How We Play the Game - by Alexis Nedd (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Competitive gaming and fake dating combine to create a razor-sharp romance perfect for fans of Twelfth Knight and SLAY.

Zora Lyon plays to dominate. And as a no-nonsense, strategic prodigy of Wizzard Gaming's viral battle royale, she has all the skills she needs to do so. So when Wizzard offers their top players a chance to participate in a summer academy designed to launch them into the world of professional gaming, Zora knows she has what it takes to be the last player standing.

But Wizzard isn't just looking for winners-they're looking to create viral gaming superstars. Suddenly, Zora finds herself competing against famous eSports influencers who are only there to boost their follower count. That includes Ivan Hunt-her insufferably good-looking instant rival, whom she betrayed to earn her spot in the academy.

With their matches broadcast to Wizzard's fanbase, Zora is almost immediately fancast as an ice queen and snubbed for her ruthless playing style. With her dreams of going pro in jeopardy, Zora will do just about anything to fix her image-even if that means pretending to date fan-favorite Ivan to earn back some popularity points. What can go wrong with a little white lie?

Review Quotes

"Refreshingly voice-y, wildly smart, and genuinely hilarious, Don't Hate the Player feels like hanging out with all of your realest, nerdiest, funniest friends. I can't wait to see what Alexis Nedd does next." --Casey McQuiston, New York Times bestselling author of RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, on DON'T HATE THE PLAYER

"A charming, funny, emotionally rich tale of what it means to be truly seen for who you are. Emilia Romero is a heroine for our ages-intelligent, sharp-minded, confident, with so much heart and vivacity." --Bobu Babalola, author of LOVE IN COLOR, on DON'T HATE THE PLAYER

"A fun ride that delivers the thrill of what it feels like to fall in love with video games, other people, and ultimately yourself." --Evan Narcisse, author of RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER, on DON'T HATE THE PLAYER

"In this delightfully entertaining romance, Nedd covers an impressive range of topics with a rare combination of hilarity, sarcasm, and sincerity. Gamers and nongamers alike will squeal, cheer, and boo in this page-turner. A sure winner." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on DON'T HATE THE PLAYER

About the Author

Alexis Nedd is the author of Don't Hate the Player and is a Brooklyn-based pop culture "fanthropologist" who has only ever loved things in a big, obsessive way. Her writing on television, movies, and video games with an emphasis on science fiction and fantasy universes has appeared in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Mashable, and BuzzFeed. Legend tells that one day she will stop bombarding her loved ones with unsolicited information about dragons, musical theater, and Batman-but that day has not yet come.
www.alexisthenedd.com
@alexisthenedd