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Fearless
PLAY DIRTY, PLAY TO WIN.
Josh Flynn is the king of the bare-knuckle gypsy fighters. His reputation is un-blemished; his fist a deadly weapon.
Claire Milo has always loved Josh, they were destined to be together from the day they met. Two Gypsy lovers with their whole lives ahead of them. If only Josh would find a different way of earning a living instead of knocking the living daylights out of another man in the boxing ring. One day, she knew something really bad was going to happen. She could feel it . . .
Shauna Everett always wanted what she couldn’t have, and nobody, especially Claire Milo was going to stand In her way. She’s had her eye on Josh Flynn for years and she knew just how to get him. If It meant playing dirty, then so be it. What had she got to lose?
In a world ruled by violence, crime and backstreet brawls, only one woman will win, but how low is she prepared to go to achieve that goal?
- GenresCrime
569 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2018
148 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Keane
44 books383 followersNow what about me? I’ve done a lot of writing, but way back before I even dreamed I could be a professional writer I was just the youngest in a big family. My Dad was a surveyor with an edge of brilliance. My Mum was from gipsy roots and used to drive around in a goat-cart (yes, really!) when she was little. Once we were rich (although I didn’t know it then, and it was all thanks to my Dad’s ingenuity) and then suddenly – pretty shockingly, really – we were poor (thanks to greedy people who exploited his kindness). I have to tell you, rich is better. But the great thing about life is, even painful events pass, and if you make bad choices, hopefully you learn from them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 18, 2018
Fearless – Two Lionesses With No Love Lost Between Them
Jessie Keane knows how to really write thrillers keep the reader hooked and not let them go, even once the novel has finished. Her books always feature strong women, which is great to see, and I see various traits in the women I know, even some close family members. If you do not like strong women then this book is not for you, if you do, then you have two lionesses who hate each other going head to head. It ain’t going to be pretty!
Claire Milo and Josh Flynn have only ever had eyes for each other, living in a tight traveller community, they are inseparable and are intent on getting married and living out their days together. Shauna Everett, also a traveller, wants what she cannot have, and she is determined to have Josh Flynn to herself. She has watched as Josh has become a champion bare-knuckle fighter and king of the gypsies.
The night Josh becomes King of the Gypsies, Claire is warned off and told to leave the community and never come back if she wants her family to live. With her dog murdered, and raped she escapes to New York via Ireland. The love of her life gone and her family in danger. Alone in New York, pregnant and alone she has to fight to succeed, but always at the back of her mind is Josh, her one true love.
Shauna Everett has everything she wants, she has played dirty and won, soon to be married and pregnant she is away from the traveller community and on her way up in society. Josh never really loves Shauna, at times he feels trapped and the more he learns about Shauna the more he despises her and what she has done to him and Claire all those years ago.
While making a fortune to keep his wife in her expensive tastes and habits, he spreads his wings out to America, making fights, making money. One night out with his business partners he walks in to a club in New York and sees the one woman he has always loved, he cannot believe it. They reconnect and try and rebuild what they had. The more they do the more he hates Shauna.
Then one day, Josh dies in the ring in New York, and Shauna and Claire will come face to face and the claws are out. One of them is going to have to die. Shauna plays dirty and she knows how low to go, can Claire survive?
Jessie Keane keeps the reader hooked, her writing is addictive you just want more. This is no chick lit, this is full on thriller, with plenty of intrigue. Simply brilliant.
Jessie Keane knows how to really write thrillers keep the reader hooked and not let them go, even once the novel has finished. Her books always feature strong women, which is great to see, and I see various traits in the women I know, even some close family members. If you do not like strong women then this book is not for you, if you do, then you have two lionesses who hate each other going head to head. It ain’t going to be pretty!
Claire Milo and Josh Flynn have only ever had eyes for each other, living in a tight traveller community, they are inseparable and are intent on getting married and living out their days together. Shauna Everett, also a traveller, wants what she cannot have, and she is determined to have Josh Flynn to herself. She has watched as Josh has become a champion bare-knuckle fighter and king of the gypsies.
The night Josh becomes King of the Gypsies, Claire is warned off and told to leave the community and never come back if she wants her family to live. With her dog murdered, and raped she escapes to New York via Ireland. The love of her life gone and her family in danger. Alone in New York, pregnant and alone she has to fight to succeed, but always at the back of her mind is Josh, her one true love.
Shauna Everett has everything she wants, she has played dirty and won, soon to be married and pregnant she is away from the traveller community and on her way up in society. Josh never really loves Shauna, at times he feels trapped and the more he learns about Shauna the more he despises her and what she has done to him and Claire all those years ago.
While making a fortune to keep his wife in her expensive tastes and habits, he spreads his wings out to America, making fights, making money. One night out with his business partners he walks in to a club in New York and sees the one woman he has always loved, he cannot believe it. They reconnect and try and rebuild what they had. The more they do the more he hates Shauna.
Then one day, Josh dies in the ring in New York, and Shauna and Claire will come face to face and the claws are out. One of them is going to have to die. Shauna plays dirty and she knows how low to go, can Claire survive?
Jessie Keane keeps the reader hooked, her writing is addictive you just want more. This is no chick lit, this is full on thriller, with plenty of intrigue. Simply brilliant.
May 1, 2018
I was truly delighted to find that this book was a stand alone read, although it is sectioned into 3 books with chapters in each of these sections making it above your standard size of novel, but wow does it pack a punch and like one of the main characters, bare knuckle fighter Josh. It was truly unbeatable!
I loved how I got to dip my toes into the gypsy camp site be it only in small doses, where old traditions had not completely died out. These people had pride and rules within their community, even if they were nothing like the outsiders. In the camps you sorted out your own troubles, be it a body from a bare knuckle fight that had gone wrong, to a couple of young women with their eye on the same bloke.
Shauna Everett was one crazy lady that would stop at nothing to get her own way. I have to admit to feeling some sympathy for her as I really do believe that this nut case did love Josh. She makes this story a belter with her wheeling, dealing and ruthless determination. A lady with no conscience just an end to a means. Claire is her opposite, a young woman that radiates innocence itself. Both beautiful women in love with Josh who is at times naive. He is a bit of a put his head in the sand kind of guy so things happen and he just goes along with it all.
I thought Shauna was bad but bloody hell the Cleavers are a real bunch of scary weirdos. Brutal, but not as stupid as Shauna thinks. Whoa there are some cracking scenes with these guys that make you just want to curl up and become invisible but they just made me feel like they could still crawl off the pages at any minute. Well the pay load had arrived and the boys wanted to jump on the band wagon.
What a superb story this is that spans from 1975 to present day. An epic journey of love loss and obsession!
I loved how I got to dip my toes into the gypsy camp site be it only in small doses, where old traditions had not completely died out. These people had pride and rules within their community, even if they were nothing like the outsiders. In the camps you sorted out your own troubles, be it a body from a bare knuckle fight that had gone wrong, to a couple of young women with their eye on the same bloke.
Shauna Everett was one crazy lady that would stop at nothing to get her own way. I have to admit to feeling some sympathy for her as I really do believe that this nut case did love Josh. She makes this story a belter with her wheeling, dealing and ruthless determination. A lady with no conscience just an end to a means. Claire is her opposite, a young woman that radiates innocence itself. Both beautiful women in love with Josh who is at times naive. He is a bit of a put his head in the sand kind of guy so things happen and he just goes along with it all.
I thought Shauna was bad but bloody hell the Cleavers are a real bunch of scary weirdos. Brutal, but not as stupid as Shauna thinks. Whoa there are some cracking scenes with these guys that make you just want to curl up and become invisible but they just made me feel like they could still crawl off the pages at any minute. Well the pay load had arrived and the boys wanted to jump on the band wagon.
What a superb story this is that spans from 1975 to present day. An epic journey of love loss and obsession!
March 4, 2018
Having read most of Jessie Keane’s earlier books, I was looking forward to reading this latest release and it did not disappoint!
Fearless is an amazing story about gypsy families. It's one of those books that pulls you in from the first page and does not let you go until long after you have finished the book.
The characters are really what made this book so brilliant, they are all complex characters with their own agendas. Shauna is a fantastic character, one I loved to hate! I also loved Josh a fearless tough nut with a soft centre. All the characters are so well written and believable.
Jessie Keane has created another thrilling and riveting story full of suspense, tension and a brilliant plot line. Highly recommended!
Fearless is an amazing story about gypsy families. It's one of those books that pulls you in from the first page and does not let you go until long after you have finished the book.
The characters are really what made this book so brilliant, they are all complex characters with their own agendas. Shauna is a fantastic character, one I loved to hate! I also loved Josh a fearless tough nut with a soft centre. All the characters are so well written and believable.
Jessie Keane has created another thrilling and riveting story full of suspense, tension and a brilliant plot line. Highly recommended!
March 18, 2018
This is a fantastic book and one I simply couldn’t put down.
I’ve not read any of Jessie Keane’s books before so didn’t know what to expect. I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely read more by her.
It’s hard to say too much about the story as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. There’s some shocking twists and turns that will take you breath away.
I can say that all the main characters are brilliantly portrayed and Shauna will make your blood boil.
Claire and Josh are very happy together but Shauna thinks she’s too meek and mild for Josh, so does all she can to get him away from her.
The story is told in the past and in the present and it will grab you from the first few chapters, and won’t let go!
This is a brilliant story and I can’t wait to read more by Jessie Keane.
Thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I’ve not read any of Jessie Keane’s books before so didn’t know what to expect. I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely read more by her.
It’s hard to say too much about the story as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. There’s some shocking twists and turns that will take you breath away.
I can say that all the main characters are brilliantly portrayed and Shauna will make your blood boil.
Claire and Josh are very happy together but Shauna thinks she’s too meek and mild for Josh, so does all she can to get him away from her.
The story is told in the past and in the present and it will grab you from the first few chapters, and won’t let go!
This is a brilliant story and I can’t wait to read more by Jessie Keane.
Thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 11, 2018
This book was called about Conner Flynn . Claire Milo and Shauna Everett . Conner was getting married to Claire but it all goes wrong , so he goes and marries Shauna ,eventual years go by and Connor finds out where she stopping and they meet up . I got this book from Netgallery
August 17, 2019
Wow what a book. I had forgotten how much I love Jessie Keane books and this one was brilliant. Fast paced and just brilliant right the way to the end
May 28, 2018
As always Jessie delivers a punchy (excuse the pun!), gritty story of love, jealousy & revenge.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2018
First of all I have to say that I am a massive Jessie Keane fan and I have been for many years having read the Annie Carter series which I love. So reading a new book by the author that is a standalone always makes me wonder if they can live up to their last novel..... But Oh My Freaking Hell Fearless is the bollocks!!! Jessie Keane has totally nailed it and brings us a nail biting, pulse racing story.
In this story we meet Claire and Josh... OMG I loved them and I will say I did start reading this thinking is was a love story but how wrong was I. The author then throws Shauna into the mix.She is one nasty bitch and will do anything, and I mean anything to get Josh.
With this being a grit lit book you always expect to find characters that you love and hate but Shauna is totally off the Richter scale I seriously wanted to punch her head in, boy did she make me angry. I love that the lead characters are female I found this a refreshing change
Fearless is full of twists and turns and plenty of OMG moments which made me gasp. Not forgetting the emotional scenes which actually brought tears to my eyes. This is one of those book where I felt right there in the story has we follow Claire's roller coaster journey.
It also uses bad language which some readers may find offensive. But it ticked all the boxes for me and I am gutted that I finished it so soon now. I cannot wait from Jessie's next book now.
This is a must read for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberly Chambers I cannot recommend it enough giving it 5 massive stars.
Massive thank you to Anne Cater for inviting me to take part on this exciting tour.
In this story we meet Claire and Josh... OMG I loved them and I will say I did start reading this thinking is was a love story but how wrong was I. The author then throws Shauna into the mix.She is one nasty bitch and will do anything, and I mean anything to get Josh.
With this being a grit lit book you always expect to find characters that you love and hate but Shauna is totally off the Richter scale I seriously wanted to punch her head in, boy did she make me angry. I love that the lead characters are female I found this a refreshing change
Fearless is full of twists and turns and plenty of OMG moments which made me gasp. Not forgetting the emotional scenes which actually brought tears to my eyes. This is one of those book where I felt right there in the story has we follow Claire's roller coaster journey.
It also uses bad language which some readers may find offensive. But it ticked all the boxes for me and I am gutted that I finished it so soon now. I cannot wait from Jessie's next book now.
This is a must read for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberly Chambers I cannot recommend it enough giving it 5 massive stars.
Massive thank you to Anne Cater for inviting me to take part on this exciting tour.
January 9, 2023
WOW! It's been too long since I read a Jessie Keane book and luckily for me this one was sitting in my unread. I hadn't read the synopsis before starting so had no clue what to expect. What I didn't expect was an absolute belter of a book that had me reading into the early hours. Claire Milo and Josh Flynn are young teenagers who are part of the travelling community. They are head over heels in love and plan on marrying. However Josh is being touted as the King of the bare knuckle boxers and Claire loathes this part of his life. Shauna Everett is the same age as Claire and has her eyes set firmly on the prize of Josh Flynn all for herself.
This story stretched from the 1970s until present day and boy did it pack a punch. I don't want to say too much about the storyline as you just need to read the stories of these three people and their extended family. I had NO idea where the story was gong I just knew I wanted to go along for the ride. Shauna is a character you just love to loathe and as for Josh I wasn't sure how I felt about his as the story progressed. What I do know is that Jessie Keane TELLS a story, you don't just read a book, you almost become ingrained into their lives and this is (IMO) what makes her such an amazing author. I never tire of her writing, characters and storylines. This book I must say is one I absolutely loved and would have no problem in recommending. I can't wait to see if I have anything else left by this author to read, and if not then roll on a new book!
This story stretched from the 1970s until present day and boy did it pack a punch. I don't want to say too much about the storyline as you just need to read the stories of these three people and their extended family. I had NO idea where the story was gong I just knew I wanted to go along for the ride. Shauna is a character you just love to loathe and as for Josh I wasn't sure how I felt about his as the story progressed. What I do know is that Jessie Keane TELLS a story, you don't just read a book, you almost become ingrained into their lives and this is (IMO) what makes her such an amazing author. I never tire of her writing, characters and storylines. This book I must say is one I absolutely loved and would have no problem in recommending. I can't wait to see if I have anything else left by this author to read, and if not then roll on a new book!
April 21, 2018
Fearless by jessie Keane .
This has got to be so far one of her best books . Each page and chapter that you read only gets better and better I hope their will be a follow-up . It was a sad ending and kept me in suspense I just could not put this book down . Well done jessie Keane and hope you write more books like this one . I give you 5 stars and recommend this book to all and those haven't read it yet then it's most certainly worth buying . Happy reading .5 stars
This has got to be so far one of her best books . Each page and chapter that you read only gets better and better I hope their will be a follow-up . It was a sad ending and kept me in suspense I just could not put this book down . Well done jessie Keane and hope you write more books like this one . I give you 5 stars and recommend this book to all and those haven't read it yet then it's most certainly worth buying . Happy reading .5 stars
February 20, 2018
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced copy. I have always been a big Jessie fan and have read all of her books, I didn't enjoy her last one much but this one was amazing!! It gripped me from page 1 and it kept me awake all night wanting to get to the end and see what happened.
The characters draw you in straight away and you follow them over many years in the book.
My favorite book of 2018 so far!!
The characters draw you in straight away and you follow them over many years in the book.
My favorite book of 2018 so far!!
April 8, 2018
Fantastic , could not put down. Was hooked from first page, needed to know how it was going end. And it did not disappoint me. LOVE Jessie Keane books I,'ve read them all and each one is brilliant. Worth so much more than 5 stars. Looking forward to her next one.
April 10, 2018
I have read most of Jessie’s books and loved them all. This one certainly didn’t disappoint! I know I can always rely on her for a great read when I’m struggling. I would highly recommend this book.
April 19, 2018
Beyond brilliant - sixteen gripping hours of heart wrenching, phenomenal storytelling. Just WOW...
Love everything this author writes and that Karen Cass narrates.
They're a perfect combination - I'm in awe of them both!
Love everything this author writes and that Karen Cass narrates.
They're a perfect combination - I'm in awe of them both!
April 28, 2018
Fabulous as all of Jessie Keane's books are - can't wait for the next one!
March 21, 2023
Great book! It was a definite page turner, but the cover is awful!
December 17, 2018
Definitely Jessie Keane’s best book. I loved it. Full review to follow
February 22, 2018
If you like Jessie Keane then read no further as this is classic Keane and you will LOVE it....
If you haven’t ever read a book by her then you should start!...this book is the usual high drama, suspense, action packed family drama that gives you 100% satisfaction in a book
The characters are instant, you love or hate them and as always they are colourful and irresistible....as is the story
This book is based on gypsy families and is a fascinating insight into their customs and way of life
There is EVERYTHING you want in a book in this errr book!! and it will leave you wanting more and I hope there is a second follow up book
There are sensitive subjects in the book but they are handled well but with no punches pulled!!
As always with Keanes books this could easily be a film or a drama series
I loved it and would recommend it for a thrill a page read
10/10 5 stars
If you haven’t ever read a book by her then you should start!...this book is the usual high drama, suspense, action packed family drama that gives you 100% satisfaction in a book
The characters are instant, you love or hate them and as always they are colourful and irresistible....as is the story
This book is based on gypsy families and is a fascinating insight into their customs and way of life
There is EVERYTHING you want in a book in this errr book!! and it will leave you wanting more and I hope there is a second follow up book
There are sensitive subjects in the book but they are handled well but with no punches pulled!!
As always with Keanes books this could easily be a film or a drama series
I loved it and would recommend it for a thrill a page read
10/10 5 stars
May 5, 2020
4.5 stars
A really good book with plenty of twists and turns. It kept me grpped all the way through and if you like Jessie Keane you'll love this book.
A really good book with plenty of twists and turns. It kept me grpped all the way through and if you like Jessie Keane you'll love this book.
April 14, 2018
Time taken to read - < 1 day
Pages - 574
Publisher - Pan Macmillan
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Amazon
Play dirty, play to win.
Josh Flynn is the king of the bare-knuckle gypsy fighters. His reputation is un-blemished; his fist a deadly weapon.
Claire Milo has always loved Josh, they were destined to be together from the day they met. Two gypsy lovers with their whole lives ahead of them. If only Josh would find a different way of earning a living instead of knocking the living daylights out of another man in the boxing ring. One day, she knew something really bad was going to happen. She could feel it . . .
Shauna Everett always wanted what she couldn’t have, and nobody, especially Claire Milo was going to stand in her way. She’s had her eye on Josh Flynn for years and she knew just how to get him. If it meant playing dirty, then so be it. What had she got to lose?
In a world ruled by violence, crime and backstreet brawls, only one woman will win in Jessie Keane's Fearless, but how low is she prepared to go to achieve that goal?
My Review
Josh Flynn and Claire Milo have been together since they were kids, now they are going to get married. On the night of Josh's big fight Claire realises this isn't for her and her old adversary Shauna spots her moment. She hates Claire with a passion because Claire has what she wants, Josh, and when Shauna wants something she will stop at nothing to get it.
Oooft sometimes you read a book and find a character you hate and no one will surpass it, then you meet Shauna Everett. Absolute evil and zero morals, we are very quickly introduced to the darker side that resides in Shauna. The story spans over years, from the night everything goes wrong for Claire, the immediate aftermath and then follows them into adulthood, they are teenagers when the story kicks off.
The story is really brutal at times and not for the faint hearted, crude sexual scenes, depravity, violence, abuse, murder and that is just for starters. Gritty crime at its best, I was reading one chapter before bed and ended up still awake at 4am, 400 pages in. Keane creates a dark world you can't help but be pulled into and wanting to see what happens next. The kids are from the gypsy world, Josh is a fighter, no rules just brutality. Shauna has always had higher aspirations that what the gypsy world can offer and really has no qualms doing what it takes and stepping on whoever to make it happen. Claire, well all she ever wanted was a quiet life with the man she loved, she embraced the life she grew up with but with one night changing everything she does what she needs to to survive. Shauna is one of those characters who will stay with you long after you put the book down, an absolute horror of a woman!
Fearless is a story that will make your skin crawl in places, wince, boak, enthral, enrage, cheer, captivate and keep you turning page after page. I have read Keane before and will absolutely read her again, I need to check her back catalogue and see what ones I have missed, 4/5 for me this time.
Pages - 574
Publisher - Pan Macmillan
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Amazon
Play dirty, play to win.
Josh Flynn is the king of the bare-knuckle gypsy fighters. His reputation is un-blemished; his fist a deadly weapon.
Claire Milo has always loved Josh, they were destined to be together from the day they met. Two gypsy lovers with their whole lives ahead of them. If only Josh would find a different way of earning a living instead of knocking the living daylights out of another man in the boxing ring. One day, she knew something really bad was going to happen. She could feel it . . .
Shauna Everett always wanted what she couldn’t have, and nobody, especially Claire Milo was going to stand in her way. She’s had her eye on Josh Flynn for years and she knew just how to get him. If it meant playing dirty, then so be it. What had she got to lose?
In a world ruled by violence, crime and backstreet brawls, only one woman will win in Jessie Keane's Fearless, but how low is she prepared to go to achieve that goal?
My Review
Josh Flynn and Claire Milo have been together since they were kids, now they are going to get married. On the night of Josh's big fight Claire realises this isn't for her and her old adversary Shauna spots her moment. She hates Claire with a passion because Claire has what she wants, Josh, and when Shauna wants something she will stop at nothing to get it.
Oooft sometimes you read a book and find a character you hate and no one will surpass it, then you meet Shauna Everett. Absolute evil and zero morals, we are very quickly introduced to the darker side that resides in Shauna. The story spans over years, from the night everything goes wrong for Claire, the immediate aftermath and then follows them into adulthood, they are teenagers when the story kicks off.
The story is really brutal at times and not for the faint hearted, crude sexual scenes, depravity, violence, abuse, murder and that is just for starters. Gritty crime at its best, I was reading one chapter before bed and ended up still awake at 4am, 400 pages in. Keane creates a dark world you can't help but be pulled into and wanting to see what happens next. The kids are from the gypsy world, Josh is a fighter, no rules just brutality. Shauna has always had higher aspirations that what the gypsy world can offer and really has no qualms doing what it takes and stepping on whoever to make it happen. Claire, well all she ever wanted was a quiet life with the man she loved, she embraced the life she grew up with but with one night changing everything she does what she needs to to survive. Shauna is one of those characters who will stay with you long after you put the book down, an absolute horror of a woman!
Fearless is a story that will make your skin crawl in places, wince, boak, enthral, enrage, cheer, captivate and keep you turning page after page. I have read Keane before and will absolutely read her again, I need to check her back catalogue and see what ones I have missed, 4/5 for me this time.
April 11, 2018
This book begins with a short prologue set in 2001, with a brother and sister breaking into a grave, hoping that the rumours they have heard are not true.
Its the mid 1970s, Claire and Josh are childhood sweethearts and are set to marry in big gypsy way and live the gypsy lifestyle. When Shauna hears of their engagement she attacks Claire. But Shauna is determined to have Josh for herself and will stop at nothing to get him.
Josh invites Claire to his next bare knuckle fight - she is not keen to go, but goes along to support Josh. The fighting disgusted Claire so much she calls the wedding off. To ensure Josh is hers, Shauna has a word with Claire, to ensure she doesn't change her mind, then Shauna arranges for her lap dogs, the Cleaver brothers, to scare Claire away for good.
Seeing her chance once Claire leaves, Shauna attaches herself to Josh, and once she is pregnant she knows he will do the decent thing and marry her, even though he still pines for Claire.
It's a gritty novel with love, fighting, threats, jealousy and much more spread across a number of decades following the three main characters, Claire, Josh and Shauna.
It follows Claire in her life after leaving, and the lives of Josh and Shauna in their married life and her determination never to settle for second best, always pushing Josh to get her more. Shauna is really a nasty piece of work and a character that I despised, and quite rightly so considering what she had done.
Overall, the plot is good and easy to follow, though maybe a little formulaic and predictable especially during the start of the second half when you see where Josh is, though it was still a very good read.
Jessie Keane writes in a similar style to Mandasue Heller, drawing you into the dark side of the characters and sucks you into the story.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review
Its the mid 1970s, Claire and Josh are childhood sweethearts and are set to marry in big gypsy way and live the gypsy lifestyle. When Shauna hears of their engagement she attacks Claire. But Shauna is determined to have Josh for herself and will stop at nothing to get him.
Josh invites Claire to his next bare knuckle fight - she is not keen to go, but goes along to support Josh. The fighting disgusted Claire so much she calls the wedding off. To ensure Josh is hers, Shauna has a word with Claire, to ensure she doesn't change her mind, then Shauna arranges for her lap dogs, the Cleaver brothers, to scare Claire away for good.
Seeing her chance once Claire leaves, Shauna attaches herself to Josh, and once she is pregnant she knows he will do the decent thing and marry her, even though he still pines for Claire.
It's a gritty novel with love, fighting, threats, jealousy and much more spread across a number of decades following the three main characters, Claire, Josh and Shauna.
It follows Claire in her life after leaving, and the lives of Josh and Shauna in their married life and her determination never to settle for second best, always pushing Josh to get her more. Shauna is really a nasty piece of work and a character that I despised, and quite rightly so considering what she had done.
Overall, the plot is good and easy to follow, though maybe a little formulaic and predictable especially during the start of the second half when you see where Josh is, though it was still a very good read.
Jessie Keane writes in a similar style to Mandasue Heller, drawing you into the dark side of the characters and sucks you into the story.
I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review
April 27, 2018
This is the story of Claire Milo, Josh Flynn and Shane Everett; a triangle love story full of hate, murder and jealousy that will keep you glued till the last page; a very emotional read, bittersweet but really addictive!
The story is told mainly by Claire and Shauna, how their paths crossed when they were young and change their lives forever... I can not say that I liked Shana, how she acted or the way she saw life, she was not afraid of using violence or coerce people to get her way. And in just one night she changed her life, Josh's and Claire's with a very horrible action... On the other hand, Claire seems terrified of what could happen to her or her family if she ever tells the truth about the fateful night... She will spend all her life hiding, I know it will seem too drastic, but after reading the book you will understand her reasons! Josh is the worst character for me in this story, he seems to use all his energy on boxing fights instead of fighting for the truth or to questioning what secrets is Shauna hiding, because he simply accepts the things as they come... I don't think I would ever resist someone like him! He thinks that is protecting his family, but I think that in the end is scared of Shauna too...
Even if the story may seem "simple", I can assure you there are a few twists and a lot of nail bitting, Jessie Keane had written a very good book in which when you think that nothing could go worse, it will!
I can't say I had read any of the other Jessie's books, but after reading Fearless, I'll be keeping an eye on her next books, I am sure they will be as original as this one.
Would you be able to kill to get your way?
The story is told mainly by Claire and Shauna, how their paths crossed when they were young and change their lives forever... I can not say that I liked Shana, how she acted or the way she saw life, she was not afraid of using violence or coerce people to get her way. And in just one night she changed her life, Josh's and Claire's with a very horrible action... On the other hand, Claire seems terrified of what could happen to her or her family if she ever tells the truth about the fateful night... She will spend all her life hiding, I know it will seem too drastic, but after reading the book you will understand her reasons! Josh is the worst character for me in this story, he seems to use all his energy on boxing fights instead of fighting for the truth or to questioning what secrets is Shauna hiding, because he simply accepts the things as they come... I don't think I would ever resist someone like him! He thinks that is protecting his family, but I think that in the end is scared of Shauna too...
Even if the story may seem "simple", I can assure you there are a few twists and a lot of nail bitting, Jessie Keane had written a very good book in which when you think that nothing could go worse, it will!
I can't say I had read any of the other Jessie's books, but after reading Fearless, I'll be keeping an eye on her next books, I am sure they will be as original as this one.
Would you be able to kill to get your way?
February 28, 2018
If you are a fan of Jessie Keane or english crime fiction you will love this book.
This was a fantastic read from start to finish with a few twists thrown in.
I do not give out many 5***** ratings as there does tend to be an issue with most stories but thuis one has you hooked from the first page, with a storyline of well over 500 pages i still read this book in less than three days, everytime i wanted to put the book down something else happened so you want to continue reading.
1975 Josh and Claire are madly in love and happy living on the gypsy campsite, they are both happy with their lives except Claire wishes that Josh wouldn't do the bare knuckle fighting. But Josh has been brought up to do this for a living.
Shauna is also a Romany gypsy and lives on the same site, Shauna is obessesed with Josh and can't understand why Josh would prefer the blonde timid girl Claire, compred to her the raven haired beauty who is up for anything???
So Shauna becomes involved with the Cleaver family who are the local pig farmers with a terrible reputation, will Josh notice Shauna more???
This is a story of true love that goes on for ever, and another person's obsession that can destroy everything!!
Fast paced, really well written, well worth 5*****. Highly recommended!!
This was a fantastic read from start to finish with a few twists thrown in.
I do not give out many 5***** ratings as there does tend to be an issue with most stories but thuis one has you hooked from the first page, with a storyline of well over 500 pages i still read this book in less than three days, everytime i wanted to put the book down something else happened so you want to continue reading.
1975 Josh and Claire are madly in love and happy living on the gypsy campsite, they are both happy with their lives except Claire wishes that Josh wouldn't do the bare knuckle fighting. But Josh has been brought up to do this for a living.
Shauna is also a Romany gypsy and lives on the same site, Shauna is obessesed with Josh and can't understand why Josh would prefer the blonde timid girl Claire, compred to her the raven haired beauty who is up for anything???
So Shauna becomes involved with the Cleaver family who are the local pig farmers with a terrible reputation, will Josh notice Shauna more???
This is a story of true love that goes on for ever, and another person's obsession that can destroy everything!!
Fast paced, really well written, well worth 5*****. Highly recommended!!
October 16, 2018
I have loved all of Jessie's previous books and this one did not disappoint. It has everything a book needs, brilliant characters, romance, violence, laughter and tears.
We are thrown into the world of Josh as he aims to become King of the bare knuckle Gypsy fighters, with his young sweetheart Claire by his side, he has the world at his feet. Little does he know that Shauna is just waiting to get her hands of him and will stop at nothing to win his affections. Playing dirty means nothing to her she just wants to get her hands on him no matter what the cost.
When Claire suddenly disappears Josh's search for her is futile and he finds himself in the arms and in the bed with Shauna. Now that she has him in her clutches she will not let him go.
This book really builds as the characters reveal more and more of themselves. Claire is not the meek and mild girl that she once was and Shauna shows her most evil and nastiest side but revenge is always sweet.
This book made me cry in places and laugh in others. The one thing I loved was the ongoing love triangle that just weaved deeper and deeper. We are thrown into a world of violence, blood and brawling but true love will always win.
We are thrown into the world of Josh as he aims to become King of the bare knuckle Gypsy fighters, with his young sweetheart Claire by his side, he has the world at his feet. Little does he know that Shauna is just waiting to get her hands of him and will stop at nothing to win his affections. Playing dirty means nothing to her she just wants to get her hands on him no matter what the cost.
When Claire suddenly disappears Josh's search for her is futile and he finds himself in the arms and in the bed with Shauna. Now that she has him in her clutches she will not let him go.
This book really builds as the characters reveal more and more of themselves. Claire is not the meek and mild girl that she once was and Shauna shows her most evil and nastiest side but revenge is always sweet.
This book made me cry in places and laugh in others. The one thing I loved was the ongoing love triangle that just weaved deeper and deeper. We are thrown into a world of violence, blood and brawling but true love will always win.
March 26, 2025
I saw this book in my local library and got quite excited as it looked brand new (we do love a good new book smell!) and had decent reviews on here as well.
I was a little daunted at first as it’s probably the longest book I’ve read for some time and the genre is completely out of my comfort zone, BUT oh my goodness! I am so glad I pushed myself to start it!!
Once I’d started I couldn’t stop and only when my eyes were literally trying to close and make me go to sleep did I put this book down. This was by far one of the most gripping books I’ve ever read and I will not be expecting to forget this for a while.
My only teeny tiny criticism would be some sentences or paragraphs felt a little repetitive at times? Like the author had re-hashed something again even though it was already written about? Off the top of my head I am thinking about the description Josh has of Claire about her hair and the fields etc, felt like I’d read that description a few times? Or I could just be going mad. Either way, I couldn’t knock off a whole star for it, literally I’d give it a 4.8 at the absolute lowest.
Loved this book and I am hoping this will be the beginning of me trying some different genres more often, perhaps in particular English crime?
I was a little daunted at first as it’s probably the longest book I’ve read for some time and the genre is completely out of my comfort zone, BUT oh my goodness! I am so glad I pushed myself to start it!!
Once I’d started I couldn’t stop and only when my eyes were literally trying to close and make me go to sleep did I put this book down. This was by far one of the most gripping books I’ve ever read and I will not be expecting to forget this for a while.
My only teeny tiny criticism would be some sentences or paragraphs felt a little repetitive at times? Like the author had re-hashed something again even though it was already written about? Off the top of my head I am thinking about the description Josh has of Claire about her hair and the fields etc, felt like I’d read that description a few times? Or I could just be going mad. Either way, I couldn’t knock off a whole star for it, literally I’d give it a 4.8 at the absolute lowest.
Loved this book and I am hoping this will be the beginning of me trying some different genres more often, perhaps in particular English crime?
April 16, 2019
I have always loved Jessie Keane’s books, (especially Dirty Game). I saw her book fearless in my local Asda and couldn’t resist buying it. I have to say Jessie Keane never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat/bed and never lets me down. I find when reading her books I’m always pulled right in and sucked into the story where everything around me and in life is forgotten.
I adored fearless, it is an amazing story about Gypsie families. Fearless pulls you into the story and doesn’t let you go from the very start. I loved the characters in the story and don’t want to go into it and give anything away but I have to say they are so many twists and turns right from the beginning and Shauna’s character made my blood boil, I loved Josh and Claire’s characters and was rooting for them from the very beginning of the story.
This was an amazing story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait to read more of her work. Jessie Keane knows how to write thriller’s and keep you hooked from the very start and not let you go until the very end.
I adored fearless, it is an amazing story about Gypsie families. Fearless pulls you into the story and doesn’t let you go from the very start. I loved the characters in the story and don’t want to go into it and give anything away but I have to say they are so many twists and turns right from the beginning and Shauna’s character made my blood boil, I loved Josh and Claire’s characters and was rooting for them from the very beginning of the story.
This was an amazing story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait to read more of her work. Jessie Keane knows how to write thriller’s and keep you hooked from the very start and not let you go until the very end.
March 25, 2018
What a fantastic book Jessie Keane has formed a story of love and hate.Claire Milo and Josh Flynn have been destined for marriage all their lives but that changes on the night Shauna Everett decides Josh is hers.Being forced to flee her home and family to keep them safe claire ends up in America and builds a life for herself until one night she gives birth she can't look at the child so her friend leaves the baby on the steps of a convent.As time passes josh has love only for claire but ends up married to shauna who manipulates the lives of all those around her until a chance meeting in New York for Josh.He has found his claire at last.I can highly recomend this book as a lover of Jessie's books i would say that this one is easily her best.
May 2, 2018
Brilliant Page Turner .
I found this book really hard to put down every spare minute I had I was reading it again. I loved the most the characters but I really didn't like the Cleavers of Shauna Flynn. I really don't know how Josh ended up staying with her for as long as he did, especially without confronting her on the things he'd found out about her. That must've been so hard to stomach I think I would've wanted to kill her myself. If your looking for a really great book then this definitely is it don't look no further, I'd definitely recommend it. Can't wait for Jessie Book'ss next book to be published now 👍👌
I found this book really hard to put down every spare minute I had I was reading it again. I loved the most the characters but I really didn't like the Cleavers of Shauna Flynn. I really don't know how Josh ended up staying with her for as long as he did, especially without confronting her on the things he'd found out about her. That must've been so hard to stomach I think I would've wanted to kill her myself. If your looking for a really great book then this definitely is it don't look no further, I'd definitely recommend it. Can't wait for Jessie Book'ss next book to be published now 👍👌
February 20, 2018
I’m a fan of Jessie Keane’s Work and this is as good as all the others.
You have two exceptionally strong women fighting over the love of one man. Claire and Josh seem destined to be until Shauna decides Josh is what she wants. All come from Romany families and the story spans from the 70’s until the 90’s as we follow the three main characters. Josh is a bare knuckle fighter and the tradition of this is shown both good and bad as he struggles to decide where his life should go.
I loved the characters and the imagery of a bygone era that Jessie manages to draw you into.
It is a tremendously well written novel that is worth losing some sleep over.
#Fearless #NetGalley
You have two exceptionally strong women fighting over the love of one man. Claire and Josh seem destined to be until Shauna decides Josh is what she wants. All come from Romany families and the story spans from the 70’s until the 90’s as we follow the three main characters. Josh is a bare knuckle fighter and the tradition of this is shown both good and bad as he struggles to decide where his life should go.
I loved the characters and the imagery of a bygone era that Jessie manages to draw you into.
It is a tremendously well written novel that is worth losing some sleep over.
#Fearless #NetGalley
March 22, 2018
Wowee..... this book was REALLY good and gripped me from the first chapter and I simply hated to put it down till the end.
Two women and one man, one good and one evil....... which one will get the man!!!!!!
I adored Josh and Claire and despised Shauna as much as any evil character I have ever despised.
Fearless is exciting and wicked and at times violent, I loved everything about this well written thriller by Jessie Keane. Can’t wait for more from this author and I highly recommend this book.
Two women and one man, one good and one evil....... which one will get the man!!!!!!
I adored Josh and Claire and despised Shauna as much as any evil character I have ever despised.
Fearless is exciting and wicked and at times violent, I loved everything about this well written thriller by Jessie Keane. Can’t wait for more from this author and I highly recommend this book.
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