The Italian Reckoning

New York Criminal Empire #3

by Ava Gray

I used to believe in the badge.
That justice was clean.
That criminals belonged behind bars.

Then The Painter killed me.
Wrapped me in plastic. Painted my face like his final masterpiece.
But I survived. Barely.
Now he’s back…
And this time, his reckoning is personal.

My captain says I’m imagining things.
My precinct wants me off the case.
They think I’m obsessed.
But I know the scent of a monster when it’s breathing down my neck.

Then a biker saves me—
Tattooed. Violent. A mystery I should’ve run from.
Instead, I wanted more.
And I got it.

Rocky Barati.
The mafia prince.
The son of Don Matteo—the man who just ordered my execution.

Rocky kidnaps me to keep me alive.
Lies to me.
Shelters me in the criminal empire I was raised to dismantle.
And when I find out he’s the same biker who saved me in the dark…
Everything inside me breaks.

I should arrest him.
Instead, I let him claim me.
Body. Soul. Every shattered piece of my loyalty.

The Painter is watching.
The Don wants me dead.
And Rocky? He wants all of me—
Even if it means burning down his father's kingdom to keep me.

I swore I’d never fall for a criminal.
But now I’m staring down the barrel of the truth—
Is he my salvation… or the end of everything I am?
When the reckoning comes, whose side will I die on?

Author’s This dark and forbidden mafia romance features a morally torn detective, a dangerous mafia heir, serial killer suspense, enemies-to-lovers fire, forced proximity, kidnapping, and a ruthless Don who wants her erased. Sinful, suspenseful, and deliciously twisted. Not for the faint of heart.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2025

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It’s the third in the New York Criminal Empire series and can be read as a standalone 📚—though reading the first two adds extra depth since characters from those stories make appearances here.

Sarah and Rocky’s love story is fantastic 💕. She’s a detective, and he’s the son of the Italian Mafia Don—instantly setting up delicious tension. The author does a great job showing the challenges of their worlds colliding, and how neither side is purely black or white.

Sarah endures a horrible experience 💔, and Rocky stays by her side with patience, care, and grace. Watching both characters grow—not just as a couple but as individuals—was so satisfying 🌱.

I also loved seeing how the “family” began to respect Rocky more than his father, enough that the Don himself starts to appreciate his son in a new light 👏.

And yes—the spice is definitely there 🌶️🔥, adding heat to an already compelling romance.

A perfect mix of romance, personal growth, spice, and mafia intrigue—highly recommend! 🖤.

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

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian is the third book in the New York Criminal Empire Series. A full-length standalone romance with no cheating, no cliffhanger and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. A beautifully crafted story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that grabs the reader attention from the start and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages with it's pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, mystery, surprises and mystery. This is a dark and forbidden mafia romance features a morally torn detective, a dangerous mafia heir, serial killer suspense, enemies-to-lovers fire, forced proximity, kidnapping, and a ruthless Don who wants her erased. Sinful, suspenseful, and deliciously twisted. Not for the faint of heart. This is Rocky and Sarah story which is told from a dual point of view. An absorbing addictive read. Hang on to your seat and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with tension, cravings, emotions and violence.
An action & adventure romance, dark mafia romance, contemporary romance, he-falls-first romance, protective alpha hero romance, morally-grey antihero romance, rags-to-riches romance, damsel-in-distress story, billionaire romance, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story, forbidden romance, off-limits romance, secret identity story, fish-out-of-water story, touch-her-and-die romance, protector/guardian romance, captor-captive romance, organize crime story, crime thriller story, romantic suspense story, serial killer story, mafia-cop romance with lies, deception, darkness, madness, violence, enemies, anger, angst, danger, obsession, fear, possessiveness, power and control, murder, bloodshed, power play, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, revelations, drama, threats, lies, attacks, secrets, kidnapping, steam, attacks, bloodshed, torture acceptance, deception, survival, resilience, physical abuse, guilt and love.
Sarah Gogs is a New York City detective who has previously encounter a serial killer name The Painter who tortured and brutalized her when she was living in Montana. And in order to leave the trauma behind and possibly heal from the situation Sarah was offered a transfer to New York City which she accepted. Sarah used to believe in the badge and that justice was clean, that criminals belonged behind bars. Then The Painter killed her, wrapped her in plastic. And painted her face like his final masterpiece. But she survived but barely. She as somehow managed to escaped and survived the worst encounter of her life and as dedicated into taken down monsters like him. She's flawed, damaged, broken and scarred. Being a new detective wasn't an easy job for Sarah as she quickly learn that New York City was very different and a far cry from Montana police, because the police are not charged of the force in New York City. Because it run and own by the five mafia families. The Painter is now back and this time his reckoning is personal.
She told her captain of her sightings of The Painter in New York City but he told her that she was imaging things. And now her precinct wants her off the case because they think that she's obsessed. But she had spent enough time during her captivity to know the scent of the monster when it's breathing down her neck. Rocky Barati is a mafia prince and the son of Don Matteo, the man who just ordered her execution. Rocky and previously helped save Sarah from The Painter but now she is back on his radar. Rocky is also tracking The Painter and as kidnapped Sarah to keep her alive. They're two people who not suppose to be working together but through shared a common interest in taking down The Painter. Rocky shelters her in the criminal empire that she was raised to dismantle. And when she find out he's the same biker who saved her in the dark everything inside her broke. Rocky was tattoed, violent mysterious man who had saved her before.
The man who she couldn't seem to stop thinking about. She knows that she should arrest him but instead she allowed him to claim her body and soul. He lied to her taking every shattered piece of her loyalty. All Rocky life he has suffered trauma and physical abuse at the hands of his evil abusive father. He just can't seem to live up to his dad expectations. The Painter has been watching her every move. The Don wants her dead and Rocky he wants all of her even if it means he will have to burn down his father's kingdom to keep her. She swore that she would never fall for a criminal but now she's staring down the barrel of the truth. There were so many things going on and obstacles in their path but the fought through all these barricades. Once they stopped hating each other their chemistry were electrifying and erotic. She wondered if he was her salvation or the end of everything that she was. And when the day of reckoning comes whose side will she die on. Will the defeat The Painter? And will they get their HEA?

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to believe in the badge.

That justice was clean.

That criminals belonged behind bars.


Then, The Painter killed me.

Wrapped me in plastic. Painted my face like his final masterpiece.

But I survived. Barely.

Now he’s back…

And this time, his reckoning is personal.


My captain says I’m imagining things.

My precinct wants me off the case.

They think I’m obsessed.

But I know the scent of a monster when it’s breathing down my neck.


Then a biker saves me—

Tattooed. Violent. A mystery I should’ve run from.

Instead, I wanted more.

And I got it.


Rocky Barati.

The mafia prince.

The son of Don Matteo—the man who just ordered my execution.


Rocky kidnaps me to keep me alive.

Lies to me.

Shelters me in the criminal empire I was raised to dismantle.

And when I find out he’s the same biker who saved me in the dark…

Everything inside me breaks.


I should arrest him.

Instead, I let him claim me.

Body. Soul. Every shattered piece of my loyalty.


The Painter is watching.

The Don wants me dead.

And Rocky? He wants all of me—

Even if it means burning down his father's kingdom to keep me.


I swore I’d never fall for a criminal.

But now I’m staring down the barrel of the truth—

Is he my salvation… or the end of everything I am?

When the reckoning comes, whose side will I die on?


This contemporary dark mafia enemies-to-lovers forbidden romance that is page-turning with exceptional world-building in a New York criminal empire that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters who are a morally torn detective, a dangerous mafia heir/protector/guardian who is violent, ruthless, dangerous, brooding, and violent, a ruthless Don who wants her erased, and a fierce heroine who is heartbroken/damaged, all are captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the Italina reckoning, forced proximity, he falls first, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, fish out-of-water, secret identity, kidnapping, sereial killer suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, singulf, deliciously twisted story, the Don shelters her in a criminal empire in New York, deception, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the Italian reckoning and a dark mafia explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, dark, dangerous, suspenseful, and unforgettable.

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

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I upped this to four stars for a few reasons. For one it's a great premise. Sarah is a cop but was kidnapped by a serial killer, tortured and literally murdered. He left and somehow, she revived.
But ultimately the reason I liked this one was the H, Rocky. At first the h can't stand him, and he comes off as a cocky playboy. However, with his pov and after they get close, we see so much more. Most H's of this genre are so controlled, either a bit robotic or psychotic, and enjoy BDSM with many women. This H was so refreshing. For one we get almost no details of his past with ow, he literally only has one inner thought about how she was the first to react to something.
Rocky also has been abused by his controlling father his whole life and because of that he is constantly letting anxiety out by bouncing his leg or twitching. His mind is always crowded with overthinking, but Sarah quiets his mind, gives him peace.
To everyone around, Rocky is portrayed as what he is, up in the mafia, but in this he actually gets hurt by his father, who is in charge. It is so different to not only have the hero not be the scariest one around but to also be abused. It seemed more realistic, as a son of the mafia leader, to need to find a balance with being a killer but also have weaknesses.
The h was also interesting because she held hard to these moral guidelines, is a badass, but also has tons of trauma responses. I wish the transition into excepting his world would be a little more, but after dealing with the guy who killed you, I get it.
Lastly, this left time at the end for a realistic outlook on dealing with trauma. So many books and movies start with a traumatized character, then they get traumatized again, but surviving that somehow heals all and it's over. Sarah went through all the stages of her ptsd, pushing H away, nightmares, not being able to handle touch, a short fuse, etc..
What was the best is that during this time, the H shined, never letting her go through it alone.
We also don't get some dramatic end showdown with his father, instead, it's handled slowly. If you want vengeance on that you will really only get a very intense scene where the two closest to him point out his huge failures, leading to Rocky slowly taking on more responsibly.

[Phaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Rocky

Sarah is a new cop in town, a cop that can't be bought. Wenlea4end that she transferred to New York after one of her previous cases went left. Previously she helped Rocky at another incident that save this life. She felt compelled to help and didn't think of him beyond that event.

Rocky is the son of an Italian made man and he believes that he can operate differently from his dad. He doesn't see anything wrong with getting assistance from or helping other made families that are not Italian.

Sarah lands a case that is similar to the one she was working at herprevious precinct, but her boss doesn't think so. It doesnt help that the person harmed is a relative of a made man and they have their own code.

Rocky is trying to assist the uncle of the victim, who is a friend and he crosses path with Sarah. She doesn't care for his ideas of getting the solution, so their interaction is never positive. Sarah doesn't even realize that Rocky saved her on her birthday and that he is the guy she keeps daydreaming about.

Sarah diligence of solving this crime put her in the crosshairs of Rocky's father. Now, Rocky has to save her and of course their attraction can not stay hidden for long. Sarah also doesn't realize she is correct on her theory until it's almost too late.

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

[Kristi Lange · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is probably closer to a 3.5 for me but i def liked it more than book 2. i hated the last line of book tho like that was such a weird thing to say

Sarah is a little jaded after surviving a serial killer and being forced to transfer to New York from Montana (which seems like a good transfer for a detective but she was upset). She has very strong morals and hates that half of her department is the pockets of the mafia and impeding her investigations. But this particular one really hits home because she thinks the killer she escaped is back..

Rocky is intrigued by Sarah as soon as he meets her and even after she saves his life, she claims to hate him and everything he stand for. Meanwhile, he’s working overtime trying to keep her safe because his dad is on a warpath to get rid of the one detective that can’t be bought. So when Sarah doesn’t realize that Rocky is the man on the motorcycle that keeps saving her, he doesn’t say anything. He decides he likes her liking him..

-detective x mafia heir
-forbidden
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-romantic suspense
-FMC with a tragic past
-hidden identity
-protective MMC

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd story in the A New York Criminal Empire Series where Sarah a strong independent police detective stands her ground with the underworld of the crime families by sticking to her rightful morals. When Rocky’s father the Don decides Sarah needs to be eliminated, Rocky knows it’s the wrong decision and does what’s necessary to protect Sarah. This occurs over and over and their interactions of hate becomes more as they both try to investigate what really happened to the deceased girls. Sarah has a horrific past that she keeps hidden until their situation forces her to share. Rocky becomes a man who stands behind Sarah through it all and once theses two realize they have something special and worth fighting for does the evilness makes survival a fight neither saw coming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C Schmidt · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story of Rocky and Sarah. Rocky is called the mafia prince… and is the son of Don Matteo. And Sarah is a woman with a badge hunting down a monster…. a serial killer who she has already had a run in with several years ago. This isn’t a romance novel in my opinion. I would call this more a suspense novel. I’m at 60% right now and there’s been mainly storyline regarding the killer with just a smidge of sexual encounter between Rocky and Sarah. AND.. Rocky was unfortunately made to seem weak when his father assaulted both he and Sarah and Rocky pleaded with his dad and groveled that he would fall in line. Bah! Can’t get past that. This is going to be a DNF.

Overall enjoyment: 2/5⭐️ ⭐️
Spice level: 1/5 🌶️
Darkness: 🧡
Angst level: 2/5 ❤️‍🩹
Plot: 3/5 🗺️
Writing: 4/5 🖊️
Ending: HEA
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago Sarah was taken by a serial killer but was disturbed and although he thought she had died, she survived.
He starts tormenting her and now he wants to finish the job he started, loose ends.
Killing of two young women were just thought to be to be mafia retaliation but Sarah knows he's back, the things dine to the victims were the same ss she had.
Rocky's niece was one of the women killed and like Sarah knows it couldn't be mafia.
One small problem she's a cop and his family is Italian mafia not one's you would expect to work together in these murders.
There are so many problems in stopping the serial killer, his father wants her dead, also still not believing there is a serial killer, twists and so much drama.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is a detective in NY, moving there from Montana two years ago. When a girl, tied to a mafia family, turns dead, signs point to a serial killer from her old location. This brings Rocky Barati, son to Don Matteo, into her orbit, they are both working to find the suspect.

The more they come in contact with each other the more the chemistry heats up. This could be bad for both of them as they are on the other side of the law. She becomes important to him and he will do what ever is necessary to protect her even from his father.

This may be triggering for some as the violence in the story and the assault the characters go thru.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not painting in straight lines

The Italian Reckoning is the third book in the A New York Criminal Empire Series. The story is a whirlwind of darkness, danger, secrets, lies, passion, longing, tension, suspense, and violence. Sarah Gogs is a new detective in New York City who is clean and not being paid off by the Mafia, who really run the city. Rocky Barati is the son of one of the Mafia Don's. So from the start these two should be on opposites side of everything. But for Sarah it will become apparent that he is much more on her side and wants to ensure she is safe and protected, no matter the potential consequences for him. The story is intense, dark, twisted, and smexy hot. You will find yourself not wanting to put it down, even when you know you should.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian Reckoning is a complex but excellent dark Mafia romance between, Rocky, an Italian Mafia heir whose cruel father heads one of New York's Mafia, and Sarah, a one time Midwest detective transferred to New York after she almost died at the hands of The Painter, a serial killer. Rocky and Sarah are joined together as they each have their own investigation of the death of another Mafia family member's daughter which leads to The Painter. Rocky kidnaps Sarah to keep her safe when his Don father puts a hit on her. This well written book has complex characters, an intriguing plot, Mafia violence, a serial killer, suspense, danger, and a dark romance. I recommend this suspenseful romance.

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

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a mafia boss and a cop who is not dirty or able to bought have in common. It seems they have so much in common. They have friends in the mafia world who should be enemies but have an allegiance. They have a very serious attraction to each other. Oh and big one is a serial killer who haunts her and his world. This is a very good story. The twists and turns it takes has been well written and developed by the author. Rocky and Sarah are very interesting characters. Their story is an epic adventure and love story. I enjoyed reading it very much and I highly recommend it.

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

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian Reckoning

Rocky and Sarah

Rocky, the son of the Mafia Don, and Sarah, a Homicide Detective, are complete opposites and clash repeatedly. Sarah was transferred to New York when a serial killer case she was working on fell apart. When a young woman with Family connections is found murdered with similar clues linking the serial killer, no one believes Sarah and she turns to Rocky for help. A page-turner thriller/mystery with enough steam to satisfy the reader long after the killer is brought to justice.

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

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rocky and Sarah

This is book 3 in the New York Criminal Empire series and it is a good addition. This book is about Sarah who is a detective and Rocky who we know from previous books is part of the Italian Mafia. Sarah is one of the cops that cannot be bought but when she is in need of help, it’s Rocky who will come to her rescue. When she sees that the world isn’t always black and white, will she be able to change her ways?? Out of respect for the author, that’s as much as I will tell you. I do recommend this series though if you are looking for a good read with good characters.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian Reckoning is book 3 in A New York Criminal Empire series and is Rocky and Sarah's journey. This story is an intense, forbidden love journey that takes your breath away. Sarah has survived the un-survivable ( if that's a word) with the help of Rocky. He saved her life only for her to be targeted again. These two are complete opposites. He's the heir to a Mafia empire and she's the detective who should be trying to bring him down. This story full of drama, surprises, secrets, twists and turns. Be prepared for a huge array of emotions with this one.

[Scatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great written book Ava Gray. The third book of the New York criminal empire series.

I love how Sarah is so strong willed, stubborn & wont back down from her morals & what she believes is right. The story between her & Rocky is beautiful. He may be mafia but you see a softer side to Rocky that others don’t see. Their love story is one that is tested but one that you feel will last. I loved every second of reading this book

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

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into this series right from the start. Such suspense and steam with just the right amount of humor mixed it. This one took it to another whole level entirely. WOW. I would like to say I was surprised when the identity of the Painter was revealed, but something about them just never sat right with me. Such an incredibly emotional story. I think this might be the last book in the series, but I am secretly hoping for more. The characters are just so awesome. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story. We follow Sarah, a detective, and Rocky, a mafia boss—not just any mafia boss, but a very dangerous one who rides a motorcycle. Two polar opposites, because he does everything according to plan and doesn't deviate from it. And when you add a deranged serial killer with his eye on Sarah, you have a fantastic story with plenty of suspense, action, danger, and plenty of steam.








I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fabulous mafia romance from Ava Gray. I really enjoyed the taboo relationship between Sarah and her mystery biker saviour Rocky. The dynamic is great and the obvious attraction instant. I couldn’t put this down from the 1st page, and I totally recommend as a great read. If you love mafia romance then you are sure to love this one, and if you haven’t tried Mafia romance then it’s a great place to start your journey as this is a standalone, although the whole series is worth a read.

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

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is full of action, shady characters and a serial killer to stop. With constant action occurring, it left me wondering what was going to happen next. The story is well written and entertaining with two strong main characters. As different as Sarah and Rocky are, they make a beautiful couple if they can survive. I loved the story and it is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of Sarah and Rocky was a well written, steamy mafia based love story. Sarah is a police officer working in Homicide. She doesn't appreciate the way the various mafia families interfere with her cases. And she definitely doesn't like Rocky. But when they are.thrown together the steam takes over. They say the opposite of hate is love, and for these two, it sure is.

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

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

opposites attract

This was a good book. I actually liked the whole 3 book series. I loved Rocky from the previous 2 books. He was always around to help his allies with a cheeky grin, and a wink. He’s handsome, and always seems to be there when Sara needed saving. These two just made sense in a lot of ways. These book has mystery, action, and steam. I think it was a great end to this series.

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, intense and deliciously dark. Started reading with my morning coffee and completed at dinner time. Always waiting to see what was going to happen next. Wonderful strong characters, well written. Another winner for Ava.

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

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different Mafia tale with forbidden romance, a string of bodies and twisted family loyalties. Chilling undertones enhance the read, culminating in a bleak moment of realisation as everything or everyone you thought you knew was different. Great read.

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

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Wow fantastic story. detective Sarah gogs and the one man she thought she never get involved with rocky barat is the only one that breaks through her walls and and changes everything after what happened to her.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful, gritty, dark mafia romance featuring: a by-the-book female detective, a dangerous, motorcycle riding mafia man, a serial killer who wants the detective dead, and a ruthless Don who, also, wants the detective to go away…permanently. This enemies-to-lovers romance will have you turning the page as it sets your Kindle on fire!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Rocky!!! For being mafia, he is was of the sweetest most genuine book boyfriends of all time!
Enemies to lovers, but only because Sarah thought they had to be.
Such an emotional, passionate story. Filled with trauma and resurrection and recovery.
Absolutely beautiful.

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

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iyruly loved this story and characters. The mixture of following the rules and breaking them was perfect. The suspense of not knowing what comes next and realizing who the serial killer will be was rewarding as I love a good puzzle. They weren’t meant to work but they did.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Trauma

Right from the start, I was on the edge of my seat with this one. Sarah survives a serial killer only to have the mafia don ordering her execution. Her life is. Complicated by Don's son Rocky, who vows to protect her. It was a heartpounding and suspenseful read. I could not put it down.

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