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Shadow #3
In the Shadow of Truth
She thought she wanted the truth. Now she’d give anything to forget it.
New OSS trainee Jenny Ryan is brimming with equal parts excitement and fear. She is one step closer to serving her country overseas, but when her ambition costs her dearly, she realizes the fight has come to her and love has turned to lies.
OSS instructor Kathryn Hammond is no stranger to sacrifice. But when doing her job means sending the woman she loves into the churn of war, her devotion to duty is tested like never before.
When shocking revelations and the cruel march of time threaten their love, will Kat and Jenny embrace the truth and find each other again before it’s too late?
In the Shadow of Truth is the third book in this lesbian historical romance series. If you like secrets, spies, and love against all odds, you'll love this emotionally sweeping love story.
Buy In the Shadow of Truth and lose yourself in a page-turning night of desire and intrigue today!
Note: As this is a series, reading the books in order is recommended.
New OSS trainee Jenny Ryan is brimming with equal parts excitement and fear. She is one step closer to serving her country overseas, but when her ambition costs her dearly, she realizes the fight has come to her and love has turned to lies.
OSS instructor Kathryn Hammond is no stranger to sacrifice. But when doing her job means sending the woman she loves into the churn of war, her devotion to duty is tested like never before.
When shocking revelations and the cruel march of time threaten their love, will Kat and Jenny embrace the truth and find each other again before it’s too late?
In the Shadow of Truth is the third book in this lesbian historical romance series. If you like secrets, spies, and love against all odds, you'll love this emotionally sweeping love story.
Buy In the Shadow of Truth and lose yourself in a page-turning night of desire and intrigue today!
Note: As this is a series, reading the books in order is recommended.
649 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2023
40 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 3, 2025
Compelling read!
As the plotline continues to be both riveting and evenly paced in this 3rd book of 'Shadow' historical series -- there seems to be no doubt about it's irresistibility and just savoring this extremely evocative well written story.
Highly recommended roller-coaster book and series!
As the plotline continues to be both riveting and evenly paced in this 3rd book of 'Shadow' historical series -- there seems to be no doubt about it's irresistibility and just savoring this extremely evocative well written story.
Highly recommended roller-coaster book and series!
April 13, 2023
NO ONE has more stamina than an i-can-fix-her lesbian and i stand by that
June 1, 2023
4.5 stars
While the first book in the Shadow series establishes the story and characters and the second book brings the two mains together against all odds, book three is the one that brings reality into such hard focus that it feels like a gut punch.
Those that have read my reviews of the first two books know that I am completely in love with undercover agent and chanteuse Kathryn Hammond, flaws and all. Because I believed that everything she did - painful that it could be - was for a purpose. It was for the good of the mission and the country. And yes - also her way of punishing herself for her survivor's guilt. In this book the depths of Kathryn's character flaws come into sharp focus and while I can handle that, her unnecessary cruelty is not easy to overlook.
Kathryn fell in love with Jenny Ryan reluctantly. Much as she tried not to, she just couldn't help herself. She never believed that she was worthy of that kind of love and devotion and certainly not while she was having to give much of herself away to others as part of her undercover mission. But with communication and honesty, Kathryn and Jenny have been trying to navigate their way through and establish some sort of life together while also serving the war effort.
This is very much Kathryn's book. While Jenny is a significant part of it, in this volume we get to know more about Kathryn - both the good and the bad. Kathryn's character is such an enigma. She can be brave, disciplined, badass, cruel and cunning. And with Jenny, also soft and vulnerable. The mission that they're involved in becomes even more personal, testing both of them to their limits. Romantic that I am, I am drawn more to their love story than the intrigue - though both are fascinating.
I'm one of those people that gives others three strikes. Everyone screws up and that's fine. Work through it, move on. The second screw up requires more trust building to overcome. There needs to be good reasons for it and genuine remorse. We got that in book two. But there's a strike three here and despite Kathryn's reasons, I don't know if there's any coming back from it.
Leak is an excellent writer. This is a very long book that could possibly have been two. That said, I was completely riveted by the story, even while disappointed by one of my favorite characters in recent memory. I can tell you that in book four, Kathryn (and Leak) will have to work really hard to get her back into my good graces. From where it stands, this reader has to wonder if Kathryn really is the right one for Jenny.
Since Abby Craden narrated the first two books, I heard this story play out in her voice in my head. I can tell you that when I hear the real thing on audio, it's going to gut me. This is excellent historical fiction with a love story at its core. I just hope in the final entry, we get the happy ending that Kathryn and Jenny deserve - and readers need.
UPDATE after listening to the audiobook - I was right. It killed me. Abby delivered in a huge way, as always. Oh, Kathryn… my heart can’t take it!
While the first book in the Shadow series establishes the story and characters and the second book brings the two mains together against all odds, book three is the one that brings reality into such hard focus that it feels like a gut punch.
Those that have read my reviews of the first two books know that I am completely in love with undercover agent and chanteuse Kathryn Hammond, flaws and all. Because I believed that everything she did - painful that it could be - was for a purpose. It was for the good of the mission and the country. And yes - also her way of punishing herself for her survivor's guilt. In this book the depths of Kathryn's character flaws come into sharp focus and while I can handle that, her unnecessary cruelty is not easy to overlook.
Kathryn fell in love with Jenny Ryan reluctantly. Much as she tried not to, she just couldn't help herself. She never believed that she was worthy of that kind of love and devotion and certainly not while she was having to give much of herself away to others as part of her undercover mission. But with communication and honesty, Kathryn and Jenny have been trying to navigate their way through and establish some sort of life together while also serving the war effort.
This is very much Kathryn's book. While Jenny is a significant part of it, in this volume we get to know more about Kathryn - both the good and the bad. Kathryn's character is such an enigma. She can be brave, disciplined, badass, cruel and cunning. And with Jenny, also soft and vulnerable. The mission that they're involved in becomes even more personal, testing both of them to their limits. Romantic that I am, I am drawn more to their love story than the intrigue - though both are fascinating.
I'm one of those people that gives others three strikes. Everyone screws up and that's fine. Work through it, move on. The second screw up requires more trust building to overcome. There needs to be good reasons for it and genuine remorse. We got that in book two. But there's a strike three here and despite Kathryn's reasons, I don't know if there's any coming back from it.
Leak is an excellent writer. This is a very long book that could possibly have been two. That said, I was completely riveted by the story, even while disappointed by one of my favorite characters in recent memory. I can tell you that in book four, Kathryn (and Leak) will have to work really hard to get her back into my good graces. From where it stands, this reader has to wonder if Kathryn really is the right one for Jenny.
Since Abby Craden narrated the first two books, I heard this story play out in her voice in my head. I can tell you that when I hear the real thing on audio, it's going to gut me. This is excellent historical fiction with a love story at its core. I just hope in the final entry, we get the happy ending that Kathryn and Jenny deserve - and readers need.
UPDATE after listening to the audiobook - I was right. It killed me. Abby delivered in a huge way, as always. Oh, Kathryn… my heart can’t take it!
January 3, 2023
Just when I was curious about how the story would go after book two, J.E. Leak gives it a second direction, a whole new path, and a different perspective. In “In the Shadow of Truth,” we get more action and more conspiracy. It was fascinating!
One thing that remains the same is the love between Jenny and Kathryn. Their love is strong and fragile at the same time. The angst level is more than in book one and book two. It almost feels like they have one step forward three steps back, but it’s reasonable and understandable that I did not feel repetitive once. J.E. Leak is an incredible storyteller, and I have said I love her writing style already?
I love this series so freaking much. I’ll be counting the days until book four to release
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
One thing that remains the same is the love between Jenny and Kathryn. Their love is strong and fragile at the same time. The angst level is more than in book one and book two. It almost feels like they have one step forward three steps back, but it’s reasonable and understandable that I did not feel repetitive once. J.E. Leak is an incredible storyteller, and I have said I love her writing style already?
I love this series so freaking much. I’ll be counting the days until book four to release
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2024
Edit: April 30th, 2024, audiobook review
It took me an awfully long time to decide to listen to this audiobook, for several reasons. It’s lengthy, and I needed to be in the right headspace for it. This third episode in the series is also my least favourite of the four, which added to my reluctance. When I first read it, I found it too dense and convoluted. The word I used in my review at the time is “messy”. However, when I finally gave it a chance, I enjoyed it a lot more. I have no doubt that it’s in part due to Abby Craden’s talent. Her narration makes the story more poignant and, at the same time, faster-paced. That said, the fact that I now know everything that comes after played a role too. I love the anticipation, the feeling that I have knowledge the characters don’t of their inescapable fate. Besides, I’d found all the intricacies confusing, but having read the fourth and last book now, it all makes sense, and my initial frustration has evaporated.
I’ve written several times about Craden’s French not being the best but in this, all the words she has to say in my mother tongue were perfect (with the tiny exception of Thierry Bouchaule’s sidekick’s first name, Bertrand—the final “d” is silent).
In the end, I enjoyed the experience so much, I went on to listen to the final book straight away. More on that one soon!
------------------------------------------------
Being reunited with characters I love is always a pleasure. I’m not often a fan of series because I need resolution and leaving things in the air isn’t something I usually enjoy. Nevertheless, some series work for me and the Shadow series is one of them. I have to admit however that I struggled a bit with this instalment. It felt longer than the previous books and a lot of events were packed in that I’m not sure were necessary. Some seemed to happen only to be forgotten immediately and maybe they’ll make sense later in the series but right now, they’re mostly disconcerting. Which is probably how the characters feel as well at this point, because the title may be about truth but there are a whole lot of lies going around. Who can you trust when everyone around you is bound by secrets? When you, yourself, are sworn to secrecy?
The word that kept coming back to me is messy. It certainly fits the situations the author put her characters in, the events and the consequences of the war on the lives of all involved. The whole espionage plot and the twists it requires kept me intrigued even when the ups and downs of the MCs’ relationship made me want to shake them out of their wallowing and chest-beating.
My favourite thing about this series is the mood, the atmosphere. I grew up watching black and white movies with my father and Leak sends me right back to masterpieces like The Big Sleep or Gilda. Dark and smokey yet glamorous and sprinkled with surprising touches of vulnerability and tenderness. Bewitching, heady, dangerous. All adjectives that could be used for the femmes fatales who populate them. J.E. Leak recreates all this around characters whom I can’t help rooting for even when they infuriate me. On to book four, In the Shadow of Victory, which I hope will be released later this year. And if it’s not, I hope we get this one in audio. I can’t wait to hear Abby Craden’s interpretation of this part of the story. 3.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
It took me an awfully long time to decide to listen to this audiobook, for several reasons. It’s lengthy, and I needed to be in the right headspace for it. This third episode in the series is also my least favourite of the four, which added to my reluctance. When I first read it, I found it too dense and convoluted. The word I used in my review at the time is “messy”. However, when I finally gave it a chance, I enjoyed it a lot more. I have no doubt that it’s in part due to Abby Craden’s talent. Her narration makes the story more poignant and, at the same time, faster-paced. That said, the fact that I now know everything that comes after played a role too. I love the anticipation, the feeling that I have knowledge the characters don’t of their inescapable fate. Besides, I’d found all the intricacies confusing, but having read the fourth and last book now, it all makes sense, and my initial frustration has evaporated.
I’ve written several times about Craden’s French not being the best but in this, all the words she has to say in my mother tongue were perfect (with the tiny exception of Thierry Bouchaule’s sidekick’s first name, Bertrand—the final “d” is silent).
In the end, I enjoyed the experience so much, I went on to listen to the final book straight away. More on that one soon!
------------------------------------------------
Being reunited with characters I love is always a pleasure. I’m not often a fan of series because I need resolution and leaving things in the air isn’t something I usually enjoy. Nevertheless, some series work for me and the Shadow series is one of them. I have to admit however that I struggled a bit with this instalment. It felt longer than the previous books and a lot of events were packed in that I’m not sure were necessary. Some seemed to happen only to be forgotten immediately and maybe they’ll make sense later in the series but right now, they’re mostly disconcerting. Which is probably how the characters feel as well at this point, because the title may be about truth but there are a whole lot of lies going around. Who can you trust when everyone around you is bound by secrets? When you, yourself, are sworn to secrecy?
The word that kept coming back to me is messy. It certainly fits the situations the author put her characters in, the events and the consequences of the war on the lives of all involved. The whole espionage plot and the twists it requires kept me intrigued even when the ups and downs of the MCs’ relationship made me want to shake them out of their wallowing and chest-beating.
My favourite thing about this series is the mood, the atmosphere. I grew up watching black and white movies with my father and Leak sends me right back to masterpieces like The Big Sleep or Gilda. Dark and smokey yet glamorous and sprinkled with surprising touches of vulnerability and tenderness. Bewitching, heady, dangerous. All adjectives that could be used for the femmes fatales who populate them. J.E. Leak recreates all this around characters whom I can’t help rooting for even when they infuriate me. On to book four, In the Shadow of Victory, which I hope will be released later this year. And if it’s not, I hope we get this one in audio. I can’t wait to hear Abby Craden’s interpretation of this part of the story. 3.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
May 26, 2025
Easily the most gripping installment in the series yet!
This one was double the length of the first two books, but wow—every extra page was absolutely worth it. It had everything: love, betrayal, affairs, espionage... all the tension-filled drama you could ask for. Jenny and Kat’s relationship really took some major steps forward—until, well... you know.
Now I’m diving into the final book and crossing my fingers hard for a well-earned HEA for these two incredible women.
This one was double the length of the first two books, but wow—every extra page was absolutely worth it. It had everything: love, betrayal, affairs, espionage... all the tension-filled drama you could ask for. Jenny and Kat’s relationship really took some major steps forward—until, well... you know.
Now I’m diving into the final book and crossing my fingers hard for a well-earned HEA for these two incredible women.
April 16, 2024
4.5⭐️
Really liked the twists and turns of the plot. Glad we got to read multiple povs from Jenny and Kathryn. I like sweet innocent Jenny and I feel bad for her and all the hell Kathryn put her through. Kathryn is bad ass and a bit mean but she’s trying to the right thing and stay true to her mission. In to book 4 next.
Really liked the twists and turns of the plot. Glad we got to read multiple povs from Jenny and Kathryn. I like sweet innocent Jenny and I feel bad for her and all the hell Kathryn put her through. Kathryn is bad ass and a bit mean but she’s trying to the right thing and stay true to her mission. In to book 4 next.
July 19, 2024
Holy angst!! Excited for the next book
May 25, 2023
hmm, i've got mixed feelings abt this one.
i rlly enjoyed books 1 and 2, but this one felt a little... long in not a good way. (usually, the longer the better, for me. i loooove a long drawn out book, but there was SO MUCH packed into this, and SO MUCH relationship back and forth stuff and so many plot twists and such that at a certain point i got a little exhausted with it all). annnd a little frusturated, if i'm being honest. this one didn't feel like a romance book. the central focus here felt much more on plot and kathryn and jenny individually (and, frankly, i don't rlly see a way for them to ever be together again, like... i'm not sure i'm rooting for them).
i just... don't like kathryn all that much anymore? the way she "protected jenny" was ABSURDLY cruel and unfair and also... this whole book, she dissmised her feelings for jenny so easily, so many times to "do her duty" or enjoy her mission with thierry that like... ppl CAN'T just shut their feelings off like that? girl, what the fuck? as the novel went on, i lost more and more affection for her and was rooting for her and jenny to make up less and less, which is a real bummer, bc i reallllllly liked her in the first two books!! and i liked her in the first half of this one, but after the Big Argument i just... slowly liked her less and less until it was over. and now... idk, i don't actually think i want her and jenny to get back together?? idk. i can't decide, but book 4 is gonna need to REaLLY sell me on it. this very much felt like a kathryn centered book despite also giving us glimpses into jenny's pov. i was VERY GLAD to but sad to basically . i am not someone who gets deeply annoyed by men or m/f relationships being in sapphic stories, (esp when one of the leads is bi, as kathryn seems to be?) but i do sorta feel like i would want it to have good reasononing/purpose? bc with the set-up from the first two books seeming like this was a sapphic romance spy thriller series, the amount of kathryn/theirry felt slightly excessive at times, to me. like, they seem to spend more time together this book than kathryn/jenny? it feels like?? i could be wrong, maybe bc a lot of it is in the back half and that's clearer in my memory, but it FELT like a lot of their relationship, a lot of their sex, and i just found theirry annoying from the jump so it was hard to bring myself to care, esp since most of this time, kathryn is in work mode or in danger, or actively making bad choices that make me frusturated with her.
i think that sums up my feelings abt the book, actually. i enjoyed it, i was invested, i CARE abt the characters and the mystery holds my attention, but kathryn is making bad choices and she's driving me nuts. girl is gonna have to WORK to gain my affections back in book 4, but i also am verrrrrrrrry curious where that's gonna go after the events in book 3.
abby craden is as great as always, and she's as fantastic here as she was in the rest of the series so far.
i rlly enjoyed books 1 and 2, but this one felt a little... long in not a good way. (usually, the longer the better, for me. i loooove a long drawn out book, but there was SO MUCH packed into this, and SO MUCH relationship back and forth stuff and so many plot twists and such that at a certain point i got a little exhausted with it all). annnd a little frusturated, if i'm being honest. this one didn't feel like a romance book. the central focus here felt much more on plot and kathryn and jenny individually (and, frankly, i don't rlly see a way for them to ever be together again, like... i'm not sure i'm rooting for them).
i just... don't like kathryn all that much anymore? the way she "protected jenny" was ABSURDLY cruel and unfair and also... this whole book, she dissmised her feelings for jenny so easily, so many times to "do her duty" or enjoy her mission with thierry that like... ppl CAN'T just shut their feelings off like that? girl, what the fuck? as the novel went on, i lost more and more affection for her and was rooting for her and jenny to make up less and less, which is a real bummer, bc i reallllllly liked her in the first two books!! and i liked her in the first half of this one, but after the Big Argument i just... slowly liked her less and less until it was over. and now... idk, i don't actually think i want her and jenny to get back together?? idk. i can't decide, but book 4 is gonna need to REaLLY sell me on it. this very much felt like a kathryn centered book despite also giving us glimpses into jenny's pov. i was VERY GLAD to but sad to basically . i am not someone who gets deeply annoyed by men or m/f relationships being in sapphic stories, (esp when one of the leads is bi, as kathryn seems to be?) but i do sorta feel like i would want it to have good reasononing/purpose? bc with the set-up from the first two books seeming like this was a sapphic romance spy thriller series, the amount of kathryn/theirry felt slightly excessive at times, to me. like, they seem to spend more time together this book than kathryn/jenny? it feels like?? i could be wrong, maybe bc a lot of it is in the back half and that's clearer in my memory, but it FELT like a lot of their relationship, a lot of their sex, and i just found theirry annoying from the jump so it was hard to bring myself to care, esp since most of this time, kathryn is in work mode or in danger, or actively making bad choices that make me frusturated with her.
i think that sums up my feelings abt the book, actually. i enjoyed it, i was invested, i CARE abt the characters and the mystery holds my attention, but kathryn is making bad choices and she's driving me nuts. girl is gonna have to WORK to gain my affections back in book 4, but i also am verrrrrrrrry curious where that's gonna go after the events in book 3.
abby craden is as great as always, and she's as fantastic here as she was in the rest of the series so far.
December 31, 2022
Well. Leak did it again. Somehow she has made me feel every single emotion possible, leaving me with dread, and hope all at the same time. I really don’t know what to say. I stumbled onto the first novel, only to binge read it into the second, completely falling in love with Jenny and Kathryn, and how different they are to each other, yet are just so good together, if they let themselves be.
I love historical fiction, or at least for a loose setting. Don’t expect this story to go deep into war/Nazi details. Just accept that it’s going on. I learned from the last installment to not expect the author to really allow for Jenny and Kathryn to have any real happiness- because a war is going on and a LOT is happening. And Kathryn, the soldier that she is, can’t let go of her duties. In Shadow of Truth, you really get to see what’s going on in Kathryn’s head. The focus is more on her, and even though I wished that there was more time spent with her and Jenny, together, I see why Leak wrote it this way, as much as it hurt. Gosh, it hurt, to watch Kathryn go through everything she does, and how she rationalizes her actions, and what she needs to do to protect Jenny. I do think that some things are unforgivable regardless of intentions, and I don’t know how they will survive what Kathryn has done (she does A LOT), because you best believe there will be a book 4. But here I am, with hope – because of course Jenny understands, or will understand, because she’s the only person in the whole world that understands Kathryn and her actions, even more than Smitty.
The last quarter of the novel was to say bluntly, depressing. It was really hard to swallow everything that Katheryn did. Sure you can say it has to do with survivor’s guilt, or that she’s following the mission. You basically witness Kathryn hit rock bottom. I may not agree with all of her actions, and am not pleased with the current company she keeps at the end of the novel– but I see a Jenny turning into a one woman platoon going to fight to get her woman back. That’s me hoping anyway- because regardless of all the ugly there was in this novel- Leak has written both characters in such a way (including ALL their flaws (yes you, Kathryn) that you can still see the light within them and hold on to hope. Don’t let this romantic down!
An ARC was given to me for this honest review.
I love historical fiction, or at least for a loose setting. Don’t expect this story to go deep into war/Nazi details. Just accept that it’s going on. I learned from the last installment to not expect the author to really allow for Jenny and Kathryn to have any real happiness- because a war is going on and a LOT is happening. And Kathryn, the soldier that she is, can’t let go of her duties. In Shadow of Truth, you really get to see what’s going on in Kathryn’s head. The focus is more on her, and even though I wished that there was more time spent with her and Jenny, together, I see why Leak wrote it this way, as much as it hurt. Gosh, it hurt, to watch Kathryn go through everything she does, and how she rationalizes her actions, and what she needs to do to protect Jenny. I do think that some things are unforgivable regardless of intentions, and I don’t know how they will survive what Kathryn has done (she does A LOT), because you best believe there will be a book 4. But here I am, with hope – because of course Jenny understands, or will understand, because she’s the only person in the whole world that understands Kathryn and her actions, even more than Smitty.
The last quarter of the novel was to say bluntly, depressing. It was really hard to swallow everything that Katheryn did. Sure you can say it has to do with survivor’s guilt, or that she’s following the mission. You basically witness Kathryn hit rock bottom. I may not agree with all of her actions, and am not pleased with the current company she keeps at the end of the novel– but I see a Jenny turning into a one woman platoon going to fight to get her woman back. That’s me hoping anyway- because regardless of all the ugly there was in this novel- Leak has written both characters in such a way (including ALL their flaws (yes you, Kathryn) that you can still see the light within them and hold on to hope. Don’t let this romantic down!
An ARC was given to me for this honest review.
July 14, 2025
Although Book 3 is now my favorite in the series, it definitely broke my heart. I think what took my attention about this particular book is how the story deepens into profundity. Sure, the cat and mouse spy game of searching for the secrets of the virus are still there and are full of suspense. But the heart of this book is Kathryn’s journey further into her alter ego. Her new assignment is a French doctor who appears to be collaborating with the Nazis. For this assignment, Kathryn has to commit and lose herself into the persona. There are no compromises this time around and it’s devastating to everyone.
The author does an amazing job portraying the turmoil of someone losing sight of when pretending ends and reality begins. I can’t help but think of all the women in espionage during WW2 who gave up so much and aren’t even mentioned in the history books. Highly recommend the entire series and loved the Abby Craden narration for the audiobook.
The author does an amazing job portraying the turmoil of someone losing sight of when pretending ends and reality begins. I can’t help but think of all the women in espionage during WW2 who gave up so much and aren’t even mentioned in the history books. Highly recommend the entire series and loved the Abby Craden narration for the audiobook.
June 22, 2023
I haven’t been heartbroken by a book over and over like this one. Oh my goodness!! My heart is bruised from all the emotional gymnastics it’s been through with Book 3. I thought Book 2 was painful, boy was I in for it. This was plain torture….. I really want to hate Katherine. But I can’t. I need Book 4 to save me from this misery.
On a more serious note…. This book really upped the ante and definitely more action. From Book 1 to 3 it’s just gradual ascent of thrill, intrigue and as mentioned earlier, heartbreak. Even though I’m so peeved by how this ended I love this series. One of my favourites.
Loved this quote from the book: “War was a merciless mistress who took without warning or design, and they were too schooled in her wanton ways to pretend she had no interest in them.” Ugh. So good.
On a more serious note…. This book really upped the ante and definitely more action. From Book 1 to 3 it’s just gradual ascent of thrill, intrigue and as mentioned earlier, heartbreak. Even though I’m so peeved by how this ended I love this series. One of my favourites.
Loved this quote from the book: “War was a merciless mistress who took without warning or design, and they were too schooled in her wanton ways to pretend she had no interest in them.” Ugh. So good.
May 17, 2025
A story of angst x three and oh so good.
June 12, 2025
WHY?!?! 😭😭😭 these 2 frustrate me so! Wonderful, but painful continuation of a brilliant series. I feel the need to immediately jump into the final book but may make myself wait until the weekend is over, so it's not over too soon.
May 13, 2023
What the hell happened to this series?!?
The first two books I rated as 5-stars without hesitation: we meet two intriguingly complex characters with a natural affinity and attraction, enjoy their slow burn romance set against a spy tale set in New York during WWII. Kathryn is an OSS agent, Jenny a journalist who is later recruited by the OSS - but starts out as the target of Kathryn’s investigation. Kathryn is smart, talented & sensual, Jenny is incredibly insightful and intelligent - skills that are key to the OSS recruiting her in book 2. Book 2 also sees their slow-burn romance take flight - but also hints at struggles for the future.
So now here we are in the third book, looking to advance the plot the OSS is investigating with the Ryan family, Jenny’s OSS training, as well as the romance between Jenny & Kathryn.
The book arrived in early February and while I tried to start right away, the beginning was slow and not very engaging and I kept jumping to other books.. Finally in late April I decided to tackle the book in full. This again is in stark contrast to the first two books that I absolutely tore through.
One positive thing I love is that while the series is mainly told through the POV of Kay & Jenny, the author allows other viewpoints when it makes sense and compared to a recent 'forced dual POV' read, it makes things flow more naturally.
My synopsis is that the book is 10% actual plot, 40% disproportionate betrayal, and 50% over-wrought and interminable angst. Ugh - it was dreadful that feeling of constantly going in circles saying the same thing again and again and again.
Things I really hated were the time jumps that felt out of proportion with what was happening in the story - perhaps an earlier draft was even more of a slog and the edits came out as ‘and two weeks passed’. It just didn’t flow well.
I also hated how they betrayed Jenny - she was really smart and a main character … until she became a stupid simpering half-wit who failed to observe things happening literally in her own backyard. But it is all cool because LOVE. Ugh.
Finally I truly believe there are things that beyond reasonable boundaries, and in this book these were tossed around trivially to make Kathryn seem … broken? We have a huge one-sided unforgivable moment early on that made no sense but I could get past it … until it happened again and again and again.
There was one moment in the book where I said “this HAS to be a dream, otherwise it is just too far” and of course it was real, and done to show things were really really real. It was amongst the least believable things I’ve read in a long time - this need to one-up the misery factor and then reel it back, then make it worse and so on.
The final few chapters were .. fine. There was a lot of action, but it was mixed with so many wishy washy feeling and non-committal half statements that by the end I really just didn’t care. Then the last chapter trying to pretend that what happened through the middle was just the same type of struggles from the first two books? Nope.
There is one more book coming, and I will read it, but WOW for such a promising start the author utterly destroyed this series - these are not the same characters anymore, and it is hard to care about any of it.
The first two books I rated as 5-stars without hesitation: we meet two intriguingly complex characters with a natural affinity and attraction, enjoy their slow burn romance set against a spy tale set in New York during WWII. Kathryn is an OSS agent, Jenny a journalist who is later recruited by the OSS - but starts out as the target of Kathryn’s investigation. Kathryn is smart, talented & sensual, Jenny is incredibly insightful and intelligent - skills that are key to the OSS recruiting her in book 2. Book 2 also sees their slow-burn romance take flight - but also hints at struggles for the future.
So now here we are in the third book, looking to advance the plot the OSS is investigating with the Ryan family, Jenny’s OSS training, as well as the romance between Jenny & Kathryn.
The book arrived in early February and while I tried to start right away, the beginning was slow and not very engaging and I kept jumping to other books.. Finally in late April I decided to tackle the book in full. This again is in stark contrast to the first two books that I absolutely tore through.
One positive thing I love is that while the series is mainly told through the POV of Kay & Jenny, the author allows other viewpoints when it makes sense and compared to a recent 'forced dual POV' read, it makes things flow more naturally.
My synopsis is that the book is 10% actual plot, 40% disproportionate betrayal, and 50% over-wrought and interminable angst. Ugh - it was dreadful that feeling of constantly going in circles saying the same thing again and again and again.
Things I really hated were the time jumps that felt out of proportion with what was happening in the story - perhaps an earlier draft was even more of a slog and the edits came out as ‘and two weeks passed’. It just didn’t flow well.
I also hated how they betrayed Jenny - she was really smart and a main character … until she became a stupid simpering half-wit who failed to observe things happening literally in her own backyard. But it is all cool because LOVE. Ugh.
Finally I truly believe there are things that beyond reasonable boundaries, and in this book these were tossed around trivially to make Kathryn seem … broken? We have a huge one-sided unforgivable moment early on that made no sense but I could get past it … until it happened again and again and again.
There was one moment in the book where I said “this HAS to be a dream, otherwise it is just too far” and of course it was real, and done to show things were really really real. It was amongst the least believable things I’ve read in a long time - this need to one-up the misery factor and then reel it back, then make it worse and so on.
The final few chapters were .. fine. There was a lot of action, but it was mixed with so many wishy washy feeling and non-committal half statements that by the end I really just didn’t care. Then the last chapter trying to pretend that what happened through the middle was just the same type of struggles from the first two books? Nope.
There is one more book coming, and I will read it, but WOW for such a promising start the author utterly destroyed this series - these are not the same characters anymore, and it is hard to care about any of it.
November 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
In the Shadow of Truth hit me harder than any of the previous books in the series. It’s deeply emotional and gave me the strongest connection yet to Jenny and Kathryn.
The story dives much deeper into their individual lives, their relationship as a couple, and their ties to family.
Communication and trust take center stage here. With both at the OSS, the tension feels inevitable. I often found myself desperate for them to just be honest with each other, but at the same time, I understood perfectly why they couldn’t be. That mix of frustration and empathy made the story even more engaging.
This third installment is every bit as suspenseful and surprising as the first two. It’s addictive; the kind of book that stays in your head long after you put it down. The pacing works beautifully. Even though it’s longer than the earlier books, there’s so much happening that it almost feels too short.
A gripping, emotional continuation of the series. 4 stars.
In the Shadow of Truth hit me harder than any of the previous books in the series. It’s deeply emotional and gave me the strongest connection yet to Jenny and Kathryn.
The story dives much deeper into their individual lives, their relationship as a couple, and their ties to family.
Communication and trust take center stage here. With both at the OSS, the tension feels inevitable. I often found myself desperate for them to just be honest with each other, but at the same time, I understood perfectly why they couldn’t be. That mix of frustration and empathy made the story even more engaging.
This third installment is every bit as suspenseful and surprising as the first two. It’s addictive; the kind of book that stays in your head long after you put it down. The pacing works beautifully. Even though it’s longer than the earlier books, there’s so much happening that it almost feels too short.
A gripping, emotional continuation of the series. 4 stars.
January 20, 2023
My mind was so completely blown after reading J.E Leak’s In The Shadow of Truth that I needed a few days to recover. Talk about getting whiplash from the array of emotions this story stirred up inside of me.
Jenny and Kat are doing their best to make a go of a relationship all while working day/night cover jobs and being spies for their government. Only lines are blurred because the right thing doesn’t always seem right, and when they are only given snippets of information, finding out what the real truth is becomes an obsession.
Jenny is struggling to find her place amidst Kat and her peers, determined to play her part, but not always able to control her emotions when it comes to her lover, friends, or family. She hasn’t the skill Kat does to turn them on and off, and she finds herself in hot water more than once because of it.
Kat, forever tortured over past events, tries her best to let her emotions accept love, all while muting them when undercover. It’s not exactly possible, and her ability to switch off causes more pain than she can handle. Her loyalties are questioned, and she has to make impossible decisions too many times for it not to leave her heart broken and jaded.
There are a lot of things to say about book 3 in the shadow series, but I will start with how it all happens; the talent that is J.E. Leak. Wow, what a writer. I’ve said it before about the first two books in the series, but her ability to take the reader back in time is outstanding. Her knowledge of the period, the clothes, the cars, the houses, and the way they spoke all culminate in creating scenes so believable that we are transported back all those years.
The MCs just can’t catch a break amongst all the intrigue and suspense, and the overwhelming desire to see them happy and content kept me turning the page late into the night and wiping tears away at the utter torment the two women suffer though. I was so impressed by Leak’s ability to end it with a cliff-hanger while still leaving me with a sense that all was not lost and Jenny and Kat would make it, because lets be honest, their happiness has to be the end game.
Jenny and Kat are doing their best to make a go of a relationship all while working day/night cover jobs and being spies for their government. Only lines are blurred because the right thing doesn’t always seem right, and when they are only given snippets of information, finding out what the real truth is becomes an obsession.
Jenny is struggling to find her place amidst Kat and her peers, determined to play her part, but not always able to control her emotions when it comes to her lover, friends, or family. She hasn’t the skill Kat does to turn them on and off, and she finds herself in hot water more than once because of it.
Kat, forever tortured over past events, tries her best to let her emotions accept love, all while muting them when undercover. It’s not exactly possible, and her ability to switch off causes more pain than she can handle. Her loyalties are questioned, and she has to make impossible decisions too many times for it not to leave her heart broken and jaded.
There are a lot of things to say about book 3 in the shadow series, but I will start with how it all happens; the talent that is J.E. Leak. Wow, what a writer. I’ve said it before about the first two books in the series, but her ability to take the reader back in time is outstanding. Her knowledge of the period, the clothes, the cars, the houses, and the way they spoke all culminate in creating scenes so believable that we are transported back all those years.
The MCs just can’t catch a break amongst all the intrigue and suspense, and the overwhelming desire to see them happy and content kept me turning the page late into the night and wiping tears away at the utter torment the two women suffer though. I was so impressed by Leak’s ability to end it with a cliff-hanger while still leaving me with a sense that all was not lost and Jenny and Kat would make it, because lets be honest, their happiness has to be the end game.
January 21, 2023
What a ride! And damn Kathryin I hate you and love you at the same time. I read books 1-3 in like two weeks and now I have to wait almost a year for the next book, omg so many feelings. So much has happened and sometimes I wanted to say, “Don’t do that, Kat!” or “Don’t mean that!”. This books has everything: betrayal, humor, intrigue, jealousy, but above all, love and I’m hoping Book 4 will finally give Jenny and Kat some peace.
June 10, 2023
Incredible! I couldn’t walk away from it; it consumed me from the start. I love the characters, the period in history and the writing. It’s intelligent and sharp. J. E. Leak knows how to craft a page turner that leaves readers wanting more!!
May 17, 2025
I said the first 2 were 5 stars, actually worth more, and so is this one. I love Jenny and I absolutely love Kathryn!. I wouldn't be able to have been a spy. Both women have a strength of mass proportion. This book had me at the edge of my seat. Definitely a FAVORITE!
December 14, 2023
This 17-hour audiobook book gave me such an adrenaline rush, so, please forgive me, for my review is just a rambling string of thoughts.
We know that Jenny Ryan, a member of the OSS, was searching to find who killed her father, Dr. Paul Ryan, who had been working on a secret vaccine that would save the troops and civilians from the devastation of a deadly virus.
This book, number three in the series of four, is filled with OSS, spy’s, dangers, secrets, lies and mysteries galore.
Jenny and Kathryn’s love goes through tumulus times. Betrayal? Hateful words yelled. Why does Jenny not understand that Kathryn’s rebuttals are to protect and save her? They all want the war to end.
I’m disgusted and repulsed by Kathryn’s patriotism at having to allow her body to be shared? Violated? All her efforts to find answers? First, it was Marcus Forrester and then Thierry Bouchaule. There was also Marcelle, an ex-lover. Why did Jenny have to walk in on that scene?
The dangerous virus sample had gone missing. Everyone wanted it. Did Daniel Ryan really develop a secret vaccine? How was Forrester connected? Bouchaule? Who could Daniel trust? His brother, Paul?
Jenny learned upsetting news about her father, or was he not her real father?
Who was really killed in the plane crash? Who did we think was killed but wasn’t? How many times was Kathryn’s life spared?
Jenny was a romanticist, not a realist. How many tears would Jenny shed? I’m confident that Jenny and Kathryn will end up together, but the angst is killing me. If only Jenny could understand. She couldn’t get Kathryn to open up to her and explain things. All she got was assurances not to worry. It drove her mad.
Thierry Bouchaule, did he and Kathryn love each other? He refused to take her with him to Paris, saying he could never explain having an American on his arm. She wondered, did he love her and was simply pushing her away to protect her just as she had pushed Jenny away? Instead, she ended up in Martinique.
Next is book four where I hope to find an understanding. Whatever, we know, there will surely be more exciting times ahead.
We know that Jenny Ryan, a member of the OSS, was searching to find who killed her father, Dr. Paul Ryan, who had been working on a secret vaccine that would save the troops and civilians from the devastation of a deadly virus.
This book, number three in the series of four, is filled with OSS, spy’s, dangers, secrets, lies and mysteries galore.
Jenny and Kathryn’s love goes through tumulus times. Betrayal? Hateful words yelled. Why does Jenny not understand that Kathryn’s rebuttals are to protect and save her? They all want the war to end.
I’m disgusted and repulsed by Kathryn’s patriotism at having to allow her body to be shared? Violated? All her efforts to find answers? First, it was Marcus Forrester and then Thierry Bouchaule. There was also Marcelle, an ex-lover. Why did Jenny have to walk in on that scene?
The dangerous virus sample had gone missing. Everyone wanted it. Did Daniel Ryan really develop a secret vaccine? How was Forrester connected? Bouchaule? Who could Daniel trust? His brother, Paul?
Jenny learned upsetting news about her father, or was he not her real father?
Who was really killed in the plane crash? Who did we think was killed but wasn’t? How many times was Kathryn’s life spared?
Jenny was a romanticist, not a realist. How many tears would Jenny shed? I’m confident that Jenny and Kathryn will end up together, but the angst is killing me. If only Jenny could understand. She couldn’t get Kathryn to open up to her and explain things. All she got was assurances not to worry. It drove her mad.
Thierry Bouchaule, did he and Kathryn love each other? He refused to take her with him to Paris, saying he could never explain having an American on his arm. She wondered, did he love her and was simply pushing her away to protect her just as she had pushed Jenny away? Instead, she ended up in Martinique.
Next is book four where I hope to find an understanding. Whatever, we know, there will surely be more exciting times ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2022
This is the third of four books in the Shadow historical series. It's best to have read books 1 and 2 before getting to this one.
The book opens with Kathryn leading a training class of new OSS recruits, including Jenny, and worried that her lover will be shipped overseas. This long novel is one of braided strands, with the ups and downs of Jenny and Kathryn's relationship, the progress of Kathryn's secret mission, and the revelations for both women of family secrets.
This 600+ page book is so engaging, I read it in only a few days and am primed for the fourth and final installment (and so ready for the war to end).
Although I'm rating the book with 5 stars, I want to point out two areas of frustration. First, we don't get a sense of the war going on amid all of the strands of this story. What year are we in? Has the war turned against the Nazi's. What's going on with Japan? Also, what is the length of time in which this part of the story takes place. Second, is a bit of frustration with Jenny and her constant angry outbursts. It could be that the author is just doing a great job of getting the details of these main characters so precise (which I think is the case with Kathryn), but for much of the book, Jenny was a bit childish, which detracted from the romantic connection. She does redeem herself in the last few chapters.
In any case, a great read with fingers crossed for an ARC of book 4.
The book opens with Kathryn leading a training class of new OSS recruits, including Jenny, and worried that her lover will be shipped overseas. This long novel is one of braided strands, with the ups and downs of Jenny and Kathryn's relationship, the progress of Kathryn's secret mission, and the revelations for both women of family secrets.
This 600+ page book is so engaging, I read it in only a few days and am primed for the fourth and final installment (and so ready for the war to end).
Although I'm rating the book with 5 stars, I want to point out two areas of frustration. First, we don't get a sense of the war going on amid all of the strands of this story. What year are we in? Has the war turned against the Nazi's. What's going on with Japan? Also, what is the length of time in which this part of the story takes place. Second, is a bit of frustration with Jenny and her constant angry outbursts. It could be that the author is just doing a great job of getting the details of these main characters so precise (which I think is the case with Kathryn), but for much of the book, Jenny was a bit childish, which detracted from the romantic connection. She does redeem herself in the last few chapters.
In any case, a great read with fingers crossed for an ARC of book 4.
April 29, 2025
Heavily loaded book in the series. What just happened??
August 8, 2023
Love this story. It really has a bit of everything in it. Even like the science concept interwoven in it. And the narration by Craden is fabulous.
April 22, 2024
2,75/5
Not even God could forgive Kat's mistakes,but somehow Jenny did,the worst growel in the whole world, I hated Kat's character so much I couldn't even like the book
Not even God could forgive Kat's mistakes,but somehow Jenny did,the worst growel in the whole world, I hated Kat's character so much I couldn't even like the book
September 1, 2025
I both LOVED and HATED this book! The same warring feelings I have for Kathryn’s complex character. Undoubtedly the best of the series so far- I’m not sure I’m ready to be on the last book🕵🏻📘
December 24, 2023
To say that I was looking forward to installment number three in J.E. Leak’s Shadow series is a massive understatement. I was lucky that when I found it, the first two in the series had already been published, otherwise I feel as though I might have resorted to chewing broken glass in frustration. And when #2 left off, it left me with a really good feeling that these often-star-crossed lovers, Kathryn and Jenny, might actually, possibly maybe have a chance.
The third installment is the best of the series in my opinion, and that’s saying something because I really enjoyed the prior two books.
A brief, very general summary is, the couple finds their way together, they’re happy, and then life interrupts. When one of the protagonists is a super-spy trying to save the world from mass destruction, interruptions are a guarantee. And there are plenty of them. When there were some sweet, wonderful moments of romance and contentment, I was filled with dread, knowing for certain that someone’s world was going to shatter as I turned the page. I was usually right, but the relationship between the pair is generally strengthened by the challenges.
The reason I love this series is the character of Kathryn Hammond. She is simply one of the most magnetic and evocative fictional characters I’ve ever encountered. She is beautiful, sexy, smart, scarily good and undercover work, and to quote one of the characters, “a dish”. She is also very damaged emotionally, with walls built up for protection a mile high. Every hero must have flaws and hers are so profoundly sad and painful. In this installment, her character was allowed to evolve and grow in surprising ways making her more magical and wonderful than she already was. So, I’ll read all of the author’s books if there is even a sliver of Kathryn Hammond between the pages. I love her that much.
And in this installment, the romance is sizzling hot. And there is plenty of sex as the couple’s chemistry is amazing. And she explored how Kathryn’s character uses sex as part of her job as a spy, and also as a coping mechanism to manage pain in her personal life when alcohol just wasn’t enough. I thought that the internal struggles of Kathryn were really well done. I can see all of the challenges Kathryn has, trying to be a normal woman in love and having a relationship, but also being an undercover operative, required to have romantic and even sexual relationships as part of her assignments.
Now that I’ve gushed about Kathryn Hammond for a bit, I’ll move to the plot. The author knows how to write a thriller. I read this in two sittings with a few days break in between. I find the Jenny character frustrating at times, and I needed to walk away, but I couldn’t stay way for long, because the story stayed on my mind so much. When I returned to it to finish, my frustrations were replaced with awe, delight and wonder. There are so many imaginative twists and turns and surprises. I can’t give any of it away, but WOW! I will remember how I felt when I read certain sections for a long time, and that’s when I know I’ve read a really good book, and I have a new favorite author. And I don’t add too many to that short list of beloveds, but J.E. Leaks earned her spot on my list without even trying that hard.
As I’ve mentioned, I found the character of Jenny in the book frustrating. I wanted to twitch my nose and make her grow up. I believe there is only a few years age-difference--but the maturity level between the two lovers is quite disparate. Kathryn has seen more trauma and been under unimaginable stress most of her life, and has handled falling apart and putting herself back together the best anyone who trusts no one can. Still, she is a deep under-cover operative, working with some mighty scary characters, and trying to have a relationship with someone who doesn’t understand that world has got to be next to impossible.
To be fair, Jenny’s life has been no picnic, and as the plot and relationship evolves, she does indeed ‘grow up’ enough for me to feel as though this couple has a good chance to make it through the storms.
There’s this magical section of the book, where Jenny stops being immature for a while, and Kathryn allows herself to be in love—really be in love. She is sure that Jenny’s love has changed her permanently and for the better, even if they aren’t able to make it as a couple. And there are many moments in this book where that is definitely questionable, but I’m left feeling very hopeful at the end.
Am I anxiously waiting for #4? Sure am. I hope it’s released in 2023, but I understand things take time. This is such an excellent romantic pair, and the plot is superb. This book was well worth the wait, and I’ve no doubt that #4 will be too.
The third installment is the best of the series in my opinion, and that’s saying something because I really enjoyed the prior two books.
A brief, very general summary is, the couple finds their way together, they’re happy, and then life interrupts. When one of the protagonists is a super-spy trying to save the world from mass destruction, interruptions are a guarantee. And there are plenty of them. When there were some sweet, wonderful moments of romance and contentment, I was filled with dread, knowing for certain that someone’s world was going to shatter as I turned the page. I was usually right, but the relationship between the pair is generally strengthened by the challenges.
The reason I love this series is the character of Kathryn Hammond. She is simply one of the most magnetic and evocative fictional characters I’ve ever encountered. She is beautiful, sexy, smart, scarily good and undercover work, and to quote one of the characters, “a dish”. She is also very damaged emotionally, with walls built up for protection a mile high. Every hero must have flaws and hers are so profoundly sad and painful. In this installment, her character was allowed to evolve and grow in surprising ways making her more magical and wonderful than she already was. So, I’ll read all of the author’s books if there is even a sliver of Kathryn Hammond between the pages. I love her that much.
And in this installment, the romance is sizzling hot. And there is plenty of sex as the couple’s chemistry is amazing. And she explored how Kathryn’s character uses sex as part of her job as a spy, and also as a coping mechanism to manage pain in her personal life when alcohol just wasn’t enough. I thought that the internal struggles of Kathryn were really well done. I can see all of the challenges Kathryn has, trying to be a normal woman in love and having a relationship, but also being an undercover operative, required to have romantic and even sexual relationships as part of her assignments.
Now that I’ve gushed about Kathryn Hammond for a bit, I’ll move to the plot. The author knows how to write a thriller. I read this in two sittings with a few days break in between. I find the Jenny character frustrating at times, and I needed to walk away, but I couldn’t stay way for long, because the story stayed on my mind so much. When I returned to it to finish, my frustrations were replaced with awe, delight and wonder. There are so many imaginative twists and turns and surprises. I can’t give any of it away, but WOW! I will remember how I felt when I read certain sections for a long time, and that’s when I know I’ve read a really good book, and I have a new favorite author. And I don’t add too many to that short list of beloveds, but J.E. Leaks earned her spot on my list without even trying that hard.
As I’ve mentioned, I found the character of Jenny in the book frustrating. I wanted to twitch my nose and make her grow up. I believe there is only a few years age-difference--but the maturity level between the two lovers is quite disparate. Kathryn has seen more trauma and been under unimaginable stress most of her life, and has handled falling apart and putting herself back together the best anyone who trusts no one can. Still, she is a deep under-cover operative, working with some mighty scary characters, and trying to have a relationship with someone who doesn’t understand that world has got to be next to impossible.
To be fair, Jenny’s life has been no picnic, and as the plot and relationship evolves, she does indeed ‘grow up’ enough for me to feel as though this couple has a good chance to make it through the storms.
There’s this magical section of the book, where Jenny stops being immature for a while, and Kathryn allows herself to be in love—really be in love. She is sure that Jenny’s love has changed her permanently and for the better, even if they aren’t able to make it as a couple. And there are many moments in this book where that is definitely questionable, but I’m left feeling very hopeful at the end.
Am I anxiously waiting for #4? Sure am. I hope it’s released in 2023, but I understand things take time. This is such an excellent romantic pair, and the plot is superb. This book was well worth the wait, and I’ve no doubt that #4 will be too.
February 7, 2023
“Freedom is an illusion treasured by those who do not realize it is defined by its boundaries.”
JUST READ THIS SERIES!!
This series has me in a chokehold, I'll never recover from this. These characters are my life now, I love them from the bottom of my heart.
THIS BOOK SERIES HAS MADE ME FORGET REALITY.
It made me gasp out of shock and horror in the initial pages but then it just hit me in the gut over and over until I felt like crying (for Jenny and Kathryn).
And I do love Kathryn still but Jenny is so much of a dear now for me, they both are such lovely dearest people who shouldn't suffer anymore 😭😭
I thought that in the third book everything would fizzle out but NO, IT DID NOT. Rather it made me feel so many emotions from sadness to anger to crying to loving to stop myself from losing it.
I am so glad to have found this book series. It's such a full package of mystery, thriller, action, secrets, betrayal, chaos, tragedy, difficult times, romance along with the insecurities as well as uncertainties of the characters mainly our two lovely female main characters who seem to drift apart only to find themselves closer to each other than before.
Their chemistry, their love and their constant efforts to keep their relationship safe from the afflictions of the circumstances surrounding them are so profound that I just wanted them to run away somewhere far from the tribulations.
And oh my God they just made me tear up many times especially Kathryn's vulnerability. Plus where she made a record just for her to listen and remember her just as they were (brb, crying).
I literally cried when Kathryn pulled up that stunt of you know what as well as of being cold and indifferent to her in order to protect Jenny, I just completely lost it, I was livid and heartbroken but totally knew something was up but still so much heartbreak. BYE.
“Please don’t give up on me.”
"I'll never give up on you, Jenny."
“Remember this moment … whatever happens … remember this moment and how much I love you."
“I’ll love you till the day I die, Jenny. Please tell me that’s enough.”
Yeah right kill me.
Also, where the characters are totally in love and would do anything to protect each other the plot and story is ever dynamic and I didn't see it coming, it is so astounding and kinda mind blowing, the virus and the reservoir, the hidden labs, the coding, all of that is so intriguing as well as captivating. This is kind of a book I had been wanting to read that wouldn't leave anything behind, it wouldn't be much of a cliché nor more like a lagging book and this book IS IT.
I can't trust anyone in this book except for Jenny or Kathryn or Dominic or Smitty (I don't completely trust him BUUUUUT) and Bernie for sure. Rest of them seem such traitors I swear to God. All of the characters have a past, have a connection that makes them do things and I would say it is just so riveting to read about such different point of views of certain situations through the eyes of these characters from the main characters to side characters, they all equally contribute to the story. Just leaves me in awe because such changing point of views should make a reader bored or irritated but the author just knew how to blend things in as to make it so smooth that you barely felt robbed off of any information from the other point of view.
The author has done such a splendid and truly terrific job in writing such an immaculate plot as well as giving us main characters who are fools in love but all in all so clever and intelligent as well. The writing is so compelling and captivating that you can't stop yourself from reading up until the wee hours of the night.
I am so excited for the fourth and final installment in the series, I can't get enough of these characters, it feels like I don't belong to reality anymore outside of these characters and their twisted yet complicated lives.
I am so looking forward to the date the last book is going to be released until then I am thoroughly gonna miss Jenny and Kathryn.
JUST READ THIS SERIES!!
This series has me in a chokehold, I'll never recover from this. These characters are my life now, I love them from the bottom of my heart.
THIS BOOK SERIES HAS MADE ME FORGET REALITY.
It made me gasp out of shock and horror in the initial pages but then it just hit me in the gut over and over until I felt like crying (for Jenny and Kathryn).
And I do love Kathryn still but Jenny is so much of a dear now for me, they both are such lovely dearest people who shouldn't suffer anymore 😭😭
I thought that in the third book everything would fizzle out but NO, IT DID NOT. Rather it made me feel so many emotions from sadness to anger to crying to loving to stop myself from losing it.
I am so glad to have found this book series. It's such a full package of mystery, thriller, action, secrets, betrayal, chaos, tragedy, difficult times, romance along with the insecurities as well as uncertainties of the characters mainly our two lovely female main characters who seem to drift apart only to find themselves closer to each other than before.
Their chemistry, their love and their constant efforts to keep their relationship safe from the afflictions of the circumstances surrounding them are so profound that I just wanted them to run away somewhere far from the tribulations.
And oh my God they just made me tear up many times especially Kathryn's vulnerability. Plus where she made a record just for her to listen and remember her just as they were (brb, crying).
I literally cried when Kathryn pulled up that stunt of you know what as well as of being cold and indifferent to her in order to protect Jenny, I just completely lost it, I was livid and heartbroken but totally knew something was up but still so much heartbreak. BYE.
“Please don’t give up on me.”
"I'll never give up on you, Jenny."
“Remember this moment … whatever happens … remember this moment and how much I love you."
“I’ll love you till the day I die, Jenny. Please tell me that’s enough.”
Yeah right kill me.
Also, where the characters are totally in love and would do anything to protect each other the plot and story is ever dynamic and I didn't see it coming, it is so astounding and kinda mind blowing, the virus and the reservoir, the hidden labs, the coding, all of that is so intriguing as well as captivating. This is kind of a book I had been wanting to read that wouldn't leave anything behind, it wouldn't be much of a cliché nor more like a lagging book and this book IS IT.
I can't trust anyone in this book except for Jenny or Kathryn or Dominic or Smitty (I don't completely trust him BUUUUUT) and Bernie for sure. Rest of them seem such traitors I swear to God. All of the characters have a past, have a connection that makes them do things and I would say it is just so riveting to read about such different point of views of certain situations through the eyes of these characters from the main characters to side characters, they all equally contribute to the story. Just leaves me in awe because such changing point of views should make a reader bored or irritated but the author just knew how to blend things in as to make it so smooth that you barely felt robbed off of any information from the other point of view.
The author has done such a splendid and truly terrific job in writing such an immaculate plot as well as giving us main characters who are fools in love but all in all so clever and intelligent as well. The writing is so compelling and captivating that you can't stop yourself from reading up until the wee hours of the night.
I am so excited for the fourth and final installment in the series, I can't get enough of these characters, it feels like I don't belong to reality anymore outside of these characters and their twisted yet complicated lives.
I am so looking forward to the date the last book is going to be released until then I am thoroughly gonna miss Jenny and Kathryn.
January 9, 2023
I am a big time fan of this series. Specifically, I especially enjoyed the scenes with the incredibly talented Kathryn Hammond. This character is also an OSS Field Trainer, a nightclub singer, undercover bad guys girlfriend, and an artist to name a few of her talents. She's schlepping more emotional baggage than Southwest Airlines. Actually, both main characters are a mess. Just when you think they've finally gotten their act together and can at least have a romance, one of them does something out of the blue that puts their romance on the skids. I'm like you've got to be kidding me - why did you do that? They've got the whole - I know how to break your heart - thing down to perfection.
I can't blame Jenny Ryan (the other MC) too much for her reactions to Kat's actions (in this book anyway). It's pretty hard competing against at least 3 other people (Smitty, Marc Forrester, Thiery Bouchaule) for Kat's love and knowing there's nothing that Kat won't do in support of the war effort. And I mean nothing.
There's a lot going on with the subplots/other characters and the author does a great job of helping us remember who is who. Reading this was exhilarating!
I'm really looking forward to Book 4 and the conclusion! Very highly recommended.
I can't blame Jenny Ryan (the other MC) too much for her reactions to Kat's actions (in this book anyway). It's pretty hard competing against at least 3 other people (Smitty, Marc Forrester, Thiery Bouchaule) for Kat's love and knowing there's nothing that Kat won't do in support of the war effort. And I mean nothing.
There's a lot going on with the subplots/other characters and the author does a great job of helping us remember who is who. Reading this was exhilarating!
I'm really looking forward to Book 4 and the conclusion! Very highly recommended.
February 21, 2023
With strong imagery and a satisfying story tempo, J.E. Leak lures the reader into a well-structured web. With the most difficult battles being fought within, In the Shadow of Truth continues to unveil Kat & Jenny's struggle with their own flawed humanity.
Each chapter is a deeper glimpse into the character's experiences and perspectives, which spins a silky strand of hope that their love will triumph. Their future happiness hinges on their ability to escape their own demons and dilemmas while learning to trust their feelings for one another. Can they find balance with regret, duty, insecurity and love? Will they discover the strength to prevail in the web of deception and deceit?
Always true to her characters' intimate thoughts and motives, Leak tactically ensnares the reader with intense scenes that captivate the many dynamic relationships which are interwoven with wartime intrigue.
Don't skip a single line. This author guides with perfect timing and details that make a moment memorable. One chapter in particular, will collapse in slow motion like a vortex making itself stronger. Allow it to break apart before you like a beautiful surrender of all you knew to be true. Let it free you.
"Don't you dare cry"... and never lose hope.
Each chapter is a deeper glimpse into the character's experiences and perspectives, which spins a silky strand of hope that their love will triumph. Their future happiness hinges on their ability to escape their own demons and dilemmas while learning to trust their feelings for one another. Can they find balance with regret, duty, insecurity and love? Will they discover the strength to prevail in the web of deception and deceit?
Always true to her characters' intimate thoughts and motives, Leak tactically ensnares the reader with intense scenes that captivate the many dynamic relationships which are interwoven with wartime intrigue.
Don't skip a single line. This author guides with perfect timing and details that make a moment memorable. One chapter in particular, will collapse in slow motion like a vortex making itself stronger. Allow it to break apart before you like a beautiful surrender of all you knew to be true. Let it free you.
"Don't you dare cry"... and never lose hope.
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