How We Play the Game

Bloomsbury presents How We Play the Game by Alexis Nedd read by Nerissa Bradley. 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 Game’s viral battle royale, she has all the skills she needs. So when Wizzard offers their top players a chance to participate in a summer academy designed to crown a national champion, 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 can play the game and boost their follower count. That includes Ivan Hunt, the insufferably good-looking fan-favorite streamer, whom she betrayed to cement her spot at the academy. As their matches broadcast to Wizzard’s fanbase, Zora's ruthless playing style and obvious lack of streaming experience immediately sends her to the bottom of the class. With her dreams of impressing Wizzard’s cofounder Brian Juno in jeopardy, Zora will do just about anything to fix her image—even if that means pretending to date Ivan to gain some popularity points. What can go wrong with a little white lie?