Let the Games Begin - by Rufaro Faith Mazarura (Paperback)

About the Book

"Set against a sizzling-hot Greek summer filled with sunshine and souvlaki, Rufaro Faith Mazarura's Let the Games Begin is a page-turning 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?"--

Book Synopsis

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

MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF JULY 2024: NPR, Kirkus, Elle, Amazon, Bustle, and more!!!

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

"A radiant, joyful debut novel with a particularly fun setting." --ELLE

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?

Review Quotes

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

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

"A radiant, joyful debut novel with a particularly fun setting." --ELLE

"Sweet and inspiring." --NPR

"A perfect Olympic-year read. This debut rom-com sparkles and is sure to delight contemporary-romance fans, particularly those who love reading about athletes, celebrities, and tenacious underdog heroines." --Library Journal

"Let the Games Begin is THE way to kick off the summer games! They say what happens in Olympic Village stays in Olympic Village... but let's just say the competition wasn't the only thing that was hot!" --Danielle Allen, author of Curvy Girl Summer

"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

About the Author

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.