolute legend of a book. I can’t put Christina’s books down. The flow is always so smooth from the first page to the last. It’s always such a pleasure!! And the characters are EVERYTHING!! Right! About Covert!!

Nikki (the bad ass FMC) is a sleeper of a human on her own mission in life to lay low and float through. She gets hooked up with a new job from book club friend Leana as receptionist at Ruthless Ink. And she should give this woman more than a thank you because it leads her to 4 men who will give her the future she didn’t know she needed or deserved. Beckett, Maddox and Axel. The men are each protective and have major guards up when it comes to their shop and lives. Then Diesel a client shows up and brings out another side in Nikki. Slowly she gains their trust, respect and admiration. Creeping into their hearts and souls they realize they can’t let her leave as she plans. They ban together and figure out how to keep the woman they love. Little do they know Nikki is already ahead of the game.
The story will show you a found family brought together by trauma, tragedy but mostly Nikki. You will get goosebumps, laugh and shed some tears. Your heart will ache and plead for things to work out so they get the happy ever after like her books.

I was given this book as a ARC reader. All thoughts are my own.

[Desi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an ARC reader and let me tell you, this book is perfection 🤌 chefs kiss. I love the way that she has written this book. She wrote the FMC so well. She does has trauma and it’s written so well. The MMCs are perfection. Maddox, diesel, axle, and Beckett are the best kind of men out there. If they were in the real world I would marry them😂. I love how in the book she ends up opening up a little it to the MMCs and when they find out everything else they still love her. This book has no plot holes in it and I love that about this author. It does have group sex in the book but not a lot. It’s not a closed door kind of spice but it’s also not every other page. The characters have a lot of chemistry with each other and not just with Nikki. I love how they help heal each other for the better of the relationship. 10/10 would recommend this book. (Oh in one of the scenes I read I cried a little bit)

[Tonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my first ARC read by Christina Sterling, but it was my favorite!
The why choose trope is not my favorite but this author has such a beautiful way of creating a story that is so beyond that trope you could not imagine these characters being any other way with each other.
Nikki is the runaway mafia princess. No one knows this because she keeps relocating, she never sets down roots. She has never wanted to until she meets these guys... Maddox, Axel, Beckett, and Diesel. She meets the first 3 by becoming employed at their tattoo shop and Diesel is in a biker gang but is insanely sweet to her.
Nikki has so much trauma yet so much love for others. Her light cannot be contained and she brings the best out of all of these guys. They all want her and will do whatever it takes to not only keep her safe, but to keep her.
I didn't expect to become so emotional toward the end of this story but I was in tears a few times.
I loved how Nikki was so brave and got her happily ever after with these guys!
Read your triggers as there are a few sensitive topics.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to write a great why choose! This is my 4th book by this author and she has yet to disappoint.

On the run and hiding in plain sight Nikki is struggling until she meets Beckett, Axel, Diesel, and Maddox. But can her two lives come together in a way that she can get her happy ever after? In this book, there is action, love, spice, and so much more. I even enjoyed the drama and how it ended. I loved that this book had a badass MFC without that side of her personality taking over like many books seem to have. Nikki was badass and yet soft and feminine.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must read!! My emotions were all over the place and I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely love the character dynamics and the different relationships! Well written just like everything else she writes!! Another 5 star!!! 10/10 recommend!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Christina wrote a great book! She does a fantastic job with writing complex characters. Loved that we get to know Beckett really well, wish a bit more was concentrated on Diesel, Axel and Maddox. Nikki was written well, with compassion, empathy and strength. Loved to see them all grow. The spice was spicy but not the spiciest. The end was fantastic but I think it was a bit rushed. Overall I’d give it a 4.5.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and spicy

One FMC plus three hot tattoo artist MMCs and a hot biker. Throw in the Italian mafia, a missing sister, spicy fun, and real feelings with a HEA. What's not to like?

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki is a wanderer by necessity, never lingering in one place for long, always one step ahead of a past that nearly broke her. When she loses her job at the local library, her book-club bestie Lauren thinks she’s found the perfect solution: a receptionist gig at Ruthless Ink, a rough-around-the-edges tattoo shop. From the moment she steps through the door, Nikki isn’t exactly greeted with open arms. Maddox, the owner, takes one look and bets she won’t last a week. Beckett makes it very clear he doesn’t want a woman anywhere in the shop. Axel, the only one not actively pushing her away, greets her with easy flirtation. But Nikki isn’t one to back down. Determination is her middle name. While this is a reverse harem story, the real surprise for me was how much I loved the slow, tentative bond between Nikki and Beckett. Beckett’s mistrust of women—rooted in a deeply painful teenage experience—has kept him closed off for years. Nikki is the first to truly see him, to respect his boundaries, and to gently encourage him to feel safe in her presence. Those moments between them were some of my favorites. And here’s where we get a little twist. Before the tattoo trio even fully grabs her attention, Nikki crosses paths with Diesel, a member of the local biker club. Diesel’s instant, unfiltered adoration is both sweet and refreshing, but when the attraction proves mutual, Maddox warns him off. Nikki, of course, refuses to be told what to do. She’s no shrinking violet, she knows exactly what (and who) she wants, and in this case, it’s all four men. When circumstances land her living with the guys, the dynamics start to shift in deliciously slow, meaningful ways. Again, I adored her interactions with Beckett, but each relationship was given room to breathe and develop. If I had one small wish, it’s that Nikki’s men had been more involved when her past finally caught up to her. I’d have loved to see them rally against her father. I also could have done without Maddox’s sister popping in so late in the game; her presence felt a bit too saccharine. Still, those are tiny quibbles in an otherwise heartfelt, sexy, and satisfying story. I loved watching these men earn Nikki’s trust, protect her fiercely, and learn when to step back and let her fight her own battles. I loved that she connected with each man individually while also embracing the group dynamic. Christina delivers another great read—one that’s equal parts desire, danger and devotion.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covert is book 2 in the Ruthless Love series.

I just love Christina Sterling's why-choose romances. They are the perfect amount of spicy and sweet even in this mafia MC world. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and their stories. The story was exciting and entertaining and had me giddy and kicking my feet. I just love it when a romance gives me these joyful feelings. The author also does an amazing job of writing about sensitive topics. The plot is full of exciting moments, heartache, and steam.

What to expect:
Why Choose
MC
Mafia
Hidden Identity
Abduction
Dubcon

Nikki our FMC is easy to like and relate to. She hasn't had the easiest life and is still resilient, hardworking, and doesn't give up.

Axel is our resident rebel and flirt with a big sexy brain.

Beckett is our jaded, broody gentle giant with a big soft heart.

Maddox is the mean grump who wants nothing to do with Nikki.

Diesel is just the sweetest teddy bear.

I loved how their relationships developed even as fast-paced as the story is. Each of these guys completes a missing piece in our FMC and she in turn does that for them as she breaks down their walls with her love. Their HEA is as perfect as their found family.

Can't wait for another book from Christina Sterling. *grabby hands*

[The Bibliophagist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader, so I want to begin by thanking the author for the chance to read this great book. I really enjoyed this mafia why choose novel. Nikki, our FMC starts a new job at a tattoo parlor and quickly finds that she is working for three very sexy tattooed men. However, they are not the only ones that catch her eye. Each character had a wonderful backstory and was well developed. I enjoyed learning about each and every one of them.

This book takes place in modern times, even mentioning TikTok thirst traps, how fitting for the book community. The tension and build up were fantastic! The spice was not too much but when it did happen it was spicy! There are solo and group scenes. What is even better...there was so much respect around one character's past and then after care on top of it all! From both the FMC and the MMCs. In a spicy book it often seems that is forgotten about.

My only complaint is that the ending of the book did feel slightly rushed. I really wished we got a little more. Overall, I would give this a 4.5 rating. I really loved it and would definitely read more from this author.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki is all heart and she spreads her kindness to others in thoughtful ways. Her 3 ink men, bossy Maddox, reserved Beckett, irrepressible Axel, and sweet biker Diesel, react to her and her actions with mixed feelings. Christina Sterling brings these characters to life with their complex emotions, past experiences, and an attraction that none of them can deny. Sharing is made special when it’s more than just sex and their relationship is HOT!

Nikki is scarred by her past and still running so she never gets attached, but these men have gained her trust as she has become their center. I love how she thinks in tropes, her joy, and her passion for life. The men are so protective and intense that she can see herself with them permanently. I love the humor, the pacing, and the hint of danger that stalks her from her past. I wish there were more interactions with Diesel, but it’s still a very sexy, steamy book! Loved it!.

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

[Alanah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covert was an amazing why choose romance. The balance between spice and plot was great! I finished this book in one sitting because it was that great.

I love learning more about Nikki's past as the story progresses. The twist was not something I saw coming on who she was! Also, Nikki's character was beautiful! Her kindness to everyone she encounters is great to see and seeing her develop her individual relationship with each man was written perfectly. Nikki doesn't judge anyone without knowing them and shows so much grace, kindness and understanding. Nikki is also so unironically herself and isn't ashamed of what she likes (smutty books)!

I do think that the end was a bit rushed and wished we were able to get a more thorough and detailed experience of both Nikki and the men when she is forced to leave. Towards the end the story had different time jumps and I really wish I had more to read leading up to them, but that just means Sterling wrote so well I wanted more!!.

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

[Ashley Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Christina Sterling's books, and Covert was no different. They're fun and easy to read and I really love the 'found family' aspect that most of them had.

In Covert, Nikki is working as a receptionist at a tattoo studio where she meets tattoo artists Beckett, Axel, and Maddox. They're kind of stereotypical characters you'll find if you read a lot of why-choose: one is a huge flirt, one is scared of women/has an aversion to touch, and one that's pissed that he wants her so much. She also meets Diesel when he comes in to get a tattoo when he patches into his MC, and he joins their relationship, also. He's the super sweet, emotionally stable one, haha.

Nikki is holding onto some pretty dangerous secrets that catch up to her and put them all in danger. While they work to get their HEA, we do get some cameos from Hannah and her guys from Choices, book 1 in the Ruthless Love series.

Overall it was a great read, highly recommend!

[Sarah Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 ARC Review – Covert by Christina Sterling 🖤

So… this was my first why choose mafia romance and, wow, what a ride.

We’ve got a badass FMC, four hunky MMCs (yes, four 😬), and every one of them bringing something different to the table — from tattoo artists to bikers, with a motorcycle club, hidden identities, and even a virgin MMC in the mix. Add in the mafia ties, family drama, and danger lurking in every shadow, and you’ve got a story that hooks you from the first page.

The tension? Delicious. The spice? Off the charts. And I loved every single minute of it. 🔥

I devoured this because I had to know how it all played out — and because I couldn’t get enough of these inked, irresistible men… and I need more of them in my life, immediately.

This book delivered.

Huge thank you to Christina Sterling for my ARC. I’ve come away with about four new obsessions and zero shame about it.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right away I was pulled into the story and I didn't stop until the end!
There was drama, secrets, a bit of action, lots of feels and spice!
Nikki made such a great FMC. She was confident, no push over, but still kind and understanding.
I liked each of the guys. However, my favorites were Diesel and Beckett. They all stood out in their own ways.
More than anything, I loved the individual relationships she built with each guy. She new what each of them needed.
I think the author did a good job wrapping up the story, however it seemed just a bit rushed to me.
Overall, I think it was a captivating and great read!
If you love why choose/RH, MC, tattoos, strong FMC, and more.... I definitely recommend!!

[Victoria Joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

💭 Quick Thoughts:
super duper good read. i finished it in one day and i was ready for more.

✨ What I Loved:
• FMC is unapologetically her
• loved every character
• 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

😩 What I Didn’t Love:
• a few grammatical errors
• sometimes i felt like there was holes but not very noticeable

🌸 Fav Quote:

“Are you ready to fulfil your obligation to la famiglia?"
I lock eyes with him so he can see my sincerity. "I am." I am ready. Only, my family consists of three tattoo artists and a biker. And I'm more than ready to fulfil my obligation to them.”


🎀 Overall Vibe:

small town vibes but in a tucked away city with mc vibes and chillin mafia lore

📌 Would I Recommend?

absolutely.

[Richard Burlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fine well paced story that catches your attention and then holds it as you figure out the whys and wherefores of Nikki's life. She is a great character who grows as the story develops.

The 3 men in the tattoo salon are a fine mixture and work well as the main part of the reverse hareem that forms around Nikki. The sexual elements are well handled and there is even a bit of humour here and there.

The only part that I felt didn't quite stand up to the quality of the overall story was the drama at the end.

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

[chris fike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say wow …

I laughed …
I smiled…
I had some tears..

Nikki .. she is my type of FMC … and she had to make a choice and it did cost her but wow her men

Maddox .. strong dominating and slow to open to her

Axel … playful passionate but so focused

Beckett … just wow … that man is my favorite

And who can forget Diesel ….

These men, her friends, the club, her brother and all that entails.

I really didn’t want this one to end.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia romance.
Nikki is a young woman who has just lost her job as a librarian. Her friend offers her a job as a secretary in a tattoo parlor. She then meets these three magnificent tattoo artists and begins dating one of the members of the local MC. Unfortunately, she can't stay and can't pursue serious relationships.
Will Nikki be able to live a beautiful story with these four men or will her past and her secrets find her again….

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a change in our MCs, from the start to the end of the book. I loved reading this and seeing the changes as the book goes on. Nikki starts as a seemingly meek and somewhat mild woman, but opens up as the men (Axel, Beckett, Maddox and Diesel) and her get to know each other, through to later in the book (I don't want to give away any spoilers). This is not to deny the changes we see in her men either (again, no spoilers). Spunky, loving, sexy and steamy, dramatic and so much fun to read too. Fabulous!.

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

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of Ruthless Love series and a standalone. I love the complex characters and how the author builds the story piece by piece. It is a why choose romance with a reverse harem love story. The book is full of steamy scenes that build the connection between Nikki and her men. My favorite part of the book is the plot and how each fall in love. Happy ending included.

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

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki is a mystery. Her men, all four of them, are not really sure what to make of her. They only know that she is hiding something from them. I have read many reverse harem books, but this was my first with four love interests. I liked the way Sterling worked out their relationships, especially Nikki and Beckett. I will definitely read books from Christina Sterling again.

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

[Dixie Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good and twist that will keep you interested. Nikki has been hiding for 10 years when she meets Beckett, Maddox,Axel and Diesel. They each have issues but fall in love hard and fast. Love that she was able to help Beckett so much. Also love the surprise when her father found her and took her back home. She is smart and tough and got the ending she deserves.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki is broke, she stumbles into a job at Ruthless Ink. Maddox is the shop owner that thinks she does not belong, Beckett avoids woman after the last one destroyed his life and Axel is the flirt and Diesel is part of the local MC. Nikki is determined to see the job thru. Nikki will have to fight everyone's demons for things to work out between them.

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

[Bec A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Christina wrote a great book! She does a fantastic job with writing complex characters. Loved that we get to know Beckett really well, wish a bit more was concentrated on Diesel, Axel, and Maddox. Nikki was written well, with compassion, empathy, and strength. Loved to see them all grow. The spice was spicy but not the spiciest. The end was fantastic, but I think it was a bit rushed.

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

[Erica Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written very well. The men are each incredible in their own way and wrestling their own demons. Nikki, however, fights everyone's demons including her own. Slaying them one at a time until it gets to her own which comes with a bang. Hold on tight and lean into the turns with this one.

[Denise Drennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Covert by Christina Sterlingis the second book in the Ruthless Love series. It is a reverse harem book with a tattoo shop theme and lots of drama and heat. It will keep you turning the pages even if you don't like reverse harem tropes.

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