A Deceptive Affair: a Runaway Bride, Forced Proximity, Irish Mafia Romances

by Thea Roman

She ran from a monster straight into the enemy's bed.

Tahlia
I was supposed to be the obedient daughter, trading one prison for another to save the only thing I loved. But when the champagne hit and the panic set in, I didn't walk down the aisle.

I climbed out the window.

I ran straight into the arms of a stranger with dangerous eyes and a car fast enough to outrun my father.

Dermot is everything my world isn't—charming, gentle, and willing to hide me. He treats me like a queen, not a pawn.

But I’m beginning to suspect my savior has secrets darker than the man I fled.

And by the time I find out who he really is, it might be too late to run again.

Dermot
I was only supposed to watch the wedding, not catch the bride. When Tahlia Kovar fell into my hands, I saw the ultimate leverage against her father.

She thinks I’m a random hero. She doesn't know I'm a Flynn—the enemy her family has hated for generations.

Kidnapping her was a strategic move.

Keeping her close was a mistake.

She’s innocent, broken, and trusts me with a look of adoration that tears me apart.

I promised to protect her, but I’m the one holding her captive.

Now I have to win the war for my family, or save the woman who was never mine to keep.


Caught between two warring families, their love is the most dangerous weapon of all. Dive into this heart-pounding mafia romance packed with forbidden passion, a runaway bride, and ruthless family rivalries. If you’re searching for electrifying chemistry and secrets that threaten everything, one-click to lose yourself in your next unforgettable deceptive affair.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Margery]

Well, our mob princess gives run away bride a new prospective! An arraigned marriage to another 'family' with rumors of the groom having unsavory sex appetites has Thalia scared. She grabs her dog, jumps out her window and manages to escape, unnoticed! With the champagne flowing freely, she is more than tipsy. As she stumbles thru an unused gate from the gardens, strong hands grip her and stop her from face planting the road. Dermot realizes who she is and offers her a ride away from the home. He is from an Irish mob who is always at odds with the Volkov/Kovar families. The plan was to kidnap the bride, well, that fell into his lap. Offering to take her to a place her family could not find her with a promise to take her to an uncle who is non mob related. He is so gentle with her and her dog to the point she trusts him. Inner fires ignite with in the two until Dermot's older brother reveals his last name. That is when things change. The feeling they feel for each other is now a battle zone between families. Will they ever be able to be together? What will happen with the inevitable family war ahead? A very rich read. It has it all, hate, love, angst, tolerance, yearning and more.

[Maureen Walsh]

⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

A Deceptive Affair by Thea Roman

This was my first time reading Thea Roman, and I really enjoyed her writing style. Her writing flows well and is easy to read, which made this a short, quick-paced read.

I enjoyed the love-at-first-sight aspect and thought this was a cute, light read — definitely a nice little palate cleanser between heavier books.

I liked Thalia and Dermot, but I would have liked to see more chemistry between them. I felt like their relationship needed a little more spark to really draw me in.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read and a nice introduction to Thea Roman’s writing.

Thank you for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Tracey]

I enjoyed this read about the runaway bride who runs straight into the arms of the enemy. Tahlia wanted out and Dermott was in the right place at the right time to take advantage of her need for escape. At some point, the two realize their feelings for one another and a hostage negotiation turns into an opportunity for love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rogue Kayl]

A cutesy mafia romance, filled with arranged marriages, decpetion, a sort of enemies to lovers or love at first sight plot.

It was a good book, fast paced and easy to read.

I really enjoyed the MMC's relationship with the FMC's dog Beowulf. I laughed so much at the names he would use and the sarcastic retorts when the dog would growl or side eye him.

I look foward to reading more books like this.

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

[Rosanna]

I was invested in this story and just couldn't get enough. The only thing I didn't like was the chapters not highlighting whose point of view I was reading from before I got into the paragraphs.

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

[Kirti Gupta]

The starting of the book was a bit slow for me. But overall it was good. Though I would have liked more chemistry btw the MMC and FMC.

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

[Cat1]

A Deceptive Affair is a lighter, more amusing mafia story than I usually read. I enjoyed Tahlia and Dermot's characters. Their banter is sexy and fun. A Deceptive Affair is really a great story .

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

[Lorraine Whiteley]

Great book! Drama, intrigue, slow build, hot men, a brave woman & one adorable little fluff puff. Defs worth the read. I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

[jessica]

Story was good. In a world of the mafia some women are just pawns. Can the Hero saves the damsel in distress. She’s trapped looking for an out. He could be the best mistake or worst who will he choose? Will family and blood come first. Or will he be the hero she needs. I liked the pace of the book kept me intrigued. Ended well but I feel like I wanted more hope there’s another book with more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BP34]

Tahlia and Dermot will grab your attention right away. This fast paced Mafia romance is a page turner that might cause you to lose a little sleep. As with most mafia romances there's no shortage of danger, drama, family rivalry or steam. A runaway bride, a furious father and a dangerous groom. Rescued by the enemy and things get interesting between the rival mafia members. Family betrayal and a near death experience. A long lost uncle reveals some interesting family history. What a great book. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. An HEA, a love so special and no cliffhanger.