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Under Cover Up
Under Cover Up is what happens when the FBI falls in love with the mafia.
Dashiell Ledger has spent his whole life in the shadow of power—the buttoned-up son of the FBI Director, golden boy at one of Boston’s most elite financial institutions, and poster child for doing everything right. Marco Morelli is Boston royalty—handsome, charming, and inconveniently tied to a family with just a touch of rumored mafia ties. They’re supposed to be enemies. Naturally, sparks fly.
What starts as a chance connection quickly becomes something deeper, undeniable, and far too dangerous to be seen. With legacies this heavy, one wrong assumption or a single misstep can shatter everything. And when a money-laundering investigation drags Marco’s family into the spotlight—and Dash’s firm lands under FBI suspicion—the line between romance and disaster gets thinner by the day.
As tabloids close in, loyalties collide, and the truth threatens to blow wide open, Dash and Marco must keep hiding behind carefully crafted lies—or risk everything for the kind of love that refuses to stay hidden.
Under Cover Up is a witty, high-stakes story of love, identity, and the courage it takes to live boldly in a world built on secrets.
Dashiell Ledger has spent his whole life in the shadow of power—the buttoned-up son of the FBI Director, golden boy at one of Boston’s most elite financial institutions, and poster child for doing everything right. Marco Morelli is Boston royalty—handsome, charming, and inconveniently tied to a family with just a touch of rumored mafia ties. They’re supposed to be enemies. Naturally, sparks fly.
What starts as a chance connection quickly becomes something deeper, undeniable, and far too dangerous to be seen. With legacies this heavy, one wrong assumption or a single misstep can shatter everything. And when a money-laundering investigation drags Marco’s family into the spotlight—and Dash’s firm lands under FBI suspicion—the line between romance and disaster gets thinner by the day.
As tabloids close in, loyalties collide, and the truth threatens to blow wide open, Dash and Marco must keep hiding behind carefully crafted lies—or risk everything for the kind of love that refuses to stay hidden.
Under Cover Up is a witty, high-stakes story of love, identity, and the courage it takes to live boldly in a world built on secrets.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
About the author
Tom Burns
1 book3 followersTom Burns is a multi-disciplinary creative whose career bridges the worlds of visual art and literature. An accomplished abstract painter, Burns works primarily in oil on large canvases, building multiple layers of texture and color to evoke depth, history, and emotion. His paintings have been recognized for their ability to capture the invisible weight of memory and time, qualities that echo throughout his storytelling as well. As the former publisher of ARTWORKS Magazine, he developed a sharp eye for both the creative process and the cultural forces that shape art and artists.
In 2025, Burns makes his literary debut with Under Cover Up, a bold and emotionally charged novel that explores love, secrecy, and identity against the high-stakes backdrop of East Coast finance and organized crime. Inspired in part by a real-life relationship, the novel follows the romance between Dashiell Ledger, the son of the FBI’s Boston Field Office Director, and Marco Morelli, the magnetic heir to a traditional Italian-American family with whispered ties to the mafia. With equal parts intrigue and intimacy, the story delves into what it means to risk everything for love when the world is watching.
Burns is already at work on his second novel, Lost in L.A., which draws inspiration from the intersection of his art world and the film industry. Like his debut, it combines emotional honesty with cultural commentary, continuing his exploration of the complex ways personal and professional worlds collide.
When not writing, Burns can be found painting in his Palm Springs studio, where the desert light and modernist landscapes inspire both his canvases and his prose. Splitting his time between the disciplines of painting and writing, he has built a creative practice that is both layered and expansive, each medium informing the other.
In 2025, Burns makes his literary debut with Under Cover Up, a bold and emotionally charged novel that explores love, secrecy, and identity against the high-stakes backdrop of East Coast finance and organized crime. Inspired in part by a real-life relationship, the novel follows the romance between Dashiell Ledger, the son of the FBI’s Boston Field Office Director, and Marco Morelli, the magnetic heir to a traditional Italian-American family with whispered ties to the mafia. With equal parts intrigue and intimacy, the story delves into what it means to risk everything for love when the world is watching.
Burns is already at work on his second novel, Lost in L.A., which draws inspiration from the intersection of his art world and the film industry. Like his debut, it combines emotional honesty with cultural commentary, continuing his exploration of the complex ways personal and professional worlds collide.
When not writing, Burns can be found painting in his Palm Springs studio, where the desert light and modernist landscapes inspire both his canvases and his prose. Splitting his time between the disciplines of painting and writing, he has built a creative practice that is both layered and expansive, each medium informing the other.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 2, 2026
2+ stars ✨ because I feel generous towards this book
Well… let’s start by saying that despite the flaws, I liked this book. But there were plenty of flaws, and the best I can describe it is this was a solid(ish), intriguing story wrapped in a serious lack of editing.
The most glaring issue is the constant, out-of-place use of the past perfect, and the tense-switching between that and past tense. It was annoying, it made no sense, and it hindered the flow of the story badly. There is no way any editor worth their salt would not have pointed this out, which leads me to suspect no editor was involved. Either way, this was such a shame because it could have so easily been fixed. (This marginally improves about halfway through)
Less annoying but still quite glaring were the repetitive turns of phrase and wording, and repeat descriptions. The word whisper appears 60 times in this book, not because everyone is trying to be quiet, but because of the many, many descriptions stating something whispers versus screams (or vice versa, also quiet versus loud). At least four separate people were described as immediately commanding any room they stepped into. EVERYONE was super incredibly hot. And all caps was used to convey emphasis.
Long story short, this book was messy. I considered many times to DNF. I didn’t, both because I received and ARC and because I *was* curious about where the story was going. The heart was there.
There is a sort of slice of life quality to the writing, which I really enjoyed. Our MCs are likeable - if mindblowingly successful at an obviously shockingly young age, while also being So Hot 🥵 - and their struggle with being closeted while falling for one another was moving.
The family dynamics felt a little too stereotypical, but all in all the side characters added a nice bit of charm. I do have some doubts about the validity of the portrayal of Dash (and his family) in particular, though being neither Black or American, (nor a gay man or a finance bro), what do I know?
All in all, a pretty quick read with great intentions, lacking in the execution.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC (although the book is out already and I switched to the kindle version because of formatting issues)
Well… let’s start by saying that despite the flaws, I liked this book. But there were plenty of flaws, and the best I can describe it is this was a solid(ish), intriguing story wrapped in a serious lack of editing.
The most glaring issue is the constant, out-of-place use of the past perfect, and the tense-switching between that and past tense. It was annoying, it made no sense, and it hindered the flow of the story badly. There is no way any editor worth their salt would not have pointed this out, which leads me to suspect no editor was involved. Either way, this was such a shame because it could have so easily been fixed. (This marginally improves about halfway through)
Less annoying but still quite glaring were the repetitive turns of phrase and wording, and repeat descriptions. The word whisper appears 60 times in this book, not because everyone is trying to be quiet, but because of the many, many descriptions stating something whispers versus screams (or vice versa, also quiet versus loud). At least four separate people were described as immediately commanding any room they stepped into. EVERYONE was super incredibly hot. And all caps was used to convey emphasis.
Long story short, this book was messy. I considered many times to DNF. I didn’t, both because I received and ARC and because I *was* curious about where the story was going. The heart was there.
There is a sort of slice of life quality to the writing, which I really enjoyed. Our MCs are likeable - if mindblowingly successful at an obviously shockingly young age, while also being So Hot 🥵 - and their struggle with being closeted while falling for one another was moving.
The family dynamics felt a little too stereotypical, but all in all the side characters added a nice bit of charm. I do have some doubts about the validity of the portrayal of Dash (and his family) in particular, though being neither Black or American, (nor a gay man or a finance bro), what do I know?
All in all, a pretty quick read with great intentions, lacking in the execution.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC (although the book is out already and I switched to the kindle version because of formatting issues)
Did Not Finish
June 10, 2026DNF'd at 40% — No Star Rating
At it's core the premise of the book is interesting; it was sadly the execution that didn't quite land for me. The set up was very slow to start; it felt like it had a lot of fluff and information that could've been woven into the story a bit better (or taken out all together). To add to that, every character introduction read like a sort of dossier. Almost as if someone cut in randomly to be like... "here's this character and here is everything you need know about them"...before letting you get back to the story.
Once the all the character's were set-up, the plot began to flow a bit more smoothly. But the point of view switching, which sometimes happened mid chapter — made it difficult to really settle into the story. Especially when it switches to characters outside our main couple. I understand that may just be an personal preference, but I feel it's worth mentioning so others can judge how this aligns with their own preferences.
I started to struggle around the 20% mark, and in general just felt a bit disconnected from the story and what was happening. This didn't improve much leading up to me finally deciding to call it quits. Even as the overarching plot was beginning to come into focus, I was already mentally checked out. I will say though — Dash and Marco, story aside, are really fun and lovable characters. It's obvious Burns put a lot of love into crafting them. I don't think I would of lasted as long as I did without them. And I could see other readers falling utterly in love with them as well.
Since this is a debut, I'm not quick to write off Burns' future releases. Because while this book was a miss for me, I am still interested in checking out his future works as he settles more into his storytelling/writing style.
At it's core the premise of the book is interesting; it was sadly the execution that didn't quite land for me. The set up was very slow to start; it felt like it had a lot of fluff and information that could've been woven into the story a bit better (or taken out all together). To add to that, every character introduction read like a sort of dossier. Almost as if someone cut in randomly to be like... "here's this character and here is everything you need know about them"...before letting you get back to the story.
Once the all the character's were set-up, the plot began to flow a bit more smoothly. But the point of view switching, which sometimes happened mid chapter — made it difficult to really settle into the story. Especially when it switches to characters outside our main couple. I understand that may just be an personal preference, but I feel it's worth mentioning so others can judge how this aligns with their own preferences.
I started to struggle around the 20% mark, and in general just felt a bit disconnected from the story and what was happening. This didn't improve much leading up to me finally deciding to call it quits. Even as the overarching plot was beginning to come into focus, I was already mentally checked out. I will say though — Dash and Marco, story aside, are really fun and lovable characters. It's obvious Burns put a lot of love into crafting them. I don't think I would of lasted as long as I did without them. And I could see other readers falling utterly in love with them as well.
Since this is a debut, I'm not quick to write off Burns' future releases. Because while this book was a miss for me, I am still interested in checking out his future works as he settles more into his storytelling/writing style.
June 2, 2026
**Warning: heavy closeting / family estrangement / law enforcement**
I'm actually upset that I haven't seen anyone talk about this book or review it, but I'm so happy I found it! Under Cover Up by Tom Burns is an absolute hidden gem of a debut! We follow Dashiell Ledger, who grew up in the literal shadow of the law as the son of the FBI’s Boston Field Office Director, and Marco Morelli, the fiercely loyal, charismatic heir to Boston’s most powerful Italian-American family with rumored mafia ties. Emphasis on rumored. they both followed careers away from their families expected paths, yet still coincidentally met, Talk about a match made in absolute chaos! Behind closed doors, they love another filled with tenderness, and have a connection that shatters all their expectations, but in public? Every single glance is a high-stakes risk that could completely ruin their lives! Although it is closed door spice, The sexual chemistry and magnetic tension between Dash and Marco shoot straight off the page. Watching them navigate a relationship they literally cannot afford to admit, full of secrets, misread signals, and sizzling secret encounters, was perfection! It is a deeply touching story about concealment and the absolute vulnerability of learning to reveal your true, authentic self. My heart completely ached during the passages dealing with the fear of not meeting the expectations of the world, their jobs, and their families. The way Tom Burns layers the narrative isn't just about coming out, it’s about the massive, intersecting walls they have to completely smash through to get there. Having Dash as a Black man carrying the rigid, high-scrutiny legacy of the FBI, contrasted with Marco navigating a deeply traditional, fiercely insular Catholic Italian-American family, adds such a powerful, heavy layer to their journey. Coming out isn't a monolith, and this book masterfully shows how racial identity, cultural expectations, and religious guilt complicate that vulnerability. The true empowerment comes from watching Dash and Marco refuse to be entirely consumed by the expectations of their respective communities. The contrast between the rigid FBI legacy and the powerful Italian family dynamics where silence means survival makes the plot so layered and gripping. The sheer anxiety of the forbidden love and the constant threat of their secrets being undone made me extremely nervous, but it leaves you with the biggest smile at the end. It is a timeless exploration of identity mixed with romantic suspense. I wish we had a bit more of an epilogue after all the stress towards the end, and there were some missing pieces like not hearing from dash’s mom after he came out despite a plot point that she was heavily pushing him into a relationship with his best friend (who’s a woman). I highly suggest you pick this up and devour it like I did! Love love love!
Instagram: @goodgirlsbookshelf_
June 24, 2026
Thank you Tom Burns for granting my wish through Netgalley!
I went in expecting a solid romance and ended up completely pulled into a world of secrecy, pressure and two men trying to exist honestly in lives that make honesty feel almost impossible.
Dashiell Ledger and Marco Morelli have this electric connection that never feels forced. Dash living under the weight of an FBI legacy and Marco tied to a powerful Italian American family surrounded by rumors creates a constant sense of tension that follows them everywhere. What makes it hit even harder is how real their fear feels. Not just fear of being seen together, but fear of what truth would do to their families, their identities and everything they have built just to survive.
The romance itself is beautifully done. It is intimate, emotional and full of quiet intensity that lingers long after each scene. I loved how the story focuses on vulnerability and the process of slowly letting someone truly see you, even when the world around you is telling you to hide.
There are moments of humor and warmth that balance the heavier emotional weight and the supporting family dynamics are written with enough depth to make every risk feel believable and earned.
I do think the reading experience was held back by formatting and typesetting issues that made parts of the ARC harder to follow, which pulled me out of the story at times. But underneath that, the storytelling is strong and absolutely worth it.
I went in expecting a solid romance and ended up completely pulled into a world of secrecy, pressure and two men trying to exist honestly in lives that make honesty feel almost impossible.
Dashiell Ledger and Marco Morelli have this electric connection that never feels forced. Dash living under the weight of an FBI legacy and Marco tied to a powerful Italian American family surrounded by rumors creates a constant sense of tension that follows them everywhere. What makes it hit even harder is how real their fear feels. Not just fear of being seen together, but fear of what truth would do to their families, their identities and everything they have built just to survive.
The romance itself is beautifully done. It is intimate, emotional and full of quiet intensity that lingers long after each scene. I loved how the story focuses on vulnerability and the process of slowly letting someone truly see you, even when the world around you is telling you to hide.
There are moments of humor and warmth that balance the heavier emotional weight and the supporting family dynamics are written with enough depth to make every risk feel believable and earned.
I do think the reading experience was held back by formatting and typesetting issues that made parts of the ARC harder to follow, which pulled me out of the story at times. But underneath that, the storytelling is strong and absolutely worth it.
May 25, 2026
Under Cover Up is a sharp and emotionally engaging romance that blends family loyalty, hidden identities, and high stakes tension into a compelling and character driven story. Tom Burns crafts a narrative filled with emotional conflict, wit, and suspense, creating a reading experience that feels both entertaining and emotionally layered.
At the center of the story is the relationship between Dashiell Ledger and Marco Morelli, two characters whose lives are shaped by power, expectation, and opposing family legacies. Their connection develops with natural chemistry and emotional intensity, balancing attraction with the constant pressure of secrecy and public scrutiny.
The contrast between Dash’s ties to the FBI and Marco’s connection to a family shadowed by mafia rumors adds a strong sense of tension throughout the novel. As investigations deepen and loyalties are tested, the emotional stakes rise alongside the external conflict, making the romance feel both risky and deeply personal.
Tom Burns balances romance, suspense, humor, and emotional vulnerability with confidence, delivering a story that feels modern, polished, and emotionally resonant. Under Cover Up is a standout contemporary romance that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy forbidden relationships, family drama, and high stakes emotional storytelling.
At the center of the story is the relationship between Dashiell Ledger and Marco Morelli, two characters whose lives are shaped by power, expectation, and opposing family legacies. Their connection develops with natural chemistry and emotional intensity, balancing attraction with the constant pressure of secrecy and public scrutiny.
The contrast between Dash’s ties to the FBI and Marco’s connection to a family shadowed by mafia rumors adds a strong sense of tension throughout the novel. As investigations deepen and loyalties are tested, the emotional stakes rise alongside the external conflict, making the romance feel both risky and deeply personal.
Tom Burns balances romance, suspense, humor, and emotional vulnerability with confidence, delivering a story that feels modern, polished, and emotionally resonant. Under Cover Up is a standout contemporary romance that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy forbidden relationships, family drama, and high stakes emotional storytelling.
June 23, 2026
Review of an advance copy from NetGalley. No incentive was provided in exchange for my honest opinion.
Let's start with the negatives. I try not to hold formatting and typesetting against an ARC. So much work remains between what we get and the final release.
That being said... this made my eyes hurt. Sentences broken across multiple lines, chapter numbers randomly floating on the page, and no visual or formatting clues to indicate changes in the narrative voice? ARGH!
Now for the good, and there's plenty of it. Dash and Marco's story is engaging, and realistic in many ways. The rich and handsome bit is arguably a little rote. But frankly, I don't care. The a focus is rightly on how 2 very different men navigate finding love while being deeply closeted.
Their respectively families are fleshed out enough to make it believable that our main characters might not be sure of where coming out would land them.
There are some wonderful turns of phrase that had me smiling throughout the book.
Overall a really enjoyable read, but fingers and toes crossed for some serious aesthetic work before it lands in reader hands.
Let's start with the negatives. I try not to hold formatting and typesetting against an ARC. So much work remains between what we get and the final release.
That being said... this made my eyes hurt. Sentences broken across multiple lines, chapter numbers randomly floating on the page, and no visual or formatting clues to indicate changes in the narrative voice? ARGH!
Now for the good, and there's plenty of it. Dash and Marco's story is engaging, and realistic in many ways. The rich and handsome bit is arguably a little rote. But frankly, I don't care. The a focus is rightly on how 2 very different men navigate finding love while being deeply closeted.
Their respectively families are fleshed out enough to make it believable that our main characters might not be sure of where coming out would land them.
There are some wonderful turns of phrase that had me smiling throughout the book.
Overall a really enjoyable read, but fingers and toes crossed for some serious aesthetic work before it lands in reader hands.
June 4, 2026
This was a wonderful debut! I loved the relationship between Marco and Dash, but my favorite part of all might have been their supportive, enthusiastic families. There were a lot of perspectives throughout the book which was unique to me, but it seemed to work for the most part. Things were certainly tied up in a neat little bow by the end, and that’s never a bad thing.
September 18, 2025
A debut novel worth reading. You’ll laugh and cry and fall in love.
#readthisbook
#readthisbook
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews