Leveled

Leveled #1

by Serena J. Bishop

To find love another way would be illogical.

After having her travel papers stolen to research in India, Dr. Persephone 'Perse' Teixeira succumbs to living in her sister's basement and working in retail. Just as she's about ready to hit rock bottom, Perse is offered an opportunity to teach anthropology and history at Chesapeake Bay University. Perse is thrilled; now her only worry is managing her anxiety. However, that changes once she meets a science professor, Dr. Stefanie 'Stef' Blake.

Stef is cute, quick-witted, and a touch neurotic. She's also very interested in dating Perse. When Perse declines her romantic advances because it is imperative that she focuses on her new job, Stef explains she has a relationship system that consists of six levels, which will ensure perfect compatibility before marriage. It's casual, slow, and, really, what are the odds of getting to level six?

Perse is amused, yet intrigued by Stef's analytical approach, and agrees to go out with her. But logic only goes so far and when feelings start to grow, Perse must contend with her anxiety issues, because history has taught her nothing good comes out of falling in love.

Are Perse and Stef compatible enough to get through the levels? Will Perse's past cause her to run before they can find out? Or did Stef create the perfect system for happily ever after?

Genres: Lesbian Romance, Lesbian Fiction, LGBT, Academia, Disability, Workplace Romance, Romance

296 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2020

About the author

Serena J. Bishop tells stories with humor, heart, and heroines. She is a daydreamer who comes from a long line of storytellers. When she’s not writing fiction she enjoys being a nerd, surprising others with her pop culture knowledge, dining out, or finding a new craft beer or cocktail she loves. She currently resides in Maryland with her lovely wife and chihuahua. She's also an active member in the Sapphic Lit Pop-Up Bookstore.

You can follow her by signing up for her newsletter on her website or by finding her on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, or BlueSky @SerenaJBishop

Reviews

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perse had spent her life traveling and studying other cultures abroad as an Anthropologist, until a position at a University has her staying put for once in her life. There she meets Stef, a Biologist and the two are immediately drawn to eachother. Perse is almost 40 and I believe Stef is a bit older than 40.

Stef is goal oriented but not necessarily socially savvy in the traditional ways. Perse has anxiety that is always bubbling just below the surface, but she is active in controlling it and not allowing it to stop her from doing what she wants. But is intrigued by the unusual Stef.

Stef was so bold yet nontraditional I couldn't help but love her. On their first 'not date' she presents Perse with the Universities information for employee dating and a 'contract' for her to sign, if she would like them to date.

Of course this doesn't really go down well with Perse, at first, but the charming and upfront way Stef is about it, and acting so entirely factual and analytical about the subject, means she can't be mad.
But Perse is determined to say no, and lets Stef know any relationship she might have would be way down on her priority list with everything she has going on with her position at the university. Unfortunately, to Stef who is also obsessed with her research and position at the university, this is perfect.

Stef starts to explain a 'system' she created with a series of 'levels' that she developed to help assist in the end goal of marriage and perfect compatibility for a potential partner. This intrigues Perse.

There are 6 Levels: Dating, Love, Orgasms, Family Meetings, Cohabitation, and Marriage.

I freaking loved Stef's completely serious and logical demeanor in talking about these things. I also loved how open Perse was to the admittedly strange system and behaviour. Both communicate so well and were open to the candor and challenges of 'the system' and it's evolution and how each step advances to the next level. (There are even compromises and sub-levels that come about.)

I also loved that despite Stef's completely scientific approach to dating, she did infact want emotional intimacy at the forefront and expressed that freely. This indeed challenged Perse who in past relationships (if you can even call them that) was mostly all about the physical, and while she had plenty of sexual experience, (she defines herself as pansexual) she realized true emotional intimacy and love was not something she had experienced, and had infact shied away from, and gets scared about.

I have to say I also loved the side-characters and their loyalty and support of their friends/family. Gillian and Timera from the university were so supportive of Stef and Perse dating, and Stef's nerdy weird ways. She was never treated as an oddity despite her differences. Perse's sister Missy was a hilarious riot, and great at giving advice but also letting Perse come to her own conclusions and just letting her talk things out. Perse's parents were equally lovely, once we got to know them.

Their vulnerabilities and openness with eachother in getting to know one another and truly communicating was so damned sexy! Their fun banter and teasing was cute and hot in equal measure, along with some nerdy-ness thrown in.

Perse starts out as a commitment phobe, due to a string of previous hurts 15 years ago. Which made her put the walls up and keep relationships at a distance. This also often finds her fumbling around in this new relationship and upsetting Stef. I appreciated that despite her flaws she's up front about it when she recognizes she's hurting someone she loves over her own issues, and so steps up to correct it. Similarly, Stef is very open about exactly what she wants and how she feels and isn't apologetic for it. Although sometimes she did take an inch and run a mile with it.

It's honestly so refreshing seeing a relationship story actually deal with normal emotional relationship issues, baggage, and flaws with honesty and compassion. I really cared for both lovers, but for some reason Stef really stole a piece of my heart with her nerdy contracts and scientific systems. Her over-analyzing and methodical nature hit pretty close to home for me.

I was so delighted and beaming at the end, and I think everyone who likes more communicative romances with people a bit off kilter and different from the norm, you will too! A very highly recommended read.

[Mildred Gail Digby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features two uniquely flawed and beautiful women who meet through a shared workplace and begin an exquisitely intricate and heartwarming courting dance. Bishop has a way of breathing life into imperfect characters who are so real I found myself falling for them both.

Perce is world-traveling and adventurous (in more ways than one) but she shies away from anything more than physical relationships after a series of disasters that broke her heart. She also has anxiety and shows refreshingly how one can live with such a condition without having it be your entire personality. She’s mature and wary, but Stef may just be the woman to tempt her out of her self-imposed solitude.

Stef also doesn’t fit stereotypes. She’s buff and active, but unbelievably cute. She has a healthy dose of neurosis and believes in talking things out. She’s honest to a fault, which gets her into hot water a few times. She’s the one who came up with the levels of relationship building up to marriage. Refreshingly, we don’t get her POV so the slow reveal of her true reasons for the levels is as touching and unexpected to us as it is to Perce.

I really like how the relationship unfolded. Bishop writes communication and consent wonderfully. There are a few hitches along the way, but I was cheering our two MCs from the start. I don’t want to give too much away, but this book packs in the feels when you least expect it. I came away from this read feeling richer and more grounded than before.

Okay, I admit I didn’t really like Missy, Perce’s sister at first, but she grew on me. She’s abrasive and intrusive, but she’s the backbone of this story and provides a sounding board and support system for Perce all the way through. I really liked how on the surface she seems like just another suburban cishet soccer mom, but she shows that even women who follow the “life script” can still retain their unique personalities and be badass in their own ways.

I really enjoyed this story and I have to say, Bishop is becoming a must-read for me! This is not a typical lesfic; it’s a study in how real people come together and find joy. It’s a love song to diversity and imperfection. This novel may not have baby goats in it but it still earns.....

My rating: five stars


I received this ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - made me cry to such an extent I couldn't read the words and made me laugh. Loved the interaction, the borderline autism, and the family baggage. Best book of the year so far!

[Lesbian Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to a Short Story Bundle but can be read alone.

I read this as an ARC. Leveled was my first Serena J. Bishop book. I'm looking forward to reading her others. I really enjoyed reading Leveled. Similar to real life, Leveled made me feel for the character's as if they were my own friends. Leveled has a well-developed story line and character development.

Perse is a smart woman with a doctorate yet is living in her sister's basement because she couldn't find a job. Stef is a professor who's created a relationship level plan after a recent divorce. Perse suffers from anxiety despite her previous experiences traveling the world interacting with people. Leveled really shows a deep understanding of living with anxiety. Stef's idea of levels towards romantic relationships is interestingly logical with the end goal of marriage.

It has Book Club questions at the end.

[K Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be offered an ARC of this book and can say I enjoyed every minute reading it. The book is an honest and real portrayal of the struggles that come with finding and keeping love. The characters are well developed and their individual quirks make you feel like you’ve known them forever. Bishop’s ability to draw the reader in and keep them engaged shines throughout this novel. It is a satisfying read that is sure to please!

[LoveVickyHolt LoveVickyHolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Bishop did a fantastic job of blending both humor and compassion into this well-thought out story. The humor alone was truly golden with several laugh out loud moments that brightened my day as I read it. But the author also managed to create a tender safe place for the main character's painful struggle with anxiety. This balance of humor and reality, as well as the masterful way the characters' interactions fully developed each character's personalities made for an incredibly satisfying read and poignant romance. Well done and highly recommend. (18+ due to adult sexual content.)

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take on love!

Perse’s life has completely fallen apart, until she is offered a teaching opportunity that she can’t refuse. There she meets Stef and is completely taken by her and her unique outlook on relationships and life. Although hesitant to fall in love again, Perse can’t help but try to work out Stef’s approaches to work through levels in a relationship, in an attempt to get over her anxieties and find happiness.

What a brilliant story with a fun, logical, and completely different approach to relationships, feelings, and falling in love. I suppose, it was a bit like a game, and accurately reflected life in some respects. Whatever we are a doing there are levels we ‘complete’, a bit like a game to get something more, and that is how I interpreted Stef’s approach that fascinated Perse. It did me too, she had these basic levels, and yet the closer Perse and Stef got, the more the levels blurred and weren’t as straight forward as Stef had drawn out again.

Serena has really used a unique approach to write this story. It reminded me a bit of an experiment, but packaged as reality, character’s lives that were real and unpredictable scenarios that they couldn’t control. It was a lot of fun to read and I loved how their relationship developing helped to change both Perse and Stef’s perspectives. They helped each other through difficulties, anxieties, emotional moments, and even learning to trust and taking a chance. Complimenting each other perfectly, you could just tell that Stef and Perse were destined to meet and make a difference to one another’s lives.

I really enjoyed this clever story and highly recommend it to any romance lovers who want a story with a little different from the typical romance drama stories. It was interesting and contemplative as to whether unconsciously we all apply a form of Stef’s approach to relationship levels in our own lives.

[Frankie Autry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena Bishop has leveled up the romance
In her latest book, Ms. Bishop has gone beyond expectations with a story poignant and sweet. You find yourself cheering as Perse and Stef pass the many levels of relationships together. It's well thought out and believable. I recommend this book for everyone.

[Evren (Nonbinary Knight Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute joy to read. The characters aren’t anywhere near perfect and that’s acknowledged. They make mistakes and fight, but they also help each other through it.

Perse moves to a new city when she’s offered the chance to teach at CBU. She soon meets Stef briefly and later meets her again in an environment where they can talk more. Stef is a science teacher at the university, and she created a series of relationship levels one summer. Perse eventually agrees to try Stef’s approach to relationships and from there on it’s a bumpy ride. Both characters have past relationships that they’d rather not deal with again but who says this time has to be like those?

Stef is such a cute character. She’s so nerdy and smart and sweet and I love her to pieces. She’s not exactly a social butterfly and she prefers when things are honest, open, and clear to her. Perse is adventurous and has traveled to countries all over the globe but a series of bad relationships have left her gun-shy for another. She also suffers from anxiety that she uses gummies to help her deal with. She’s anxious in unfamiliar situations and prefers to know about everything beforehand so that she can properly settle her nerves. I instantly connected with Perse and tend to want the same things in unfamiliar situations.

Bishop wrote two likeable characters and put them together in such a nice way. The communication between the two is bumpy at times but it’s usually clear to the two of them where they are and what they want out of the relationship and each other.

The side characters include Perse’s sister Missy who I adore and various other family members. There are also two fellow colleagues that work with Perse and are friends with Stef. The characters are nice and always willing to help the two women when they come across bumps in their relationship or life.

There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book. There were a few typos that distracted me a bit and at times Stef seemed to judge about Perse’s coping mechanism but those were easily forgotten, and I moved past them. I also wish there had been a bit more conversation about the levels and sublevels but that’s more of a personal interest rather than a flaw with the book.

This is a lovely story. I loved the concept of it from the get-go and would adore reading more about the relationship levels. Bishop writes about two flawed characters who find a way to build an amazing relationship with each other.

[Yvi K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.. but I didn't want to round up since I usually like 4 star ratings more than this..
The humor ( it's not a predominant part of the story.. but it's there) of the book wasn't really my thing..
I'm sure other people might find it funnier than me..

I also had a hard time connecting with / understanding the 2 mains.. Perse's way of dealing with past relationship trauma was very immature for a 40 year old college professor.. Stef's overall weirdness can be accounted to her being a nerdy scientist, but I guess everything would have made more sense to me if the 2 mains would have been younger..

[Jiske · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best romance stories about falling in Love.

The system Stef has invented is just perfect.

This story also full of open communication and honesty in relationships, which is so refreshing to read.

The characters are all likable and you just get sucked in right from the start.

I want me a Stef too! Please pick up a copy and settle down on the sofa with a nice cuppa and enjoy!

[LesReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved her first book and I love this one even more. Ms. Bishop is becoming one of my favorite authors.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our experiences give us layers, levels that are the walls we make to move on sometimes. Love can navigate levels.

This complex but extraordinary cast of characters weave a rich story. You can read the blurb which tells you what the story is about. To read this story is to open your heart to layers of life. The characters are brilliantly fleshed out in such caring complexity that you instantly feel affection. As the story unfolds we learn more of the delicate balance in life as a journey. Stef and Perse have very different life stories. They see and deal with experience in exceptional ways. There is an instant attraction when they meet and the connection they form is even more unique. The many moments they share, the familial relations and all that make them who they are is beautifully written. This book takes two brilliant professors through a first-time relationship neither are sure they can commit to. I loved so much that they always found ways to accept each other in even the hardest moment. A good read with lots of feelings.

[Gina L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Interesting Take On The Dating Process!

I am a big fan of Serena J. Bishop. She has a special way of storytelling especially in the “Dreams Trilogy Books”. This was a little different. I wanted to understand the forwardness of Stef. Perse says she doesn’t want to date but that doesn’t stop Stef in preparing a pre signed HRA letter. Then after getting Perse to sign it, she is very hands on and touchy feely for someone who has layer out how the levels are to go, including the sex level. A lot of mixed signals coming out here. I also found that Stef’s Harry and then later mentioning Mei’s engagement to the head of the department, Harry was a very confusing point. I had to go back into the story and not finding what would clear this up. Now having said that, I started to appreciate the story when they finally were in a “relationship” and the sincerity of Stef and the acceptance of Stef for Perse and having their friends and Perse’s sister and family all involved in the story brought it to a nice conclusion. Not my favorite but worth the read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leveled is a fresh take on a classic love story. Both main characters are interesting and entertaining in equally offsetting ways. Stef is extremely structured (borderline compulsive) in her need to organize the progression of all thoughts and actions surrounding her love life. As she gets closer to love, Stef is supported by her system of levels and resolute in her scientific method, convinced it will yield the best possible results. Perse, on the other hand, seems to come undone at each level of falling in love as she is triggered by fear and anxieties of prior relationships. As she gets closer to love, and abandons the destructive structure anxiety has built around her heart, Perse is able to find true happiness. I saw myself and my relationships in both characters, and that was really fun as I wasn't sure how it was all going to turn out. This is what makes Leveled so authentic yet familiar yet thoroughly enjoyable. I definitely recommend this book, 5 stars!

[Mun Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Persephone "perse" Teixera is starting her new job at Chesapeake Bay University. Dr. Stephanie "Stef" Blake came up with a level system for a relationship and knows she wants to try this system with Perse.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

I really enjoyed this book as it was very entertaining to read. The characters and side characters are likeable, and I loved all of their different personalities and quirks.

Perse and Stef are the prefect match for each other and I definitely saw the chemistry between the two.

Make sure to read the short story bundle "Foundation," which can be read before or after this novel, however, please note that events take place before this story.

This was originally recommended by someone in a FB group and I'm glad I decided to pick it up. I will definitely be reading Serena's other works that are currently published.

This post can also be viewed on my blog: https://wp.me/pdphE2-1h

[Carl Nummyhands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leveled is the story of two women who start out with some wildly divergent expectations for how their potential relationship will develop. Stef's very orderly system of levels confuses Perse and alternately leads to tension and humor. This was a very fun read and my favorite of Serena Bishop's so far. The main characters were sympathetic and the cast of side characters provided an additional level of entertainment. Missy (Perse's sister) is one of my favorite characters ever and she stole every scene she was in. This was just a very funny book with a lot of heart.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Healthy boundaries are sexy! And so were the intimate scenes. I loved Stef. She is this really great person, who was with the wrong person for the right reasons and is now unsure of everything. It would seem logical to stay away from someone like Perse. But fortunately, Perse was at a point in her life, were she was seeking more and was willing to work on herself. So the couple worked perfectly for me.

[E. Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful novel will lure you in with its lovable, relatable characters grounded in the reality of building a lasting relationship with all of its ups and downs. The development of the characters Stef and Perse cause you to become connected only in the way a talented writer can cultivate. Kudos to Bishop for another fantastic book that readers rave about for days, weeks, and months after reading it. Order now; you won’t be disappointed!

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Stef, she was amusingly written and I really felt the characters were three dimensional. Both mains and the secondary characters lifted off the page. Unusually in a romance, this felt fresh and new. I think that both mains were so right for each other but the plotting and barriers meant the book was not saccharine sweet or lacked tension, nor was stupid miscommunication the issue. A great, fun, thought provoking read.

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute, so fun.

I don't think I've ever loved two main characters as much as I loved Stef and Perse. Their relationship felt real and adorable and soft and squishy, the supporting cast was simply brilliant, and that this all took place in the realm of Academia was the icing on the cake. What a wonderful way to spend a few leisurely hours.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a decent story. Some people have stated that the main character is demisexual and I would say that they are wrong. Demisexuality has to do with a person's ability to be sexually attracted to a person until there is an emotional connection. Stef just doesn't want to have sex until there is an emotional connection. She very clearly is shown having sexual attraction for Perse.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

For the most part, I enjoyed reading this. I liked how Stef’s brain worked and how she and Perse worked together. Missy and her kids are my favorite characters though, their comical timing was just perfect. However, I often found myself confused with what was going on or wondering why did this thing/person/event matter.

[Sheri Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

Wonderfully written story that is both funny and touching. The 2 MC’s are interesting and quirky and are surrounded by fully fleshed out secondary characters. Read. This. Book.

[Anna Avian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read, but to me the characters often sounded quite immature and not like college professors in their 40s. I also found Stef's yearning to have a family and her overreaction to an evening gone wrong a bit pushy and self-absorbed.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with quirky love. Perse with anxiety and Steph neurodivergent is building the most perfect relationship using Steph's guide to dating. There are levels to go through to ensure that this is meant to be. I really enjoyed the humor and character development in this story. I give it 4.5 and I wouldn't be mad at Serena J Bishop if there are more Perse and Steph in the future.

[Kady · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute read. I liked how they fit each other's quirks perfectly.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting story but it would have been so much better to listen to as an audiobook with another narrator than the author.

[Ann Murdoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters

Loved the main characters, the sister and the best friends. Good story. Really enjoyed this book and will look for more from Serena J Bishop.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well writen novel. The characters Perse and Stef top noch. The have humour and the quirks that everybody can have.