Books, Boots and Bakeries

Celebrating 10 Years of Fearless: The Book That Sparked a Love Affair

A decade ago, Lauren Gilley released Fearless, a book that wasn’t just a story—it was an experience. It was raw, it was real, and it burrowed into my heart in a way that few books have. The phrasing is special; it makes my heart hurt in such a good way.

While Fearless may no longer be my favourite of Gilley’s works (that honour now belongs to the Sons of Rome series), it will always hold a special place in my soul. Mercy and Ava were my gateway into Gilley’s world, their love story steeped in pain, redemption, and a grit that felt so undeniably human.

Years ago, my love for her work ran so deep that I had her entire signed back catalogue sent to me, and I carried those books across the US and back to Australia in my luggage. I even took them to Mercy’s hometown of New Orleans. I stopped by Knoxville one afternoon for coffee, despite being on a time crunch. I had zero regrets then, and I have zero regrets now.

This week marks ten years of Fearless, and I can’t think of a better way to honour it than by joining the read-along with the author’s group—immersing myself once again in the world of the Lean Dogs, revisiting Mercy’s quiet strength, Ava’s resilience, and the brutal tenderness that made this book impossible to put down.

From the very first page, Fearless pulls you into its world with unrelenting intensity. Mercy is a man shaped by violence and loyalty, an enforcer for the Lean Dogs MC whose hardened exterior hides a deeply protective nature. Ava is a woman searching for safety, trying to escape the shadows of her past. Their love story isn’t easy—it’s jagged and painful, and somewhat taboo, but it’s also beautifully raw.

Gilley’s writing shines in her ability to craft deeply flawed yet compelling characters. The chemistry between Mercy and Ava is off the charts, potentially even when it shouldn’t be, and the emotional stakes are sky-high from the moment they meet. The novel doesn’t shy away from the realities of MC life—there’s grit, there’s darkness, but at its core, there’s an undeniable love story that feels earned rather than manufactured.

The pacing is relentless, keeping you turning the pages as tensions rise within the club and the dangers mount. And while the romance is central, the novel is rich with subplots that add depth to the world and characters. The supporting cast—especially Ghost, who would later take center stage in Price of Angels—adds layers of complexity to the story, making it feel like part of a much larger saga.

What truly sets Fearless apart is its emotional depth. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a journey of healing, of finding a place to belong, of confronting demons both internal and external. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page.

So, happy birthday, Fearless. Thank you for the heartbreak, the love, and the journey that never really ends.