Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Curled up and sleepy. Purrrfect! #HappyCaturday! 😻

#Cats #Caturday

Black and white cat curled up in flannel sheets.

November 30, 2025 at 12:24 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Thank
Old Hollywood classic film vibes, but sapphic! From 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 (Shadow Series Book 1).

Dark secrets and forbidden desires collide in this noir WW2 spy series. 💄👠🥃

Available in audiobook, narrated by Abby Craden!
books2read.com/itsotp
#BookSky 🌈📚💜 #WLW

A book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Kathryn appeared from behind the screen, struggling with the zipper behind her back. “Say, could you—”
“Sure.” Jenny sprang from the chair a little too eagerly.
“Thank you,” Kathryn said with a frustrated exhale, placing a hand on her chest to hold up the dress. “I swear, if a man designs a dress, you can bet he’ll put the zipper in the most inconvenient place just so he can help you out of it later.”
“The swine,” Jenny said in mock indignation, trying not to notice the lack of undergarments on the delicate valley of bare skin she’d just uncovered.

November 29, 2025 at 2:33 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Tonight's #Noirvember film was 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺! Barbara Stanwyck is fire in this film! 🔥 One of the most underrated actors of her generation. Honestly, everything about this film is exceptional.

Now I'm in a Veronica Lake mood. Help me pick tomorrow's film: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘒𝘦𝘺 or 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘎𝘶𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘪𝘳𝘦?

Photo of a DVD collection of 10 Noir Films.

November 26, 2025 at 2:19 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Kathryn isn't a bad girl. Just misunderstood.
Jenny is a good girl. She just has a penchant for trouble.
When misunderstood meets trouble, intrigue and desire ignite a love that brings a bad girl to her knees, and a good girl to the edge of ruin. Willingly.
amzn.to/3icwd98
#Booksky 🌈📚💜 #Noirvember

The four audiobook covers of the sapphic noir Shadow series by J.E. Leak. Text reads: Film Noir Vibes? Sultry Spies? Yes, please! Sapphic love, intrigue, secrets, and spies. Shadow Series narrated by Abby Craden.

November 24, 2025 at 12:56 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

A day without catnip is like a day without sunshine! (he said) #HappyCaturday! 😻

#Cats #Caturday

Black & white cat laying on his back staring at the camera, surrounded by catnip toys.

November 22, 2025 at 10:08 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Chill
Classic Noirvember film vibes, but sapphic! From 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 (Shadow Series Book 1).

Dark secrets and forbidden desires collide in this sapphic noir spy series. 💄👠🥃

Available in audiobook, narrated by Abby Craden!
books2read.com/itsotp
#BookSky 🌈📚💜

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: The moonlight through the skylight’s rectangular panels splayed a grid pattern across the floor.
“I feel like I’m in that Hitchcock film,” Kathryn said, as they were bathed in shades of gray.
“Suspicion.”
“Yes, that’s the one. The spiderweb effect.”
“On the stairwell,” Jenny said, “with the ominous glowing—”
“Glass of milk,” they said in unison.
While Jenny laughed, a chill skittered up Kathryn’s spine. If things didn’t go as expected tonight, Jenny could be caught in a web of intrigue that would ruin her life.

November 21, 2025 at 9:49 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

After two years in the wild and thousands of listens, 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 (Shadow Series Book 3) has received 100 ratings and reviews! I know this book was a test of emotional fortitude, so thank you, thank you to everyone who read it and was moved enough to rate and review.🫶🫶🫶
#SapphicBooks

Audiobook cover for In the Shadow of Truth (Shadow Series Book 3) by J.E. Leak celebrating 100 ratings with 4.8 stars. Narrated by Abby Craden.

November 17, 2025 at 7:42 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Leg
Old Hollywood vibes, but sapphic! From 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 (Shadow Series Book 1).

Dark secrets and forbidden desires collide in this sapphic noir spy series. 💄👠🥃

Available in audiobook, narrated by Abby Craden!
books2read.com/itsotp
#BookSky 🌈📚💜

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Jenny blinked at the shimmering figure before her. She looked like a tap dancer out of a Busby Berkeley musical, with her silver and gold lamé tails and short shorts, separated by a burgundy cummerbund. Jenny couldn’t help but notice the woman’s legs, as was the intent, and she silently reprimanded herself for falling into the club’s web of sexual vice.

November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

For National Fountain Pen Day, my favorite is a Sheaffer Tuckaway in carmine red striated celluloid (circa 1940–44). I have hundreds of vintage fountain pens that I've restored, but I'm especially fond of Sheaffers. Isn't she a beauty? Writes like a dream!
#FountainPens #AuthorLife

An uncapped Sheaffer Tuckaway fountain pen in carmine red pictured with a vintage RolliFlex camera and a vintage photograph in the background.

November 8, 2025 at 3:55 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Smooth
Old Hollywood vibes, but sapphic! From 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 (Shadow Series Book 1).

Dark secrets and forbidden desires collide in this sultry noir series starter. 💄👠🥃

Available in audiobook, narrated by Abby Craden!

books2read.com/itsotp
#BookSky 🌈📚💜

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Jenny placed her hands gently on each side of the wayward seam and began slowly and methodically working her way up the limb until she found the heat beneath her hands seeping into her fingers, up her arm, and through her body, settling—mmmph ... God ... hello—somewhere just below her belly. She tried to remain neutral, but the warm, firm leg in her hands, the smooth hose, and the subtle hint of perfume dabbed behind the singer’s knee made indifference a struggle.

November 7, 2025 at 12:21 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Good night, Taos. Your sunset display was spectacular!
#authorlife #sunset

November 4, 2025 at 1:34 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Saw this sobering exhibit today. The importance of art and culture in society cannot be overstated. History can't be ignored, lest the past become prologue.
#HistoryMatters #StayVigilant

Exhibit poster for MODERN ART AND POLITICS IN GERMANY
1910-1945
Featuring the painting Sonja by Christian Schad

November 3, 2025 at 12:12 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Good night, #NewMexico!
#sunset

Bright orange and blue sky. Sunset over the mountains in New Mexico

November 2, 2025 at 12:43 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Rest stops just hit different here. 😬
#NewMexico

November 2, 2025 at 12:02 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Months after we lost Forrest, Winston has adopted Forrest's bed over his own. We put the bed on the table to finally put it away and Mr. Man hopped right in and made himself at home. This makes my heart smile. #HappyCaturday, all!😻
#cats

November 1, 2025 at 3:53 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Good morning, Albuquerque!
#sunrise

Sunrise over the mountains in New Mexico.

November 1, 2025 at 1:49 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Afraid
Quote from the award-winning 4th book in the Shadow series, 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 (Shadow Series Book 4).
Dark secrets and forbidden desires collide in this sapphic noir series. 💄👠🥃
Available in audiobook, narrated by Abby Craden!
books2read.com/itsov
#BookSky 🌈📚💜

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of Victory (Shadow Series Book 4) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: “I just wanted you safe. As for the big picture … without you, they have nothing, and now—” Her voice trailed off.
Jenny sat beside her. “I’m not afraid to die if I have to, Kat.”
Kathryn cut a worried look at her. The thought of her death was a kick in the gut that sent a renewed wave of panic through her. Jenny was steady, with no hint of fear to leave this world. Kathryn didn’t know this woman. Whatever had happened to her in the seven months they were apart had hardened her. She held determination and resignation with equal regard and was prepared for either. Jenny had become stronger, and she had grown weaker.

October 31, 2025 at 12:35 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

A dash of 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘢, a pinch of 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, and a drop of morally gray. A sultry spy falls for her assignment in this epic WWII love story. If you enjoy classic Old Hollywood films and stories with forbidden love, twists, turns, angst, and redemption, the Shadow series is for you! amzn.to/3icwd98

Graphic showing the four books of the sapphic noir Shadow series by J.E. Leak. Text reads: Love, angst, intrigue, secrets, and spies.

October 27, 2025 at 10:24 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Mom let me meowt! #HappyCaturday for realz!😻
#Cats #Caturday

Close up of a black and white cat rolling around on the ground beside a garden.

October 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Hand
A tender moment from 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 (Shadow Series Book 3), the infamously angsty third book of the Shadow series.

𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵. 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗵𝗲’𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁.
💄👠🥃

books2read.com/itsot
#BookSky 🌈📚💜
#SapphicNoir
#WLW

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of Truth (Shadow Series Book 3) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: Jenny closed her eyes and enjoyed the soft hand in hers. She bathed in the memory of it on her body, of it finding her most intimate places and lingering there, its only ambition her pleasure. She held on tight and longed for one last passionate kiss before they parted.
“Where’s a ladies’ room when you need it?” Kathryn joked, seeing the telltale flush of Jenny’s neck.

October 24, 2025 at 9:30 AM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Winston working hard helping mom foil stained glass pieces. Special bonus: TOE BEANS! #HappyCaturday!😻
#Cats #Caturday

Portrait of a black and white cat laying on his side in front of a stained glass foiling machine.

October 18, 2025 at 12:54 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Walk
She was prepared to lose her life. She was not prepared to lose her heart. Everything you loved about Book 1, and so much more!

Continue the Shadow series with 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 (Shadow Series Book 2)💄👠🥃

books2read.com/itsol
#BookSky 🌈📚💜
#SapphicNoir
#WLW

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of Love (Shadow series Book 2) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: “You know, I’m a big fan of hot and cold running water, but this is getting a little ridiculous.”
Kathryn stared at her. Jenny looked so wild, restless, and alive. One look and she didn’t want to walk away. Her heart raced and her fists clenched in restraint as she fought the urge to take her in her arms again and kiss her.

October 17, 2025 at 9:42 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Sixteen years ago, this handsome dude showed up brimming with cat-distribution-system bravado and stayed. With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to him yesterday.

R.I.P. Buddy, aka Mr. GrungeBucket, King of all he surveyed.

Thanks for choosing us, pal. Love you forever, you handsome so-and-so, you. 😻

Up close portrait of a black and white cat facing left with a white heart emoji in the upper lefthand corner. Below the heart reads: Buddy 2009(ish) - 2025

Photo of a contented black and white cat sitting in the dirt like a sphinx.

Photo of a black and white cat on the edge of a roof looking at the camera.

Photo of a black and white cat laying in the sun with his paw extended close to the camera.

October 11, 2025 at 7:17 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

Happy #LesFicFri 🏳️‍🌈
Theme: Jump
The fall has begun. Quote from 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 (Shadow Series Book 1).

Dark secrets and forbidden desires collide in this sapphic noir series. 💄👠🥃

Available in audiobook, narrated by the amazing Abby Craden!

books2read.com/itsotp
#BookSky 🌈📚💜

This is a book quote graphic for In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow series Book 1) by J.E. Leak. The text reads: “She’s returning something to me at dinner tonight, and then I’m out.”
“Will she know that?”
“She will agree to it wholeheartedly.”
He raised his brow. “Oh, to be a fly on the wall.”
Kathryn grinned, but it was just for show. Selfishly, she didn’t want to be out of Jenny’s life. She wanted to stay in the warm glow of hope’s promise for as long as she could.
Smitty was right. She was thawing out. It was the worst thing that could happen to her. She had a war to return to. Jenny had a beautiful life to live.
Smitty shook his head. “Why do you let me jump to conclusions?”
“I’m just waiting for you to stop jumping to conclusions.”

October 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM

J.E. Leak | Author

@jeleakauthor.bsky.social

When things start going sideways, it's hard to know how to help. #BannedBooksWeek reminds us that our voices can be silenced at any time. Here are a few tips on how we can support authors and keep those voices loud and accessible. Representation matters. Always. 🫶

#SapphicsWithTheBanned #WLW

A graphic with a checklist. Text reads:
Supporting Sapphics
Request their books at your local library
Follow and engage with authors on social media
Buy books from indie, small, and mid-size publishers
Write and post positive reviews online
Share your favorite books and creators with others
Support LBGTQ+ Orgs
Protect Our Stories. Support Our Community.
Hashtag Sapphics With The Banned
Circular logos of Golden Crown Literary Society and Sapphic Action Support Squad

Graphic containing the book cover of In the Shadow of the Past (Shadow Series Book 1) by J.E. Leak
Text reads:
SCRIPTED IN SAPPHIC
A sultry spy falls for the wrong woman. Now it's going to cost her.
1940s Sapphic Noir vibes
Slooow Burn
FORBIDDEN LOVE

REVIEWERS SAY
(Graphic of five stars)

"I think it's safe to say that
J.E. Leak has written one of the best sapphic series of all time with her four Shadow books."
-Queer Aussie Reviews

Hashtag Sapphics With The Banned

Circular logos for Golden Crown Literary Society ans Sapphic Action Support Squad

October 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM

Add to Home Screen

Light up
your news

Add to Home Screen

Light upyour news

Sign in to Lightnews

Sign up to start reading

Connect Bluesky

Connect with Bluesky

Light up
your news