You've been very responsible for a very long time.

Let’s ditch all that for a few hundred pages, shall we?

Hi, I'm Jessa — and I write romance and reclamation stories set in San Diego, featuring heroines over 30 who are finally ready to want something for themselves.

San Diego After Dark is waiting for you. It’s warm here.

About the Author

Jessa Leads

Jessa lives near the beach in San Diego, dances when no one (or anyone) is watching, and believes that grown women deserve stories that are as complicated and hungry as they are.

More about Jessa >

love from readers

  • Gina (Goodreads)

    The HEAT!! This book was so captivating. From start to finish was a page turner. Never been a dancer and it was so fun to follow the characters. The only down side… it’s not a movie!!

  • Amber (Goodreads)

    “What an incredible debut! I was an early reader of this book, and Sebastian was my favorite male main character of 2025. Both main characters have depth and grow throughout the book. Their chemistry is FIRE. It definitely has Dirty Dancing vibes but with a grown-up FMC who is ready to find herself again.”

  • Janette (Goodreads)

    “Quick, Quick, Slow is layered with genuine complexity, rooted in real adult challenges, yet it stays fun, lighthearted, and full of moments where you’ll giggle and cry on the same page. It’s beautifully written, emotionally deep, and leaves you wanting to show up in your own life with more heart. It’s truly unforgettable.”

  • Tris (Goodreads)

    If you’ve ever felt like you lost yourself…
    If you’ve ever dimmed your light to survive…
    If you’re longing for a story about desire, embodiment, and second chances -
    this book will meet you right where you are. Highly recommend.