Let the Games Begin

A Novel

By: Rufaro Faith Mazarura

Narrated by: Shaniqua Okwok

Long-listed, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year, 2024

Long-listed, NPR Best Book of the Year, 2024

"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 binge-worthy 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.

©2024 Rufaro Faith Mazarura (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"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

Refreshing

This was a TikTok recommendation & I’m so glad I listened. 10/10 for the character development, & speaking on the disproportions POC face while still focusing on the romance. Loved it!