Let the Games Begin, Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Let the Games Begin, Rufaro Faith Mazarura
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

Let the Games Begin
A Novel

Author: Rufaro Faith Mazarura

Narrator: Shaniqua Okwok

Unabridged: 8 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/09/2024


Synopsis

"A delight to listen to." — AudioFile

"British actor Shaniqua Okwok skillfully voices the main characters, lending distinctive, natural-sounding accents for each."—Library Journal

Set against a sizzling-hot Greek summer filled with sunshine and souvlaki, Rufaro Faith Mazarura’s Let the Games Begin is a un-put-downable debut rom-com about two strangers at the top of their game.

Athens, 2024. Olivia Nkomo has always been ambitious, smart, and an overall go-getter. Now that she’s graduated from university, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to land her dream job at the Summer Games. The first step? Securing her new internship, which will put her in the center of all the action, where she hopes to run into some of her favorite athletes.

Ezekiel “Zeke” Moyo, the heartthrob star runner of Team Great Britain, is more than ready to claim his title as the fastest man in the world, following in the footsteps of the greatest athletes of all time. His future to the finish line is looking bright—despite his recent breakup with celebrated gymnast Valentina Ross-Rodriguez constantly making headlines.

When Olivia and Zeke collide—literally—on the first day of training, sparks fly. As the games grow closer, so do Olivia and Zeke. But the competition starts stirring up uncomfortable memories from Zeke’s past . . . and Olivia’s internship doesn’t turn out to be what she expected. Will they be able to overcome these hurdles and achieve their dreams? Or will it come at the cost of their budding romance?

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

About Rufaro Faith Mazarura

Rufaro Faith Mazarura is a British Zimbabwean writer who grew up in Birmingham and studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Surrey. She works as a podcast producer, bringing stories to life through audio, and has written and produced podcasts for the BBC, iHeartRadio and Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books. Let The Games Begin is her debut novel.


Reviews

black romances 🔛🔝......more

Let the Games Begin has been one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it definitely didn't disappoint. It made me cry in chapter 1, and it was so easy to relate to the characters, especially Zeke who, like me, also lost his dad at 14 (though mine was exactly 24 days before my 14th birthday bu......more

i love a black woman from infinity to infinity yall. ambitious women who do not give a f*ck about upsetting (the wrong) people???? unapologetically a badass. everything about this book was filled with hope and it was refreshing to read a romcom that was so insightful of both characters. you learn ab......more

Looking for a book to read while you keep up with the Olympic Games this summer? Let The Games Begin is the perfect Olympic companion!! During a fictionalized 2024 Olympics set in Greece, Olivia, determined to still make the most of her summer after being robbed of her dream Olympic internship, and......more

Goodreads review by Zoë

ladies if he’s not running after you maybe it’s not because he doesn’t want to, but maybe it’s because he’s trying to keep a work/life balance and this ken’s job is run.......more


Quotes

"A debut deserving of a gold medal." Kirkus (starred review)

"[A] fun and wholesome debut... Mazarura is a writer to watch." Publishers Weekly

Let the Games Begin is pure delight! Rufaro Faith Mazarura’s threading of Zimbabwean and British culture masterfully displays how the love interests, Zeke and Olivia, can exist in two worlds yet learn to remain true to themselves and to their roots. Filled with friendship, family, and the competitive thrill of the Olympics, Zeke and Olivia’s growing romance shows what it means to follow one’s heart and take the leap towards love.—Preslaysa Williams, author of A Lowcountry Bride

"Rufaro Faith Mazarura's Let the Games Begin is a vivid, moving story of finding love—and yourself—in the exhilarating world of the Summer Games. The heart stopping action and propulsive love story makes for a gripping and life-affirming read. I loved it!" —Katelyn Doyle, author of Just Some Stupid Love Story

"Rufaro is such a fresh and exciting new voice in romantic women’s fiction. I’ve never fallen as fast as I did for Zeke and his family, and Olivia is such a perfect heroine, battling between her head and her heart. Let the Games Begin is funny, romantic, gripping and relatable. I loved every second of it. If you need me, I’ll be in Athens." —Tessa Bickers, author of The Book Swap

"One of the most heart-warming books I've ever read with characters you will immediately root for. A complete delight." —Mia Sheridan, New York Times bestselling author of Archer's Voice

"Both a beautiful romance and a stirring coming-of-age story... you can't help but root for Zeke and Olivia as they navigate familial expectations and their own ambitions while falling for each other. Rufaro Faith Mazarura is a fascinating and talented new voice in women's fiction." —Lauren Ho, bestselling author of Last Tang Standing

"As someone with vivid memories of the 2012 Olympic Games, Let The Games Begin brought back the excitement and atmosphere of those heady two weeks, creating the most tremendous setting for the unfolding stories of two talented, determined and fierce individuals who somehow in their fight to achieve, have lost sight of what is most important to them. A gorgeous atmospheric coming of age, love story which had me hooked from page one. Rufaro Faith Mazurura’s debut novel packs the most delicious punch and I can’t wait to read more of her work." —Julie Caplin, international bestselling author of the Romantic Escapes series


Awards

  • Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
  • NPR Best Book of the Year