Beautiful Trauma

The Irish Rogues #5

by Katie Ashley

KELLAN

I’m not built like the other Kavanaugh brothers. In a world ruled by violence and blood, I’ve always led with my heart. My compassion often led to my downfall like when a stunning blonde needed saving at my club. It wasn’t just her beauty that captured my attention. Her vulnerability spoke to the protector within me. Of course, the seduction that followed was only a ruse. Despite her devious actions, I couldn’t get her or the night we shared together out of my mind. When I find she’s in danger, I can’t help but risk everything to save her. But rescuing her comes at a price that has repercussions not only for me, but for my family.

MILA

As the daughter of a Bratva pahkan’s “second” family, I’ve always been made to feel second best. My beauty has often been used as a pawn in my father’s business schemes. His latest order was to infiltrate the Irish mafia by seducing one of the Kavanaugh brothers. I never expected a handsome, golden boy who was impossibly built, but with a soft voice and kind eyes. I didn’t expect to like him. But the greatest surprise was finding such a caring heart residing in his chest. I never imagined after duping him that he would once again come to my rescue. Just as I started falling for him, fate drove us apart. To protect me, he’ll walk into a war. But love born from lies and violence doesn't always last. Especially when the truth comes back with a vengeance. And this time, it won’t miss.

In the fiery fifth instalment of this dark mafia romance series, blood ties are broken, loyalties shattered, and a love born in betrayal may be the only thing strong enough to survive the war that follows.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She's written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.

Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.

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Reviews

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this series has a perfect mix of mafia and romance. This story is of Kellan Kavanaugh and Mila Korolova. I've read some reviews this book does run parallel to book 4 Safe and Sound in which I actually have to still read book 4 as its high up on my list. But still felt as a standalone as this version of the story I read first. I love how Kellan is emotional and protective to Mila who is complex because of the drama with her Bratva family. But the Kavanaugh's and Korolova's are against each other, so family conflicts are bound to happen. I can't wait for more.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[kk.grce · Rating 1 out of 5]

ridicule, j’ai même pas envi d’en parler

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely addicted to this series. Kellen is simply the best. Yes, he has a total heart of gold (for the mafia) but his respect of women totally won me. I was 100% for him. I don’t want to give spoilers, but I will say this is so good! I suggest reading in order, this one picks up from a big plot point of book 4 as the catalyst for this book.

[Stephania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book in the series, but honestly I felt stressed reading this book expecting things to degenerate at any moment like in “Safe and Sound”. Reading a good book, but close to the end, to have an unnecessary death for a lovely character, unrealistic drama and facts specific to a cheap soap opera in its 20th season... that causes trauma.

[Amy.Reads.Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series since the start! It will forever be one of my favorite mafia romance series to date. The first two books were in my top reads of 2024, and this book held its own right alongside them. Katie is an incredible storyteller, and if you love romance and morally grey heroes (and heroines!), you’ll love this one!

Mila learned at a young age that she was worth nothing more than a pawn in her father’s game. He’s pure evil as well as powerful, and she’s forced to live under his will or face death—or worse, harm to her little sister. So she does everything she’s told, even when she doesn’t want to. But she makes sure her father knows how she feels about it, consequences be damned.

Kellen and his brothers run the Irish mafia and are as brutal as they come, but underneath the surface they are good men who know how to love and will protect their family with their lives. Especially Kellen, who’s the most softhearted of them all. Kellen wants love, happiness, and a family of his own one day, but every time he gets close, he’s betrayed.

When Mila enters Kellen’s life, it’s supposed to be an act to gather information for her father. But when she meets Kellen and her ruse reveals his protective side, she’s shaken. She never expected him to be such a good man. She starts to feel things for him, but before she can let herself fall, she betrays him and runs.

When Kellen and Mila’s family have an arranged meeting, Kellen learns who she is and what she’s done. While he’s furious, he can’t ignore the overwhelming need to protect her—even from his own family.

Even if they both admit they’re falling, the risk is too great. Her father will destroy anyone he sees as standing in his way—or as the enemy.

This book is full of twists and turns that keep you on your toes and anxious to find out what happens next. The characters are strong and consistent throughout, and even though it’s a standalone, Katie weaves in characters from previous books, keeping the storyline rich and connected for longtime readers. And if you pick this up as a standalone, it will definitely make you want to add the earlier books to your TBR—because it’s that good!

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Butterflies: 🦋🦋🦋🦋

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Kellen and Mila. I did like parts of it. Kellen is sensitive, protective, and willing to put his heart on the line. That made him super easy to root for. Mila also had a lot of layers, and I felt for her being stuck in her father’s schemes while trying to protect her siblings. Their chemistry was strong, and I liked the whole forbidden mafia romance vibe.

That said, some of the twists felt kind of predictable, and the pacing dragged here and there. I also wanted more of the relationship rebuilding between Kellan and Mila. It sometimes felt like the story leaned too heavy on the drama and not enough on their trust growing back.

Overall, it was good. I enjoyed the emotional moments, but it didn’t fully grab me the way I hoped.

ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. Thank you for providing this ARC for an honest review.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional, gripping ride that pulled me in from the start. I loved Kellan; unlike his ruthless brothers, he’s softer, compassionate, and deeply protective, which made him stand out as a hero. Mila broke my heart. Used as a pawn by her Bratva father, she’s strong yet vulnerable, and watching her struggle between loyalty and desire was heartbreaking. Their connection felt electric, even when betrayal and lies stood between them. The Romeo and Juliet vibe, layered with mafia politics, family drama, and constant danger, kept me hooked. The twists were intense, the passion scorching, and the stakes impossibly high. This installment is raw, suspenseful, and beautifully emotional.

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Trauma is the fifth book of The Irish Rogues by Katie Ashley. This time we have Kellan Kavanaugh and his romance with Mila Korolova. This dark mafia romance series has been excellent and after reading about his brothers and sister, I was really looking forward to Kellan’s story. An enemies to lovers, he falls first, forbidden love story with Romeo and Juliet vibes. The couple first meet when the marriage contract between Dare and Annika breaks down. This leads to the alliance between the families becoming treacherous and then acts of subterfuge and betrayal, bring it all to a head. Kellan and Mila find themselves caught up in the war that ensues, neither knowing who is on their side. Can they find a way to be together or is there just too much against them.

Kellan has always stood out as the sweet adorable one who is in a world he shouldn’t be. He is the quiet, kind and caring brother, less violent one who doesn't like the blood and brutality involved in the family business. He and Eamon haven’t recovered from the trauma they suffered at the hands of their father five years ago when they tried to save Maeve and he still feels guilt over it. As much as he doesn't mind helping his brothers underneath his bravado he is a sweet soul who respects women and has a very protective nature. Kellan is recovering from the heartbreak of his fiancee cheating on him and feels he always picks the wrong women. Little does he knows the next one will throw his life into chaos.

Mila is the illegitimate daughter of Danill Korolova, the pahkan of the Bratva in Philadelphia. The story starts with her aged twelve and witnessing a horrendous event after her brother Dima is surprisingly named as heir. The years that follow she endures emotional and physically cruelty, only surviving thanks to Dima. She is insecure, with low self esteem and daddy issues but is determined that one day she will revenge her mothers death and kill her father. She trusts very few people and never gets close enough to any man to fall in love. Mila runs an art gallery now but since she turned eighteen, her horrible father has used her against his enemies. He makes her seduce and drug them to gain information and her target this time is Kellan.

Mila is disguised and sent to the brothers club Bandia in Boston. Things don’t go as planned as she is attracted to him and is shocked when he puts himself in danger for her. The moment their eyes met Kellan was a goner and his protective side comes into full force. They have an emotional connection and she can’t believe how understanding he is. She feels guilty for what she has to do after they have been intimate but she fulfils the plan and leaves regretting it as they could’ve been so much more if met under different circumstances. He feels betrayed and her deception hits him hard because he thought they could have a relationship. He’s shocked when he finds out her true identity and the problems her actions have caused his family, however, he’s still fascinated by her.

There is all the trouble with Ava’s family for the brothers to contend with and Callum isn’t happy over Kellan actions because he fights to be with her and goes against his brothers to try and give them a future together. He is so amazing with her as he tries to convince her she is worthy of his love for her. Even though he falls in love with her very quickly, there is no question about his loyalty towards her and the way he stands up for her against her father and Dima was great. I also enjoyed catching up with the rest of his family and seeing how everyone was doing.

When Mila finds herself in danger due to her family secrets, how far will Kellan go to help her. Could he put his family in danger and risk his life for her. Will he save her life after all she did to him. Mila knows she’s a complication he doesn’t need and definitely doesn’t deserve him after almost destroying him. Her family refuse to allow their relationship and things escalate with tragic consequences for both families. Is there any way the couple can come back from what has happened. Can she save him when he needs her or will her family get the revenge they are after.
The surprising twists and turns come thick and fast as their story concludes. The ending was full of suspense, drama and shocking revelations. I was so pleased with the outcome and the heart warming epilogue. Looking forward to the new crossover series next year.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila Korolova has been traumatized since childhood at the hands of her Bratva Father. She is insolent, untrusting, and keeps people at arm's length. And even though she tries to run her little corner of the family business by also running a legitimate art gallery, her Father has a mission for her, and there is no saying no, especially since she is just one of his illegitimate daughters.

Kellan Kavanaugh lived through his own trauma at a young age. It has made him more respectful of women. But his love life has left him wary, guarded, and untrusting of anyone's motives. He is smart, good with numbers, charming, and charismatic. He is different from some of the other hardened mafia men, but he is built and can be rough when the job calls for it.

When she is sent on a mission for information, their worlds collide, and a spark of a connection is set afire. But secrets, lies, and betrayal douse the flames.

Mila is bound to her family and keeps getting thrust back into this dangerous world where she was instrumental in betrayal. No matter how bad she feels about it. And Kellan's past trauma and differences from his alpha mafia brothers already make her actions hurt him even more. But he is also a man who cannot allow women to get hurt if he can help it. And as their lives and their families become more entangled, it becomes more dangerous, more volatile, and they keep getting tested.

This couple has a Romeo and Juliet vibe set in a world with dangerous families at odds, betrayals, lies, violence, and suspense. They both have past trauma, Daddy issues, and trust issues that also help bond them. Their connection is intense, but there are many reasons why it should be forbidden for them to be together. And trying to be together just puts more of a target on their back. Along the way, they have to rely on each other and rescue each other in various ways.

I loved Kellan. He is different and a bit softer than the other alphas, but still has enough bossiness, control, bravery, and decisiveness about him to survive in that world and take care of those he loves. He has a kind, compassionate, caring heart and is protective of women. He is also charming, flirty, a dirty-talker, and focused on a woman's pleasure. And Mila has this strong veneer and boldness about her, but deep down, she just wants to feel safe and seen by someone. Despite the drama, they are willing to open up and be vulnerable and take what the other is offering. And their chemistry is definitely intense. But they both have had to deal with processing trauma and have some continued issues, not to mention they are surrounded by enemies, chaos, threats, and life-or-death situations.

This one kept me invested in their connection, chemistry, trauma, and growth. But the suspense elements, twists and turns, and volatile family dynamics really brought it home with hits that just kept coming. I was enthralled by their story. I am really loving this series and all of these characters, and cannot wait for more.

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[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars-: BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA is the fifth instalment in Katie Ashley’s contemporary, adult IRISH ROGUES erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Bratva princess Mila Korolova, and Irish Mafia businessman Kellan Kavanaugh’s story line. BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA cross over with and run parallel to the events of book four Safe & Sound.


NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from dual first person perspectives (Kellan and Mila) BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA focuses on the forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Mila’s brutal father and Bratva Pakhan Danill Korolova has arranged a marriage between Mila’s half-sister Annika, and the Irish Mob but Mila’s brothers had decided to use our heroine to seduce Kellan, in an effort to gain information for future use but Mila never expected to fall for the man in question, the man she betrayed from the sake of her family. While Mila’s family sees our heroine as nothing more than a pawn, Mila and Kellan will pay the price for falling in love against their families wishes.

The world building is dark and gritty as our couple must come to terms with what has happened and why. Mila finds herself on the outside looking in, a perceived betrayer to the family, a family that has destroyed her life and is determined to teach her a lesson from which she may never come back.

The relationship between Mila and Kellan is a forbidden romance-warring crime families that had once reached a tentative impasse but the Bratva ideology and treatment of women has placed Mila in a precarious position, with a fractured family, forced to work for the family in order to survive. Kellan never expected to fall in love with the woman sent to betrayal his family but the heart wants something more than revenge. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters including the return of Raphael & Maeve, Callum & Caterina, Quinn & Isla, Dare & Ava, and matriarch Orla Kavanaugh: Mila’s sister Kira, her brothers Dima, Maks, Lev, Aleks and, their brutal father Bratva Pakhan Danill Korolova.

BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family behavior, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic, edgy and twisting; the forbidden romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and broken.

copy supplied for review

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Trauma
The Irish Rogues #5
By Katie Ashley

I’ve enjoyed the Irish Rogues series from the beginning, but Beautiful Trauma quickly became my favorite Kavanaugh, Kellan. If I was going to marry off a daughter it would be to Kellan. He is a man who knows where he stands in the family, he has feelings, he sees people for who they are, he has compassion and for many years he fought against the feelings that left him feeling less of a brother/man. All because of his father ordering him and his other brother to betray his sister.

Mila’s life has not been an easy one! Forced to watch as her mother died and used by her Bratva father Danill Korolova. She will always try to beat her father at his game, but he is a hard man, he really only cared about what any of his children could do for him and the Bratva. Since Korolova had to name a successor he decided to jump over one son and made his illegitimate brother Dima, her brother ~ his successor. You would hope since they were true brother and sister he would protect her, well think again.

The story line lead readers through a war between the Kavanaugh’s and the Korolova’s. There were lies, spying and kidnapping and that is just the beginning

Beautiful Trauma could stand as a modern day Romeo and Juliet….Irish mob and Bratva style!

Two people who were thrown together, who could see the trauma that each other had lived through, who fell in love and each of them in a situation where death is a probable outcome. Trust is hard for Mila but the one person she will always trust is Kellan!

I read this story and it seemed to fly by!

[Martina Peeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely won me over. After the previous book about Dare, I had some reservations and started this one with a bit of hesitation, mostly because I wanted to finish the series. I’m so glad I did.

Kellan was absolutely wonderful—sweet, romantic, and kind, yet unexpectedly sinful in the bedroom. As the saying goes, still waters run deep, and Kellan proved that perfectly. He didn’t disappoint in the slightest. What truly set him apart for me was how he treated Mila. Despite what she did to him at the beginning, he never turned cruel or resentful, nor did he lash out at her the way many alpha male characters often do. Instead, he remained compassionate and emotionally open, which made him such a refreshing presence in the mafia romance genre.

Kellan felt like a breath of fresh air among all the hardened, ruthless men typically found in these stories. It’s easy to see why Mila called him “the perfect man.” Speaking of Mila, I also really liked her as a character. She was relatable and layered, and while her depressive state toward the end did frustrate me slightly, I appreciated that it didn’t drag on and that the author didn’t linger there for too long.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. It was emotional, romantic, and satisfying, and it restored my excitement for the series. I would absolutely love to read more—whether that’s a book about Eamon or even stories focused on Mila’s siblings, who also felt like very intriguing characters. A well-deserved five-star read for me.

[⚜️Heather-Christine⚜️ Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know I’m a sucker for a Katie Ashley book…if she writes it, I’m gonna read it. She’s easily one of my favorite authors; I adore her storytelling and writing style every single time.

I absolutely loved this story, the angst, betrayal, and fight for survival were deliciously intense. Kellan is the kind of man who will go to hell and back for the woman he loves, and watching him do it for Mila had me hooked from page one. Their chemistry is explosive, tangled with danger, loyalty, and heartbreak. The perfect mix of mafia grit and passionate romance. Call me crazy but I love the betrayal out the gate and the how are they gonna get past the deceit.

The emotional rollercoaster between the Kavanaughs and the Korolovas adds so much depth and drama, keeping me on edge in the best way. And that ending? Utterly satisfying, a beautiful mix of love, redemption, and just the right amount of revenge. Let’s not forget Katie Ashley’s beautiful bow she ties. 🙌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🥵🥵🥵

Lastly? I want a Deema story, is he an irredeemable ass? Yes, absolutely… but I want to see how Katie would spin a redemption arc/ love story or a romance with that man. He’s such a complex man…I want it, where do I sign-up for that?

[kgagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartrending, suspenseful and sizzling romance! As an alliance falls apart, Mila Korolova's father sends her to seduce Kellan Kavanaugh to find out family secrets. Mila has been used repeatedly by her father and she allows it to protect her younger siblings. This job is different though. Kellan is nothing like the other men, he is kind, protective, and she is instantly attracted to him. Kellen has past trauma that he is working through. Even when this beautiful woman seduced him in his club, bugged his office and disappeared, he can't get her out of his head. When he discovers who she is, and the danger she is in, he is determined to rescue her, help her heal, and bring her under his protection. It isn't easy when she loves her siblings and is unable to see a future in his world, but Kellan is determined to find a way to make it work, no matter how much it costs them. Mila is strong, resilient, and determined. She was the perfect match for the valiant, protective, Kellan. This thrilling story, with it's twists and turns, was fast paced, heart-pounding, emotional, and very steamy! I love this Irish Rogues series and can't wait for more from the Kavanaugh family!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Trauma is book five of The Irish Rogues Series.

We finally get to see Kellan's story come to fruition. He is a more sensitive soul than some of the other family members. So when he sees a woman in need, he comes to her rescue. However, he doesn't know that it is all a set up and he suffers from the fall out of this experience. He is unsure if he can trust Mila ever again, but his heart desperately wants to. Meanwhile, Mila is fighting her feelings and just wants to be free of her father.

Kellan was a dream in this. He was the kind and caring person I knew he would be. Even when he was angry at Mila, his number one concern was protecting and taking care of her. There is absolutely nothing I would change about this character as he was perfection.

Mila goes through some trauma through this story. But through Kellan and Maeve, she is able to work through her feelings and emotions and start to look more positive to the future.

This was a fantastic addition to the series.

[MaguiWorld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me gustó, fue entretenido de leer, me gustaria leer los anteriores de la serie (pero no senti que me hubiera perdido de nada para entender esta historia). Por otro lado tambien senti que muchas cosas se dieron MUY rapido. El insta-love no es lo mio es lo que aca sucede.

Despues, los personajes como que no llegue a conectar mucho con ellos aunque si logre entender por qué se comportaban de cierta manera luego de haber vivido las cosas que vivieron, ¿quien no queda marcado?

Fue interesante porque tuvo un punto medio entre mafia y romance, eso me gustó. Me gustaría seguir leyendo a Katie!

Muchas gracias Victory Editing por el ARC que leí en Netgalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.

[Nubia Souza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the story a lot. Mainly because of Kellan, the dreamiest hero in the series. Still, this book doesn't compare to the other ones in the series. It was just ok. And the writing was a bit poorer too. For instance, the overuse of "winking" for pretty much all the characters in the book. It started to get on my nerves. It could almost be a drinking game: drink a shot whenever a character winks in this book. Trust me, you'll be wasted way before you reach half of the story. So, not an exciting reading but not a total waste of time either. I still want to read the next one and can only hope that it will be better.

[Debbie Hegwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Trauma

OMG - did you just end a story like that?!?! Kellan and Mila need to stay far apart from one another or risk getting killed. Will they find away? I guess time will tell!

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

[CB]

Not interested - plot

[Kirsten_BookRants · Rating 4 out of 5]

*100th Book of 2025*

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Like if you look up the ‘perfect man’ on Google, you’ll find his picture.” Kellen everyone 💚

“You brought me to a planetarium?” and this ladies and gentlemen is when I started sobbing 😭

I really enjoyed Beautiful Trauma, easily one of my favorite in the series. I definitely could have finished it in one sitting because of how invested I was in the story (but life). I was fully prepared to be upset about the 3rd act conflict, but what a plot twist. Sorry I ever doubted you Katie Ashley. And the multiple epilogues chef's kiss!

My main issue was I felt Kellen's spoiling Mila was more of self sacrifice than benefiting to both of them within the relationship. But hey if Mila and Kellen like it, then I love it. Also I couldn't figure out why Mila thought she was "broken", I guess it's a comprehension thing on my part.

“If doing what makes you feel comfortable is considered spoiling, then you'd better get ready for a lot of it.”

"The look in his eyes made me weak. It was everything a woman would ever want to see reflected in her lover’s eyes. Warmth rushed over my body under his gaze."

Kellen is such a dream boat, the ideal book boyfriend. A spicy farm scene in a Mafia book, and it was absolutely delicious!

Thank you Katie Ashley for providing me with an ARC copy of Beautiful Trauma. And allowing me to share my honest opinions.