What do you think?
Rate this book
Leveling Up
Six years after completing her internship, Clarke Parson, a videogame graphic designer and animator, finds herself back in the orbit of Haboob Software’s CEO, Fran Silvetti. Clarke contacts Fran to warn her that the game her company is developing was stolen from Clarke’s computer by an ex-girlfriend after an acrimonious breakup. As Clarke is swept into a torrid affair with the fascinating woman, she covets their time together, hoping Fran may someday return the love Clarke harbors for her.
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
180 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2022
2 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Jazzy Mitchell
6 books26 followersJazzy Mitchell loves to tell stories, one word at a time. Knowing how powerful words are, she enjoys connecting them in different ways. Her writing has evolved through poetry, short stories, fanfiction under the name Jazwriter, and novels. Each project has taught her how to integrate what she’s observed. She’s warned loved ones anything they say or do may show up in her next novel.
During the past thirty-five years Jazzy has reinvented herself several times. She taught English for a decade to inner-city, underprivileged middle school and high school students, giving back to her hometown and the school system which helped her. During that time, she encouraged countless students to express themselves through their writing by exploring their artistic sides. Law school drove the creativity out of her, but over time her artistic instincts reasserted themselves. Through the years, she has taught adults about ethics and the law and, through the Lightarian Institute, energy work.
Jazzy’s the is the proud publisher of two imprints: Desert Palm Press and Launch Point Press. She is also the author of five novels and has contributed short stories to anthologies published by Desert Palm Press and Sapphire Books. Jazzy is one of the founding directors of OPUS Literary Alliance and the Vice President of the Executive Board. Jazzy lives in Portland, Oregon, with her loving wife, three energetic children, and sassy pup.
Check out her websites at www.jazzymitchell.com , www.launchpointpress.com, and www.desertpalmpress.com. You can contact her at jazzymitchell@jazwriter.com, and publisher@penlight.us.
aka jazwriter
aka Jodi A. Zeramby
During the past thirty-five years Jazzy has reinvented herself several times. She taught English for a decade to inner-city, underprivileged middle school and high school students, giving back to her hometown and the school system which helped her. During that time, she encouraged countless students to express themselves through their writing by exploring their artistic sides. Law school drove the creativity out of her, but over time her artistic instincts reasserted themselves. Through the years, she has taught adults about ethics and the law and, through the Lightarian Institute, energy work.
Jazzy’s the is the proud publisher of two imprints: Desert Palm Press and Launch Point Press. She is also the author of five novels and has contributed short stories to anthologies published by Desert Palm Press and Sapphire Books. Jazzy is one of the founding directors of OPUS Literary Alliance and the Vice President of the Executive Board. Jazzy lives in Portland, Oregon, with her loving wife, three energetic children, and sassy pup.
Check out her websites at www.jazzymitchell.com , www.launchpointpress.com, and www.desertpalmpress.com. You can contact her at jazzymitchell@jazwriter.com, and publisher@penlight.us.
aka jazwriter
aka Jodi A. Zeramby
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 31, 2022
Leveling Up by Jazzy Mitchell is an enjoyable age gap/ice queen/second chance romance. It is also quite steamy at times, and definitely fun to read.
This is the story of Clarke Parson, a graphic design artist and animator, and Fran Silvetti, the CEO of Haboob Software, a company Clarke worked for six years before as an intern. Both Fran and Clarke had feelings for each other during that time, but Fran, especially refused to acknowledge those feelings. The age difference as well as workplace complications made it impossible in her eyes. Six years later Clarke is back, though, with the news that Haboob is about to launch a game that had been stolen from Clarke’s computer. Fran is determined not to let this opportunity to win Clarke’s love pass by, and sets her sights on doing just that. The only question is whether Clarke is willing to grab this second chance.
You would think that with the length of time these two were separated and why, there would be a lot of angst in this tale, but I found the overall story to be fairly low angst. Sure, there is the question of will they overcome their past heartbreak and let their love for each other bring them together, but that is the fun part of this book...reading to see if and how that happens. I connected with the characters and could easily see the chemistry the two have together. The author also did a good job of describing what the two do for a living in terms that this non-gamer understood (sort of) what was happening.
This is the type of romance that I would read when I want to leave the real world for a bit and enjoy seeing two people fall in love. It is short enough to read in a day or two, and romantic enough to make you happy you read the book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This is the story of Clarke Parson, a graphic design artist and animator, and Fran Silvetti, the CEO of Haboob Software, a company Clarke worked for six years before as an intern. Both Fran and Clarke had feelings for each other during that time, but Fran, especially refused to acknowledge those feelings. The age difference as well as workplace complications made it impossible in her eyes. Six years later Clarke is back, though, with the news that Haboob is about to launch a game that had been stolen from Clarke’s computer. Fran is determined not to let this opportunity to win Clarke’s love pass by, and sets her sights on doing just that. The only question is whether Clarke is willing to grab this second chance.
You would think that with the length of time these two were separated and why, there would be a lot of angst in this tale, but I found the overall story to be fairly low angst. Sure, there is the question of will they overcome their past heartbreak and let their love for each other bring them together, but that is the fun part of this book...reading to see if and how that happens. I connected with the characters and could easily see the chemistry the two have together. The author also did a good job of describing what the two do for a living in terms that this non-gamer understood (sort of) what was happening.
This is the type of romance that I would read when I want to leave the real world for a bit and enjoy seeing two people fall in love. It is short enough to read in a day or two, and romantic enough to make you happy you read the book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
June 15, 2022
Great story!
Clarke, who was quite taken with Fran when she was completing her internship, finds herself having to warn Fran that her company are producing a video game that was maliciously stolen from Clarke. Connecting again with Fran after six years presents opportunities Clarke has only dreamed of, but will it provide everything she ever wanted.
This was fantastic story, told in a way that made it exciting and fun as we got both Clarke and Fran’s views of events. I loved the dynamic, the age gap, and the industry both Clarke and Fran worked in. It was really powerful and I was anxious to know if fate was playing and kind or cruel hand to Clarke with this discovery that brought Fran back into her life.
It was rather fascinating exploring powerful, determined, and ambitious characters operating in the gaming industry, which explained the fantastic title of this story. Fran and Clarke had a great professional connection, and Clarke was so skilled in her field, but together they had an amazing connection that needed to be explored so I was so glad for them to have this second chance.
There was lots of drama, lots of lavish and wondrous moments, lots of excitement and most of all Clarke was achieving so much. Although Fran appears to have it all, the job in management, money, she too achieved so much in realising there was more to Clarke and allowing herself to give into feelings she’d previously tried to ignore, so she achieved a new level in her life too.
I really enjoyed the story, and hope Fran and Clarke might have future stories as they are going to achieve amazing things!
Clarke, who was quite taken with Fran when she was completing her internship, finds herself having to warn Fran that her company are producing a video game that was maliciously stolen from Clarke. Connecting again with Fran after six years presents opportunities Clarke has only dreamed of, but will it provide everything she ever wanted.
This was fantastic story, told in a way that made it exciting and fun as we got both Clarke and Fran’s views of events. I loved the dynamic, the age gap, and the industry both Clarke and Fran worked in. It was really powerful and I was anxious to know if fate was playing and kind or cruel hand to Clarke with this discovery that brought Fran back into her life.
It was rather fascinating exploring powerful, determined, and ambitious characters operating in the gaming industry, which explained the fantastic title of this story. Fran and Clarke had a great professional connection, and Clarke was so skilled in her field, but together they had an amazing connection that needed to be explored so I was so glad for them to have this second chance.
There was lots of drama, lots of lavish and wondrous moments, lots of excitement and most of all Clarke was achieving so much. Although Fran appears to have it all, the job in management, money, she too achieved so much in realising there was more to Clarke and allowing herself to give into feelings she’d previously tried to ignore, so she achieved a new level in her life too.
I really enjoyed the story, and hope Fran and Clarke might have future stories as they are going to achieve amazing things!
April 11, 2022
◦ Leveling Up
◦ Author Jazzy Mitchell
◦ MC Clarke Parson & Fran Silvetti
This story starts off in present day. The MC’s have not
seen each other in six years.
Clarke is a sweet and a interesting character. She was over the moon infatuated with Fran.
Fran knows she made a mistake when she let “The One” get away. She has a second chance! She knows she has to pull out all the stops to show Clarke how much she cares for her. She will do anything to have her back in her life.
I feel like Fran could see right to into Clarke’s soul.
When Clarke was afraid to voice her feelings, Fran could see right through her.
Fran is beautiful and powerful! Clarke is unable to say no when it comes to Fran. Fran is an ice Queen in every aspect of her life, except Clarke. With Clarke she is tender, sweet, loving and encourages her.
This is my first book by the author and definitely won’t be my last.
Fran was a well rounded Ice Queen. She’s able to where mistakes are made and fix them. Clarke and Fran have some communication issues. Each of them had to push passed their fears to get the love and relationship they both desired .
I highly recommend this book it was very well written. I loved the story line, both MC were in the tech and gaming world. “Steamy “
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
◦ Author Jazzy Mitchell
◦ MC Clarke Parson & Fran Silvetti
This story starts off in present day. The MC’s have not
seen each other in six years.
Clarke is a sweet and a interesting character. She was over the moon infatuated with Fran.
Fran knows she made a mistake when she let “The One” get away. She has a second chance! She knows she has to pull out all the stops to show Clarke how much she cares for her. She will do anything to have her back in her life.
I feel like Fran could see right to into Clarke’s soul.
When Clarke was afraid to voice her feelings, Fran could see right through her.
Fran is beautiful and powerful! Clarke is unable to say no when it comes to Fran. Fran is an ice Queen in every aspect of her life, except Clarke. With Clarke she is tender, sweet, loving and encourages her.
This is my first book by the author and definitely won’t be my last.
Fran was a well rounded Ice Queen. She’s able to where mistakes are made and fix them. Clarke and Fran have some communication issues. Each of them had to push passed their fears to get the love and relationship they both desired .
I highly recommend this book it was very well written. I loved the story line, both MC were in the tech and gaming world. “Steamy “
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
February 2, 2022I haven’t had a chance to read one of Ms Mitchell’s books before, but I’ve seen several of her books reviewed and loved by other readers. When I got a copy of Levelling Up, I figured I’d give it a try – it looked like a second chance, workplace, age gap, ice queen, gamer romance. Seriously, so many tropes that I’m a big fan of, how could I go wrong?
This is a pretty straightforward romance where Clarke, a young and talented gaming animator reconnects with her first boss when she finds out her ex has stolen proprietary game development and sold it under false pretenses to another company. In forestalling the impending scandal and lawsuits, Clarke re-enters the orbit of Fran Silvetti, cold as ice and tough as nails CEO of Haboob Software. Unbeknownst to either, each of the women has been nursing what they felt was an unrequited attraction to the other. Brought back together, the relationship neither thought was possible six years ago begins. Things start physical and slowly, as the story progresses, expand as they find their footing with each other and how it impacts their lives.
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. The novel is written in present tense, which I admit is not my favourite and that may be one of the reasons I had such a hard time getting through it. The pacing seemed slow for me as the relationship developed without a lot of outside obstacles or action and at times I wanted to shout at one or both of them to “get on with it” or “use your freaking words”. I found it difficult to connect with either character and their relationship. At times I really didn’t like Fran, there was a very odd power dynamic and she seemed to want to shape Clarke. The scene at the restaurant on Clarke’s birthday made me particularly uncomfortable where Fran became predatory and possessive and Clarke seemed to be treated like a trophy or a child.
All in all, this one was a miss for me.
This is a pretty straightforward romance where Clarke, a young and talented gaming animator reconnects with her first boss when she finds out her ex has stolen proprietary game development and sold it under false pretenses to another company. In forestalling the impending scandal and lawsuits, Clarke re-enters the orbit of Fran Silvetti, cold as ice and tough as nails CEO of Haboob Software. Unbeknownst to either, each of the women has been nursing what they felt was an unrequited attraction to the other. Brought back together, the relationship neither thought was possible six years ago begins. Things start physical and slowly, as the story progresses, expand as they find their footing with each other and how it impacts their lives.
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. The novel is written in present tense, which I admit is not my favourite and that may be one of the reasons I had such a hard time getting through it. The pacing seemed slow for me as the relationship developed without a lot of outside obstacles or action and at times I wanted to shout at one or both of them to “get on with it” or “use your freaking words”. I found it difficult to connect with either character and their relationship. At times I really didn’t like Fran, there was a very odd power dynamic and she seemed to want to shape Clarke. The scene at the restaurant on Clarke’s birthday made me particularly uncomfortable where Fran became predatory and possessive and Clarke seemed to be treated like a trophy or a child.
All in all, this one was a miss for me.
February 16, 2022
The set up between the two leading ladies is interesting and fresh; it grabs readers’ attention quick. After a six years of not seeing each other, Clarke and Fran are once again placed in each other’s orbit, though not under the most pleasant circumstances. None the less, Fran is determined to take advantage of the opportunity and make things right; she’s not going to let the chance of working with Clarke slip through her fingers again. Fran must show Clarke that she regrets not hiring her all those years ago.
There is a lot of heat between these two characters. They’ve both secretly harbored feelings for one another for years. They’re like magnets; they can not fight their attraction. This feeds the tension nicely. Furthermore, the power dynamic between the two is intense and fun to watch. Best of all though, Mitchell works in some pleasant steamy scenes that really crank up the heat. The overall effect is perfect for this romance and makes it an enjoyable read. It seems interesting storylines with character chemistry are becoming Mitchell’s trademark. She knows how to balance the storytelling with the steam.
Besides an interesting storyline, Mitchell gives her readers two compelling characters that they can really sink their teeth into. Fran and Clarke are striking and exceptional women that play off from each other well. Readers will be especially drawn to Clarke, as there is something so relatable and real about her. She’s a sympathetic character with whom readers want to be happy. Fran, on the other hand, is somewhat of an ice queen. However, she isn’t a typical hard-core one. Once her layers are stripped back, there’s a softness about her that’s endearing. Readers want to see her with Clarke and they want the HEA for both of them.
Final remarks…
Level Up is perfect escapism, especially for gamers. Fran and Clarke make an interesting couple. Their chemistry is hot, their power dynamic is intriguing and their romance is engaging. Overall, this is a fun read. But then again, Mitchell can always be counted on for that.
Strengths…
Fun gamer storyline
Engaging romance
Quick, easy read
Steamy
There is a lot of heat between these two characters. They’ve both secretly harbored feelings for one another for years. They’re like magnets; they can not fight their attraction. This feeds the tension nicely. Furthermore, the power dynamic between the two is intense and fun to watch. Best of all though, Mitchell works in some pleasant steamy scenes that really crank up the heat. The overall effect is perfect for this romance and makes it an enjoyable read. It seems interesting storylines with character chemistry are becoming Mitchell’s trademark. She knows how to balance the storytelling with the steam.
Besides an interesting storyline, Mitchell gives her readers two compelling characters that they can really sink their teeth into. Fran and Clarke are striking and exceptional women that play off from each other well. Readers will be especially drawn to Clarke, as there is something so relatable and real about her. She’s a sympathetic character with whom readers want to be happy. Fran, on the other hand, is somewhat of an ice queen. However, she isn’t a typical hard-core one. Once her layers are stripped back, there’s a softness about her that’s endearing. Readers want to see her with Clarke and they want the HEA for both of them.
Final remarks…
Level Up is perfect escapism, especially for gamers. Fran and Clarke make an interesting couple. Their chemistry is hot, their power dynamic is intriguing and their romance is engaging. Overall, this is a fun read. But then again, Mitchell can always be counted on for that.
Strengths…
Fun gamer storyline
Engaging romance
Quick, easy read
Steamy
May 4, 2022
Fascinating
Fran is in charge of a company that produces video games. Once upon a time she had an intern, Clark, who captured her attention in a romantic way. She never acted on it or even let anyone know of her feelings and it hurt her to watch Clark go her own way. Little does anyone know that Clark is just as in love with Fran, and equally devastated to have to move on. Years later, Clark’s girlfriend steals a game she is working on and sells it to Fran’s company, intending to cause harm to the executive’s company and shaming her and Clark. Clark discovers the deception and makes things right by telling Fran. As the two work with each other, their feelings are impossible not to act on and both women’s log ago dreams start to become a reality…
This was a good story but it was hard for me to read and at first I couldn’t understand why but it turns out it was because it was written in the first person POV. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good book, just different. I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been to write, making sure everything was in the present and not reverting to placing things in the past… kudos to Ms Mitchell for pulling it off so well! I liked the characters in this drama and enjoyed watching them evolve as their relationship grew. Fran is strong and a woman in charge with a take no prisoners attitude. However, when she is with Clark, she is so different, she’s sweet and patient, even when Clark was driving her mad with her passiveness. Clark was so in control when t comes to her work but when she finally gets the chance to be with the woman she loves she feels less than worthy. I was happy when she finally, as Fran says, Levels Up and becomes more assertive and starts becoming a partner to her lover. I loved how they showed their love for each other, the passion they share, the desire to be in it forever, the mushiness and the lustfulness…. Just lovely. I also really loved all the techie stuff, the chance to “see” the process of how video games are created and the different aspects it takes to pull it all together, from the story line and backstories for the characters to how they move and the placing of shadows etc. I found it fascinating and thought provoking. It will change how I look at video games in the future! I have actually read this book twice now and can see myself reading it a third time, it is well worth the read!
Fran is in charge of a company that produces video games. Once upon a time she had an intern, Clark, who captured her attention in a romantic way. She never acted on it or even let anyone know of her feelings and it hurt her to watch Clark go her own way. Little does anyone know that Clark is just as in love with Fran, and equally devastated to have to move on. Years later, Clark’s girlfriend steals a game she is working on and sells it to Fran’s company, intending to cause harm to the executive’s company and shaming her and Clark. Clark discovers the deception and makes things right by telling Fran. As the two work with each other, their feelings are impossible not to act on and both women’s log ago dreams start to become a reality…
This was a good story but it was hard for me to read and at first I couldn’t understand why but it turns out it was because it was written in the first person POV. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good book, just different. I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been to write, making sure everything was in the present and not reverting to placing things in the past… kudos to Ms Mitchell for pulling it off so well! I liked the characters in this drama and enjoyed watching them evolve as their relationship grew. Fran is strong and a woman in charge with a take no prisoners attitude. However, when she is with Clark, she is so different, she’s sweet and patient, even when Clark was driving her mad with her passiveness. Clark was so in control when t comes to her work but when she finally gets the chance to be with the woman she loves she feels less than worthy. I was happy when she finally, as Fran says, Levels Up and becomes more assertive and starts becoming a partner to her lover. I loved how they showed their love for each other, the passion they share, the desire to be in it forever, the mushiness and the lustfulness…. Just lovely. I also really loved all the techie stuff, the chance to “see” the process of how video games are created and the different aspects it takes to pull it all together, from the story line and backstories for the characters to how they move and the placing of shadows etc. I found it fascinating and thought provoking. It will change how I look at video games in the future! I have actually read this book twice now and can see myself reading it a third time, it is well worth the read!
February 13, 2022
Six years after walking away from a company that failed to offer her a position post-interning with them, circumstance returns Clarke Parson to the company of a woman who never left her heart or mind - and - in alternating POVs, readers discover the sense of loss felt by each was mutual. In a way only fantasies and dreams ever detailed, Clarke and Fran quickly make up (and out!) for lost time. Whew! In addition to an age-gap, there is a power imbalance between the two women that comes repeatedly into play, making it difficult at times to connect with either character - one seems too willowy weak, while the other too demanding, overbearing, and controlling. A closer read, however, reveals these to be superficial traits caused by the complexities of human nature, the often impenetrable armor that sentient beings put in place to protect themselves from pain and suffering, the fears and insecurities that giving one's heart to another can cause. Together, Clarke and Fran must learn to "level up," each in her own way, and eradicate the imbalance their differences in years, places in life, and income creates - or their relationship will never survive. "It's as simple (and complex) as that." I finished this book feeling like Clarke and Fran's story is far from over, and hoping Mitchell will write a sequel or follow-up.
April 8, 2022
I'm not gonna lie what drew me to this book. The age gap romance along with the power dynamic of a boss/employee is right up my ally and this book did not disappoint.
Very well written chapters that introduce us to each of the main characters perspectives and gives us a good insight into their persona and how their mind works.
I read this in one sitting and I found myself tearing up and laughing.
What I loved the most about the book was just how real the charterers felt and the most impressive ones were in all honesty the sex scenes. It felt real and sometimes goofy and other times passionate. Really impressed with how easily it was transitioned from plot to sex and back again.
I'd really recommenced this book to anyone who's looking for an Age Gap Sapphic romance that includes sex scenes too.
Very well written chapters that introduce us to each of the main characters perspectives and gives us a good insight into their persona and how their mind works.
I read this in one sitting and I found myself tearing up and laughing.
What I loved the most about the book was just how real the charterers felt and the most impressive ones were in all honesty the sex scenes. It felt real and sometimes goofy and other times passionate. Really impressed with how easily it was transitioned from plot to sex and back again.
I'd really recommenced this book to anyone who's looking for an Age Gap Sapphic romance that includes sex scenes too.
February 14, 2022
“Leveling Up is a fresh take on an employer/employee romance, one changed to a woman/woman story told through their alternating perspectives. The novel illustrates the complicated emotional ups and downs the two experience as they grapple with differences in professional position, age, wealth, family, and lifestyle, as well as with the uncertainties that arise in the process of falling in love and merging diverse lives. Anxieties and misunderstandings weave throughout the tale, mostly due to the inherent imbalances between them, yet Mitchell entices the reader onward as the relationship unfolds. Told with flair, Leveling Up bubbles with sexiness and passion.”—Laury A. Egan, author of Doublecrossed
January 21, 2023
This book is less about gaming than I was hoping for. It is more about the second chance at love for Clarke and Fran. Clarke and Fran were both at a more insecure place in their lives six-years earlier when they worked together, therefore unable to acknowledge their interest to each other. Given the opportunity, Fran refuses to miss the second chance, but has to coax Clarke into communicating her feelings and being a genuine partner throughout much of the book. Clarke is a talented animator, but suffers from an inferiority complex. Overall, they are good together but the lack of communication between the two almost sinks them.
December 28, 2023
a beautiful romance
Engaging characters with dynamic chemistry, angsty, great story, lots of romance and HEA - the formula for a great read. Fanfic or novel Jazzy Mitchell always provides a great story to get lost in
Engaging characters with dynamic chemistry, angsty, great story, lots of romance and HEA - the formula for a great read. Fanfic or novel Jazzy Mitchell always provides a great story to get lost in
February 25, 2022
Needed a break from reality and Leveling Up gave me what I needed.
July 25, 2023
Great book, the chemistry between Clarke and Fran was well written. I love an age gap romance and an ice queen!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews