Publishers Weekly
05/13/2024
A flirtatious collision between an Olympic athlete and a summer intern ignites Mazarura’s fun and wholesome debut. Overachieving recent college grad Olivia Nkomo lands an internship with the Olympic Organizing Commission at the summer games in Athens, which she hopes she’ll be able to turn into a full-time dream job by the end of the season. Meanwhile, dreamboat British track star Zeke Moyo is determined to metal, but he’s thrown off his practice regimen by his recent, very public breakup with a fellow Olympian, which keeps making headlines. When Olivia and Zeke literally bump into each on the first day of training, an undeniable chemistry forms between them. But in the pressure cooker of the games, with both of their dreams on the line, can they make a relationship work? Olivia and Zeke’s romance is ridiculously cute and their mutual crushing lightens up the stress of whether they’ll achieve their professional goals. Mazarura is a writer to watch. Agent: Allison Hunter and Natalie Edwards, Trellis Literary Management. (July)
From the Publisher
"A debut deserving of a gold medal." —Kirkus (starred review)
"[A] fun and wholesome debut... Mazarura is a writer to watch." —Publishers Weekly
"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 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
