In the Shadow of Love

Shadow #2

by J.E. Leak

She was prepared to lose her life. She was not prepared to lose her heart.

Reporter Jenny Ryan didn’t believe in love at first sight. Until it happened to her. An encounter with a sultry nightclub singer led to a secret job at the Office of Strategic Services and an unlikely romance with the woman of her dreams.

OSS agent Kathryn Hammond knows she doesn’t deserve love or happiness. But having fallen for her former assignment, she’ll do anything to keep her safe—including staying away. When ghosts from her past emerge, and Jenny waltzes into headquarters as a new recruit, all of Kathryn’s fears materialize.

With Jenny’s protection out of her hands, and society, the war, and time against them, will their love survive?

In the Shadow of Love is the second 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 Love and lose yourself in a page-turning night of desire and intrigue today!

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, LGBT, Mystery

Audiobook

First published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating read!
This! .... such a remarkable, dramatic, at times a complex plotline and also well-detailed book #2 of the 'Shadow' ongoing historical spy series. With their (Jenny & Kathryn) chemistry so undeniably prevalent through-out the storyline, it becomes way to impossible to ignore.
A highly recommended book and series!

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edit: December 14th, 2022, audiobook review



I’m so ready for book 3! After loving In the Shadow of the Past and In the Shadow of Love in book form, I loved them again in audiobook, delightfully narrated by Abby Craden. Craden is always excellent but these books, and a handful of others I’ve listened to these last few years, could have been written for her voice. She nails the film noir mood and made me love both Jenny and Kat even more than I already did. I’m impatient to follow these two on their next adventure and will grab the book as soon as it’s available but I’m also one hundred per cent sure I’ll want to listen to the audiobook when it comes out.

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In The Shadow of Love picks up not long after In The Shadow of the Past ended. While the first book introduced readers to the characters, the era, the context, the second one, as can be inferred from the title, focuses more on the relationship between Jenny and Kat than on the intrigue.

There’s not a lot of action in this book but that’s not what it’s about. We get to know the main characters better, as well as Kay’s shadow, Smitty, and learn about their motivations. The pace is slow but never boring, as the author takes her time to immerse the readers into the flawless film noir atmosphere she’s created.

The more I get to know them, the more I love both MCs: Jenny, an apparent ingenue who’s really a badass, and Kat, a femme fatale dealing with more than her share of PTSD and insecurity. As I said, the romance arc is at the forefront, and I really enjoy the way Kat and Jenny interact and try (sometimes failing) to communicate. I was worried I’d get tired of Kay’s push and pull but her past and trauma explain her fears and misgivings and her attitude is consistent, not a trick the author pulled out of her hat to add angst. It also allows Jenny to show how genuinely kind and wise (on some matters) she is.

Since there will be four books in total, we’re midway through the series, and as when I finished the first book, I’m impatient to get my hands on the next one, In the Shadow of Truth, later this year.

I received a copy from the author 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

[Tere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy 5 stars. Great story, setting and narrator. All about the romance in this one. So sad I now have to wait until February. What?!

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 7/5/25: Second Listen. I think it was even better than the first read. I felt the sadness but also the joy of new love. Now I’m ready to finish the series.

I woke up this morning looking forward to continuing this book when it struck me that I had finished in the wee hours. There was no more story to read. I was missing the characters already.

Kat is a veteran of war and the spy game even though she’s only 27 years old. She’s OSS, but she uses her cover as a sexy chanteuse to get close to a powerful gangster who’s suspected of Nazi connections. Jenny is only a few years younger but still seems like a naïve, carefree college girl. In Book 1, Jenny was a reporter for her uncle’s newspaper. Having quit the paper since then, Jenny is just beginning to dip her toe in the American intelligence field.

What I loved best about this sequel is how Kat grows as she opens up to Jenny. There’s unspeakable trauma in Kat’s past but she understands that her love for Jenny is a bridge to a future of possibilities. Jenny is a lollypop of a gal and sometimes too sweet. She’s got insight and spark but still not very worldly. But Book 3 promises to mark Jenny’s journey into the dark world of being a professional liar and spy. I’m looking forward to seeing how the author evolves her character and what this change may do to the dynamics of her relationship with Kat.

Abby Craden narrating this book is a sheer delight. I thought I was listening to an old 1940’s flick with the lingo and city accents done just right. Between the author’s red hot scenes and Abby voicing them, I was very happy. The banter and charm continues, Kat and Jenny are fire together, the secondary characters shine. I hope it’s not too long before Book 3 in the series comes out.

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this audiobook. Loved.

While I really enjoyed the first book in this series, this one was even better for me because the focus was more on the developing relationship between Jenny and my mega-crush Kathryn. Especially in Abby Craden's voice. Good lord. Not only is her voice delicious, but Abby can access the emotional stuff - especially vulnerability. She also has to sell Kathryn not only being a femme fatale so desirable that men and women both fall at her feet, but also as a complete badass behind the scenes. Mission accomplished.

You know an audiobook is something special when there's an hour left and you're just dreading it ending because you just want to stay in that world with these characters. This one definitely goes onto my all-time favorites list.

I don't want to give details about the book itself since it's a series, but I highly recommend them. It is necessary to start with book 1, In the Shadow of the Past. I'm also completely in love with the book covers and all of them will be living on my bookshelves.

Listen to these, folks. Really.

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I’m glad I waited for the audiobook to come out, as I’ve listened to the first one that way, and continued to love Abby Craden’s performance. This was just as wonderful as the first book (I think of 4 planned?) and while it was a slight shift in tone from the first one in that this is less action/spy thriller stuff and a bit more slowburn character study as the romance progresses stuff. It doesn’t ever feel like a slow read though. I’m really loving both Jenny and Kat as characters individually and also really loving them together. Smitty can frankly go get lost, though, his jealously and pettiness around Jenny is so patronizing and irritating. SHE DOESNT LOVE YOU BACK, BABE! I can’t wait to read the next one and I highly rec this series so far.

[Jen Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, fabulous! But no surprise there. J.E. Leak has built such a beautiful empire of a series. Kathryn and Jenny are so elegantly defined, and the history woven into their story is divine. Combine that with Abby Craden's beautiful narration, and you are sure to hit a grand slam. I can't wait to delve into In the Shadow of Truth (the third book in the series). (Which I believe is releasing on Audible very soon)! And then... I'll be impatiently awaiting In the Shadow of Victory, the final installment! No pressure, Ms. Leak... but... December 22nd is only 239 days away... Just saying. ;-)

[Sapphic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.E. Leak delivers another gripping installment, skillfully layering the narrative with subtle clues and suspense that keep you hooked from start to finish. Kat and Jenny continue to shine as lead characters—this time, we see a softer, more vulnerable side of Kat, while Jenny begins to grow into her own strength. The shift in their dynamic was unexpected but completely absorbing. Their romance picks up naturally just a month after the first book ends, maintaining that slow-burn tension that makes their relationship so compelling. A thrilling and emotional read that doesn’t disappoint.

[hubsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid second book in the series, that continues the journey of Kat and Jenny. This one delved more into their relationship, the push/pull, cat/mouse game but this time, the reasons make total sense. It's not some fluffy dramatics at play, but Kat's real PTSD of what she encountered during the war. As with book 1, there is a LOT of talking. Talktalktalk. More talk. But I was, and continue to be, fully invested with these two. Also, Ms. Leak made us wait for it, but godDAMN their chemistry. Uh, just, yes. So so so good. Jenny's story really takes off as well, she grows and matures even more, and there are still mysteries a plenty that haven't been answered from book 1. That hard hitting prologue from book 1 still weighs heavily on my mind....

How long I gotta weight until book 3 Ms. Leak??!! Aaahhhh......

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I predicted after reading In The Shadow Of The Past I'd say this is a FAVORITE!! I wasn't wrong! This is a fantastic historical sapphic romance, engulfed in espionage. I can't wait to read the next two books in the series!!
You can't help but fall in love with Kat and Jenny! Kat a veteran spy and Jenny just indoctrinated. How it changes your perspective. Fascinating! Worthy of more than 5 stars!!

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline with good characters. I’m glad that the point of view switches back and forth between Jenny and Kathryn.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this moment, I'm just so very grateful this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger(or else I'd explode).

In the Shadow of Love is the second book from the Shadow series. It focuses even more on the two main characters, Jenny and Kathryn. This time, we learn more about Kathryn's background story and how she overcomes her past. Reading these two grow together little by little is actually a beautiful process. I love every moment of it.

2023 couldn't come soon enough. I can't wait to get my hand on book three, In the Shadow of Truth.

[Shey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is better than the first book. I was emotionally invested in Kat and Jenny this time. Their complicated relationship, the angst, the drama, the sweet moments, and the sex (finally). The intrigue and mystery are still there. I'm still interested in knowing what's going to happen next. But honestly, I hate that I have to wait five months for the next book. This is a lovely story overall, and I enjoyed it.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific continuation of the Shadow series!
The first book "In the Shadow of the Past" is hard to top, but this second book “In the Shadow of Love“ again left me completely mesmerized by the entire cast. I am also very happy, that the elegant cover art matches the story so perfectly!

I simply adore Jenny Ryan for being so bold, funny, brave, and patient - again. And I am in awe of Kathryn Hammond’s beauty, her capability as a musician, a spy, and a first-class actress, how she handles herself, and the traumatic experiences she cannot entirely shake. Both women quickly became very real people to me.

Not only is there a lot of character development in this second book for the female leads (Jenny certainly matured in the course of events), J.E. Leak also offers a glimpse into Kathryn’s and Smitty’s past which sheds new light on their relationship. Although Forrester, the mobster, remains mysterious, I felt like his kinks got a little more tangible.

The beauty of the books lies in the incredibly skillful writing, the dialogs flow naturally and reflect the personalities and their emotional turmoil so well, they are a delight to read. I felt like being catapulted into the 40s. Every little detail fit perfectly into the time and the mood and made the reading experience seem like a visit to the holodeck!

While the first book presented a complex situation for Jenny and Kathryn, which changed multiple times due to various turns of events, the second book very much focuses on their complicated relationship without a lot of influence from the outside. J.E. Leak sets some expectations in the introductory pages by letting Kathryn’s inner voice state “No more teasing, no more truncated foreplay. This was it.” I’m afraid she likes her characters to tease each other as much as she likes to tease the reader.

There is a lot of back and forth in this book. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but the cast and the reader both require a certain capacity to suffer to get through this. The reward for me (as a not necessarily keen reader of slow-burn romances) was an insight into Kathryn’s fascinating character, her desire for control and her way of using sex as a means to triumph professionally but not privately with Jenny, her outward strength and the frightening vulnerability she slowly allows to show in private, her skill to fake probably every human emotion while holding on to sincerity, her joy, and defeat.
Apart from that, the suffering certainly does not result in a lack of playful and fun moments. “You know, you really need to cultivate your casual glance.” “Like this?” Jenny ran her eyes seductively up and down Kathryn’s seated form. “Is that a casual glance?” “No. I think that’s what’s called a mental undressing.” “Why does that sound like more fun than it actually was?”

The moment when Kathryn and Jenny cross each other’s paths again for the first time in this book seemed somewhat construed to me. But it certainly helped to continue their story and frankly, it didn’t affect the overall quality. There is purpose in the gigantic build-up presented in the first book and this second book delivers in the most entertaining and sexy way I could have wished for.

I particularly enjoy the originality and humor in Leak’s writing: “Smitty pulled another gun from under his coat and held all the men at bay with arms held out at a right angle, like a signpost on a very anxious street corner.”
I also admire the attentive observation of human behavior. “He sat on the edge of the bed in the dressing room and squeezed his knuckles until they cracked, the macho equivalent of wringing his hands.”

The book ends with a promise of more action in the next one and I am looking forward to following a faster pace again now that the lead characters have been explored so deeply. I can't wait to read what life will throw at two of my favorite main characters in lesfic!

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Just like the first instalment, this sequel completely pulled me in. The writing is sharp, the pacing really good, and the structure beautifully done. It’s one of those books that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go (fair warning: it’s addictive).

I loved how the relationship between Jenny and Kathryn keeps evolving. Their chemistry is still electric, but what stands out is how human and believable it feels. The tension, the hesitation, the moments of connection; it all rings true. Watching their bond finally take shape was incredibly satisfying. And so was their slight ‘dislike to lovers’ dynamic in the first 100 pages.

The deeper dive into the OSS world added a lot of depth. The ongoing Forrester case kept the stakes high, and I enjoyed seeing more of the spy work behind the emotional storyline. Also, getting more backstory on both Jenny and Kathryn was the right move, it definitely helped me understand them better and connect more deeply with their choices.

It’s an addictive read. I finished it within 24 hours and honestly didn’t want to stop. ‘In the Shadow of Love’ proves again that J.E. Leak knows exactly how to blend tension, emotion, and storytelling into something unforgettable.

[Menestrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review will come at the end...
I need to go further. Can't stop. Won't stop!
I am loving it so much, I'm even creating a Spotify playlist. The soundtrack is awesome 🥹

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, amazingly narrated by Abby Craden. I loved the first book in the series, but loved this one more. I have book three and plan to listen to that soon.
Kathryn Hammond, the beautiful, sultry nightclub singer and OSS agent, has a job-related relationship with a mobster, Marcus Forrester, who has his men watch over her. This adds to the 1940’s wartime atmosphere.
A newer OSS agent is the younger, beautiful Jenny Ryan. In this book we follow their “will-they, won’t they” attempts with consummating their attraction, and averting the watching eyes of Forrester’s men.
There’s a lot of exciting activity in this book, as well as some steamy moments!

[chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second installment even more than the first. Very exciting and unexpected moments in the beginning and middle sections, but the last 25% dragged a bit before it picked up again.

Leak’s writing style and these characters seem tailor made for Abby Craden. Fully hooked on the series and looking forward to book three.

[♡Matty♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling series truly! I can't wait to read more of Kat and Jenny.

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the release of Book two in the Shadow Series, In the Shadow of Love, J.E Leak has shown that she is not a one-hit-wonder.  Not that anyone would have had that doubt, book one was terrific, original and gripping, showcasing what amazing talents this writer is capable of.

I admit I waited for the audio version, having been spoiled by hearing Abby Craden narrate the first book. I’m glad I was patient. Like always, Abby adds her own touch of magic, bringing to life the characters and guaranteeing a captivating listen.

Kat and Jenny try to go their separate ways after acknowledging feelings but being all too aware of the dangers surrounding them. Unable to keep their distance, however, the two women struggle through conflicting emotions, misguided truths and treacherous work conditions. The chemistry these two women share is beautiful as they get to know each other in the deepest ways possible. Kat finds she can’t resist surrendering her heart to Jenny, and Jenny just wants to seize the day and the consequences be damned.

J.E Leak has done a stellar job of taking the reader back to 1940’s New York, introducing us to the clubs, restaurants and expectations the characters encounter. It is hard not to fall in love with both Jenny and Kat, both women having so much realism built into their stories, and character development continuing to open their eyes to what life has to offer.  I haven’t had enough of this world, or the characters so I am looking forward to the release date of Book three in the Shadow Series.

[Bree Durocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I have never reviewed a book before but after finishing this one I just needed to rave about it.
I have been -not so patiently- awaiting the release of this book for months and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I have always been a lover of WWII historical fiction and have read hundreds of books in the genre. As a proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, I could never fully connect to the romantic side of the stories I was reading from this period. In the Shadow of the Past, Kathryn and Jenny made it possible to see myself and my love represented in a genre I care so deeply for.
My excitement for In the Shadow of Love was immense, I started reading it at midnight the second it came out and had to force myself to go to sleep by hiding my kobo. It only took me a few hours to read this book. But if I am being honest those hours felt like minutes and when I reached the last sentence and looked down for the next and saw that it was over I immediately regretted not drawing it out longer.
If this review finds you when you are on the fence about reading this series I implore you to read it. It is full of angst, tender steamy love and action all of which left me pacing my room muttering to myself while my beagle stared at me concerned. My only complaint about this book is having to -not so patiently -wait for the next instalment…again. In the meantime, I will be rereading the first two books on repeat!

[Jo Havens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 and I’m just as in love – no wait – I’m even more deeply and head-over-heels in love than I was before. In this instalment of the ‘In the Shadow’ series, JE Leak has packed the tale with even more intrigue and skulduggery even as the relationship between the two women careens recklessly towards love. For me, this series excels because of the sharp writing, two highly believable leads, and the exquisite balancing of tortured, complex backstory with vivid, edge-of-your-seat action in the present.
The setting is luscious – jazz clubs, gangsters, backless gowns and blood-red lipstick. It throws you into an era defined by its elegance and the turmoil of war. It’s the perfect environment in which to explore a love that we just know is going to get even more consuming as JE Leak continues to put her characters through the wringer. But, jiminy, her women are strong. It’s so tempting to enjoy this book reclined on the settee, gin and tonic in hand, the jazz standards crooning from the wireless – except that I know both leading ladies would stand over me, hands on hips, and demand that I get up and do my patriotic duty, no matter what. And, damnit, I’d follow either of them, anywhere.
Best read after reading In the Shadow of the Past, this latest book from JE Leak will leap to the top of the historical lesfic charts and claim its rightful position there for a long time to come. Read it now!

[Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up because I’m getting more and more invested as this series goes on!!! Kathryn Hammond, welcome to my Book Crushes list. What a remarkable, brilliant, complex, passionate woman *fans self*! Ughhh, I love love loved the things Jenny and Kathryn said to each other in this book. I melted every time!!

Jenny’s manipulative tactics definitely made me do a bombastic side-eye once or twice, buuuuuut…other than that I loved this book!

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would've been an easy 5 stars without all that back and forth between the main characters!!

[bookster · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Highly recommended series!

And now I have to wait for book 3 😩

[Alexa Steli · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,75/5
Alright....what drug is in this books????

[Amy Marsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed book 1, unfortunately this missed the mark for me. It was nice seeing Kathryn and Jenny again, but the negatives in this book outweighed the positives.

It was lovely seeing Kathryn open up more, and I enjoyed finding out her backstory. She really is a tragic character.

Unfortunately, the things I disliked in book 1 were compounded here. There was more head hopping despite scene breaks, and I really don't like Forrester and his weird sexual fetishes. I hated seeing a man objectify wlw, which happens several times in the book. I also didn't like how all the supporting characters were men. I could not care less about men, and having such a prominent cast of them in a sapphic book outside the main leads was jarring.

It was overwritten, and I grew tired of Kathryn and Jenny's back and forth pretty early on. Also, we're told that Kathryn is doing a really good job with Forrester, but I don't see how? He always leaves to conduct his business, and Kathryn doesn't know what that is, despite spending months with him.

I apologise for being so negative, most of which is personal preference. I hope others enjoy this more than I did!

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this despite how repetitive the drama was at times. I really liked Kathryn and Jenny both together and as their own characters. That slow burn really paid off.

I think this is where I stop with this series, on a pleasant note, since I really do not like the direction the story takes in the next book judging from the reviews.

[Jordana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so sexy. Loving the noir feel of it and the chemistry between Kathryn and Jenny. 🤌💋

[bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another 4.5 ⭐️

I adoredddd this book being more focused on the relationship between our mains. I’m still completely enthralled by this setting 🕵🏻