J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

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Author, photographer, illustrator, geek. Lover of vintage things. Writer of the sapphic noir Shadow series. she/her https://sleek.bio/je-leak-author

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: The intense stare pierced right through the dancing shadows between them, and Jenny stilled on a forced inhale until the singer looked away and released her hold.
Schedule at GCLS for author J.E. Leak.
Picture of the top of a tuxedo cat's black head showing grey tabby markings.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: The woman's smile was dazzling, and her laughter caught Jenny off guard. She had a strange sense of pride for causing it and basked in the moment until the singer turned with her arms akimbo and said, "So, why were you trying to break into the employees' changing room, and why shouldn't I have you tossed out of here immediately?"
Black and white cat peeking over the step of a spiral staircase.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Jenny's eyes looked into hers, looked into her. Her gaze was searching, probing, as if she could see it all: all the terror, all the ugliness, all the secrets hidden in the recesses of her mind. She waited for Jenny to turn away, repulsed by what she found. She didn't. She simply waited, pleading, searching, wanting—wanting to know it all. Wanting to take it all.
Auction graphic with the four audiobook covers of the Shadow series by J.E. Leak. Text reads: The Complete Shadow Series. Read by Abby Craden. 4 audiobooks. 4 codes US/UK only. Love, Angst, Secrets, and Spies
Black and white cat sprawled upside down on an office chair.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Without so much as a whisper goodbye, genuine emotion had become foreign to her, and the fine art of betrayal had taken its place. Could she even discern the truth from playacting anymore? She closed her eyes and searched for the person who used to know.
Close up side portrait of a tuxedo cat with yellow eyes laser focused on a bird outside.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: "Say, could you—" Kathryn said, as she appeared from behind the screen, struggling with the zipper behind her back. "Sure," Jenny said, springing from the chair a little too eagerly. "Thank you," Kathryn said with a frustrated exhale as she placed a hand on her chest to hold up the dress. "I swear, if a man designs a dress, you can bet he'll put the zipper in the most inconvenient place just so he can help you out of it later." "The swine," Jenny said in mock indignation as she tried not to notice the lack of undergarments on the delicate valley of bare skin she'd just uncovered.
Cute black and white cat looking up at the camera as she gets her chin scratched.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Jenny's gaze held a depth of understanding, comfort, and forgiveness that she'd never allowed herself. It was warm and bright and weightless. Peace made manifest.
Black and white cat on a leash sitting on a porch swing.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Anger, like venom, rolled around in her mouth until she could no longer stand the taste of it.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Kathryn grinned, as the unrelenting conflict within her stopped its incessant saber rattling. Jenny had that effect on her. Lulling her into normalcy. No wonder it was so hard to let her go. She wasn’t a spy, or a war criminal, or someone to be on guard against at all times. She was an innocent drawn into the ugly world of intrigue by tragedy. One more reason to set her free. Her resolve was interrupted by Jenny’s hand on her cheek. “Seriously, Kat. What’s the matter? I know you want to. I’ve sensed it all night.” Kathryn tensed under the warm hand on her face and got lost in Jenny’s searching eyes.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Kathryn blamed exhaustion for the uncharacteristic longing for Jenny Ryan. The longing wasn’t real. It was a product of delayed disengagement, remnants of feelings manufactured to complete her assignment. Wasn’t it? It had been so long since she’d been honest about her feelings. Maybe it had been too long since her feelings were honest. The truth felt uncomfortable, just as the lies had been uncomfortable once. Now the lies were a way of life. Often her survival depended on it. Without so much as a whisper goodbye, genuine emotion had become foreign to her, and the fine art of betrayal had taken its place. Could she even discern the truth from playacting anymore? She closed her eyes and searched for the person who used to know. She looked up into innocent green eyes and thought she saw someone she remembered, someone she wanted to be again. “I don’t think you’d believe me if I told you,” she said honestly. “Try me.” “Because I like you too much.” Jenny raised her brow. “Okay. Could you like me a little less? Say, for an hour?” She paused and smiled. “Maybe two?”
Screen shot of the Audible Best Sellers in LBGTQ+ Historical Fiction list showing the audiobook of 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak sitting at #8 on the chart in between Tipping the Velvet and The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters.
Black and white cat licking its front paw.
Book cover for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. Text reads: He continued to shake Kathryn’s hand long after proper etiquette demanded, and recognizing the affliction, Jenny rubbed his arm and whispered, “Down boy.” “Yes, ma’am,” he said, as he sat down. Jenny kept her gaze firmly fixed on Kathryn’s face, but she could feel Cal staring at her. “Huh,” escaped his lips as a statement. Jenny broke her stare with effort and looked his way. “Huh what?” He cut his eyes to Kathryn, who gave him a wink and a seductive grin. “Uh,” Cal drew out, “I’m gonna be over at the bar if ya need me.” Cal cleared his throat into the silence and thumbed over his shoulder. “Yeah, anyway, the bar.” He stood and made his way across the club. Jenny furrowed her brow. “What was that about?” Kathryn claimed innocence with a shrug.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: “But obviously you’ve dealt with some demons. Yes?” “Obviously?” “Well … you have, haven’t you?” Kathryn hesitated. “Let’s just say I have my demons.” “But you’re together. You don’t break down at the drop of a hat, so you’ve dealt with that in some way.” Kathryn shook her head. “I run as fast as I can.” “You can’t run forever.” “I can try.” Kathryn’s answer was unapologetic, and Jenny supposed whatever happened must have been pretty awful. She put her hand on Kathryn’s forearm. “I want you to know, if you ever need to talk about it, I’m here.” Kathryn smiled and patted her hand. “Oh, no. One emotionally distraught person a night. That’s my limit.”
Portrait of a tuxedo cat laying on his back in the grass.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: The singer’s handshake was firm and confident but gentle at the same time. “Call me Kat.” “As in panther?” Jenny asked, and then regretted saying it out loud. The singer smiled. “No, as in Kathryn. Miss—?” The soft, warm hand in hers and the beautiful blue eyes boring expectantly into her made Jenny’s knees weak and, for a moment, her voice deserted her. She was somewhere south of graceful when she finally said, “Uh … Jenny, I mean Jen … Ryan.” Kathryn paused. “Do you prefer Jenny or Jen?” “Jenny,” she said. Nobody called her Jen. Ever. She didn’t know why she even said it, other than Jenny suddenly sounded juvenile for a twenty-three-year-old in the face of Kathryn’s sophistication.
Portrait of a black and white cat laying on its side with paw outstretched to the camera.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Smitty tilted his head toward Jenny’s path out the door. “That went well. Quite the little firecracker, isn’t she?” He motioned his usual drink order to the waiter across the room with a raised forefinger. Kathryn exhaled her agreement and snuffed out her cigarette in the glass ashtray before her. “You didn’t tell me she had a temper.” “Well, you were supposed to seduce her, not send her running from the building.” Kathryn laughed. “They said feel her out, Smitty, not feel her up.” “Oh. My mistake.”
Black and white cat stretched out on his side on a walkway with a garden behind him.
An over the shoulder selfie of a woman leaning into the shoulder of another woman with the dashboard of a car in the background.
Black and white cat curled up in his bed with front paws extended revealing one toe bean.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: They gazed into each other’s eyes until the sexual tension disturbed even Kathryn. For someone who had cultivated the art of seduction into one of her finest tools, it was disconcerting to lose control of it, especially during an assignment. She broke from Jenny’s gaze and squinted at the gleaming chromium bumper of an exotic-looking maroon convertible in the open garage, illuminated by the car’s headlights. “Nice car,” she said. “My father’s 1937 Cord 812.” She paused. “Supercharged.” Kathryn had never heard the word supercharged sound so sexy, and she bit her lip to stifle a pleasurable moan. “Not something you see every day.” “She’s a temperamental thing, but you’ll never forget the ride.” Kathryn wondered if she was still talking about the car.
Extreme closeup of a black and white cat's face.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of Love (Shadow series Book 2) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: It was an odd feeling, returning to herself. Odd in that she hadn’t purposely tried to become someone else. But there she was, a happy girl, anxiously awaiting her date. How often had she pretended to be such a thing, using her performance to ensnare this person or that, flawless and irresistible in her portrayal? Whether acting for personal gain or under government directive, it was never her, never genuine. Feelings weren’t something she reserved for herself. They were for assignments, playacting, a means to an end. But suddenly, there they were, and unbidden.
Graphic shows the four books of the Shadow series by J.E. Leak. Text reads: Sapphic love, intrigue, secrets, and spies. Film noir? Sultry spies? Yes, please!
Close up photograph of a Pink Wonder Daffodil.
Black and white cat curled up with one eye open looking at the camera.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: “He killed my father.” “So you said.” Kathryn’s dismissive attitude about something so serious was infuriating, and Jenny put a hand on her purse, ready to leave. “Look,” she said, “if you’re not going to help me, just tell me so I can quit wasting my time.” Kathryn leaned forward and put her hand over Jenny’s, stilling her departure. “Desperation, determination—whatever you prefer to call it—is just human nature. I’m not insulting you. Whatever you’re trying to do, you’ve got to be smart about it, and that’s not easy when it’s personal. That’s all I’m saying.” Jenny relaxed. Kathryn’s calm, reasonable advice made her feel like she’d just gained an ally. The den of sin was the last place Jenny expected to find a helping hand, but there it was, covering hers.
Graphic for Sapphic Book Bingo 2026 Golden retriever/black cat romance. Book cover for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. Text reads: Golden retriever-outgoing, friendly, and cheerful. Black cat-reserved, introverted, mysterious.
Screenshot of the NL East Baseball standings after three games. The Miami Marlins are 3-0 atop the NL East.
Screenshot of a Scrivener document, Binder in tact, but Scrivings window empty.
Portrait of a long hair tabby cat gazing into the camera with its head resting against a chair arm.
Book cover for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. Text reads: Kathryn’s presence had Jenny mesmerized all over again. It was like meeting a movie star who was larger than life and twice as beautiful as she’d imagined. “Cal, this is Kathryn,” she said, but stopped when she realized she didn’t know the woman’s last name. “Um …” Kathryn extended her hand to Cal. “Hammond,” she said. “Call me Kat.” Jenny smiled. “Don’t bother, he’ll just call you ma’am.” “Yes, ma’am,” he said on cue. “It’s an honor to make your acquaintance. Can I just say you’ve got a beautiful voice, and I just think, well, gosh, you sure are pretty.” He continued to shake Kathryn’s hand long after proper etiquette demanded, and recognizing the affliction, Jenny rubbed his arm and whispered, “Down boy.”
Portrait of two women smiling in front of a waterfall.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Jenny unfolded a leg and nudged Kathryn’s knee with her foot. “Someday you may find me irresistible,” she said, her voice rising to a singsong quality at the end. “And poor me, fresh out of lines. However will I win you over then?” Kathryn leaned in with a smoldering look filled with equal parts provocation and promise. “Should I find you irresistible …” She slid her hand slowly up Jenny’s extended leg. “You won’t need any lines to win me over.” Jenny swallowed. “Uh, okay.”  She wasn’t sure if she saw anger staring back at her or a guarantee that this was going to be the best birthday ever. She looked hard into those half-lidded blue eyes and decided it definitely wasn’t anger.
Sunset over the dunes at Long Beach, Washington.
Selfie in front of the Entering Sappho sign in Sappho, Washington.
Mists floating over a lake surrounded by mountains in Washington state.
Victoria parliament building from across the harbor.
A sunset over water and mountains with trees in silhouette in the foreground.
Snowy day in Vancouver.
Sunset from atop the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.
Big screen ad for the Seattle Torrent's inaugural season. Professional Women's Hockey League.
Nighttime picture of the Space Needle.
Longhair cat looking at the camera.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: “Well, Forrester should be at home by now, so before we go, I’m going to slip into something more comfortable.” Kathryn folded up her gloves. “Would you like to come?” Jenny froze for a beat, wondering if that was a trick question. Alone with a disrobing Kathryn Hammond after a glass of scotch on an empty stomach? That could be dangerous—wonderfully, wickedly dangerous. Ebook on sale only at Smashwords thru Mar 7
Smashwords eBook Week Sale. 50% off. Graphic shows cover of In the Shadow of the Past by J.E. Leak. Text reads Discover the sapphic noir world of the Shadow Series with book one. On sale thru March 7 only at Smashwords.
Black and white cat in a cat bed with one paw extended.
This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: No one else resisted Kathryn’s easy smile and friendly banter, and Jenny certainly couldn’t blame them. Outside, when Kathryn put her hand on her shoulder, Jenny was thankful she had the cold as an excuse to remove it before she gave in, confessed her attraction, and fell into her arms. Oh, how she wanted to fall into those arms.
Portrait of a black and white cat with foliage behind him.
Black and white cat curled up on his back in the dirt.
Graphic of the complete Shadow series in eBook and Audiobook by J.E. Leak. Text reads: Auction for Angela Dawe. Thurs Feburary 12 - Sunday February 15 8pm ET. Love, Angst, Secrets, and Spies.